History of APONC When Kaz and Betty Augustowski got their first PON, Pan Vladek, in 1982, Betty immediately began entering him in shows which offered Rare Breed classes. With the arrival of the other PONs she managed to import, and the litter of 5 puppies born in 1983, she was able to encourage others to join her enthusiastic support of the breed. Soon there were others showing their PONs in the available shows. By 1987, there was interest in forming a PON Parent club, and the first meeting was held in October 1987. In 1988, the American Polski Owczarek Nizinny Club (APONC) club was incorporated in Maryland with legal assistance provided by Herb Zalis. In April 1988, the club held its first official annual meeting. The first officers were installed and directors elected. • President: Betty Augustowski • Vice President: Dorene Zalis • Secretary: Loana Shields • Membership/Treasurer: Thomas Wason • Board of Directors: Jane Brown, Kaz Augustowski, Jane Goodall APONC was affiliated with the States Kennel Club (SKC) and was recognized by the Polish Kennel Club as the official PON Parent Club in the United States. At the National Specialty held in Washington DC in 1991, there were 19 PONS entered. PONs continued to be shown in Rare Breed Shows until 1999, when AKC authorized PONS to be entered in AKC shows under Miscellaneous Breeds. The PON was recognized by AKC in 2001 and the name was changed to its English translation, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, with the parent club named the American Polish Lowland Sheepdog Club. Betty Augustowski passed away on Feb 8th, 2016. (right: Betty Augustowski with Anotik and Brunek in 1983)