All
the dogs enjoyed their day out
OTHE
BIGGER the better was an apt phrase to describe the latest
round of the increasingly popular Large Breed Agility that
took place last month.
Glorious sunshine once again had been booked and duly
arrived, along with a good mix of large and giant breeds for
the first of this years Large Breed Fun Agility competitions
in Leicestershire.
The word had obviously gone around throughout the Irish Wolfhound
camp, as they were well represented with 7 fine specimens
of the breed all demonstrating that, despite the heat, even
the largest (and with one boy in particular the term
giant didnt do him justice!) can and do
enjoy agility.
A total of 22 dogs and handlers from across the country arrived
at the Harlequin Fun Agility Club at Markfield, Leicestershire
on May 16th to take part in something that is becoming increasingly
popular with each event agility for the larger canine.
The day had been organised again by Jill Gibson, the owner
of the club, who keeps persistently knocking on the Kennel
Club door in the hope that one day Large Breed Agility will
be recognised within its own category of dog agility.
Handlers were divided into groups and four instructors worked
throughout the morning, introducing the dogs to the various
obstacles that would be found on an agility course.
Frequent breaks were welcomed by dogs and handlers alike,
and with the largest parasols ever seen (appropriate for the
largest dogs ever seen), plenty of shade was needed to keep
everyone cool throughout the day.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes who are members of the club,
gave a demonstration at lunchtime, while the big guns
and their owners had a chance to sample the delicious food,
from the enormous burger van (everything about the day seemed
to be extra large, including the half pounders!).
After a well-earned rest, and a chance to talk to other large
breed enthusiasts, the afternoon saw each of the dogs and
their handlers preparing themselves for running a complete
agility course on their own.
Commenting on the final run Jill said:
"One by one, each dog that arrived in the morning has
given a wonderful display of confidence and enthusiasm to
try something that they have never done before, demonstrating
that large breeds, when adequate equipment is used to accommodate
their needs, can also have fun at agility."
With encouragement from fellow competitors there
was rapturous applause for each dog that sailed over the last
jump on the course. Special rosettes along with photos of
their dog in action, guaranteed lasting memories of the day.
The entire proceeds from the event was donated to research
into Hereditary Diseases in Giant Breeds and a total of approximately
£600 was raised from the event.
Summing up the day, Jill said:
"I would like to thank all those who made the day such
a success, Dave Morcom the sharp-eyed photographer, who captured
these athletic dogs in full flight, the instructors and volunteers
for their time, the handlers that made the effort to drive
many miles to participate and, most of all, their dogs that
showed great courage and trust in us all, and helped to put
large breeds closer to recognition within the world of dog
agility.
The next Large Breed Agility Day takes place on: Sunday, 27th
June. Call: 0116 287 2319 for details.