Thumbs up and congratulations to Robin, winner of the American Kennel Club’s Award for Canine Excellence. The winners of this award, says the AKC, are loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant contributions to their communities. Robin, a 6-year-old golden retriever, lives in Frewsburg with Joseph and Mary MacQueen and, with Mrs. MacQueen, works in law enforcement with the Salamanca Police Department. On the side, Robin is also a champion show dog, testament to the excellence of the MacQueen’s Nitro Golden Retrievers. The award will be presented Dec. 12 during the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif. And, yes, we are asking the same question: How did it get to be that time of year already? This is the first of two dog shows that, among other things, help dog lovers make it through winter. The other, of course, is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which will be Feb. 15-16 at Madison Square Garden.