The Spirit of Sharing (SOS) program is a new title class designed to recognize teams using canine freestyle as part of community service related demonstrations.

BACKGROUND

From its inception in 2007 to April 1, 2012, Spirit of Sharing was a non-titling, volunteer program intended to encourage sharing the sport of freestyle in one’s community.  MDSA has automatically issued titles and title certificates to the dogs and handlers who have achieved one or more SOS title levels during this period. Complete details on earning points and obtaining SOS titles can be found on page 22 of the Performance Guidelines.

 The following is a short summary.

EARNING SOS TITLE POINTS

CLASS REQUIREMENT OVERVIEW

A qualifying leg in this class counts as one qualifying SOS visit in which freestyle is performed. A new title level is earned for every 15 qualifying legs. A qualifying “visit” is a freestyle performance at a community service event including, but not limited to:

  •  Visits as part of an organized animal-assisted therapy group.

  • Hospitals and nursing homes.

  • Educational demonstrations at schools, libraries, or preschools.

  • Performances at humane society fund-raisers, rescue-events, and other such demonstrations.

There are no requirements as to the content, length or format of the freestyle performance, but it must include music and it must celebrate the MDSA freestyle vision and philosophy. In addition, there is no requirement to submit video or photos, as these may be prohibited at certain events due to health privacy laws. The only requirement is that the visits are tracked on the official log sheet. This is an honor system program, signatures or initials of a supervisor are not required at this time. As you reach each 15 visit milestone, send in the log sheet and entry form along with your entry fee to request approval for your title.

  • Same dog, same handler is required for each qualifying leg.

  • There is no time limit to complete the milestones for each level.

  • You can submit your log sheet and entry form at any time. They do not need to be submitted in conjunction with a special entry date, or a video event, or live event entry date.

 TITLE LEVELS

Titles and title certificates will be issued for reaching the milestones as listed below. 

  • 15 Visits – SOS-15

  • 30 Visits – SOS-30

  • 45 Visits – SOS-45

  • 60 Visits – SOS-60

 The only requirements are that each visit include the same dog and handler team, and these visits be recorded on the official MDSA SOS Log Sheet.

HOW SOS TITLES ARE AWARDED

SOS titles are earned for every 15 qualifying visits. As you reach each 15-visit milestone, simply send your SOS Log Sheet  and processing fee as detailed in the SOS Entry form to receive your title certificate.

SOS TITLEHOLDERS

Click here to view a list of SOS titleholders