For members of the Lancaster Kennel Club (LKC), dogs are more than just pets. Dogs are companions, partners, and members of the family.

One of LKC's goals is to explore and reinvent humans' relationships with canines.

"If you have a good bond with your dog, they will look up to you," said Dave Martin, who's been LKC's president for five years. "They'll follow you, and you have to take care of them. You can make bonds through walks and through tricks."

LKC meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of August, October, February and April at the Manheim Township Public Library, 595 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster. The meetings are open to the public.

"Purebred dogs are our focus," said Martin. "Every breed was bred for a special purpose. When dogs become pets, their purpose can be lost. We're trying to promote purebreds, responsible dog ownership and responsible pet ownership.

"Being a good owner means making sure your dog has food, water, all of its medical needs are taken care of and that it feels safe emotionally," added Martin. "If you have a purebred and you realize it has a medical issue, it's your responsibility not to breed it for the sake of money."

LKC sponsors and conducts three dog shows each year - The Celtic Classic at the York Expo Grounds in March, the Red Rose Classic at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center in May and American Kennel Club-sanctioned Agility Trials at In The Net Sports Complex in Palmyra in October. All of those events bring together dog lovers from across the region for fellowship and competition.

LKC also holds educational community events like "Meet the Breeds" and "Responsible Pet Ownership Day." In addition, LKC awards scholarships to students interested in the veterinary sciences and assists with the funding of local police department K-9 programs.

"We can be a community resource," said Martin. "Say you're looking for a particular breed. I'll first point someone toward a member. There are plenty of opportunities to do things with dogs."

More than 85 dues-paying members make up the Lancaster Kennel Club, which is governed by a code of ethics. They are owners, breeders and exhibitors of purebred dogs and, for the most part, Lancaster County residents.

There are more than 60 breeds of dogs owned by LKC members.

"They're just everyday people who love dogs," said Martin. "Not everybody in our club is showing their dogs."

Martin shares his Centerville-area home with two Norwich terriers, Daisy Mae and Otis.

"They're small," said Martin. "They're faithful. They're fun little dogs."

A full voting member of the American Kennel Club, LKC can trace its origins to 1921.

"In the 1920s, it was just like-minded people coming together," said Martin. "People showed their dogs, and some traveled. They bred purebred dogs."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancasterkennelclub.org.