Competition, Games for 4-Legged Athletes

Triad dogs run, jump, swim and play during two-day competition.

Most canines enjoy brisk walks, catching Frisbees and chasing each other. June 7-8, they can experience new adventures at the Triad Dog Games. Pets and their owners will enjoy everything from dock-jumping, as seen on ESPN, to a K-9 Hawaiian pool party and a pet/owner look-alike contest.

This free event is the brain-child of Karen Fullerton. "One of our main events is called 'Dock Dogs'. It's a competitive sport that involves dogs jumping and running off a dock of into about a 26,000 gallon pool," explains Fullerton. "There are also high jump and long jump competitions. In the long jump, I believe that record is about 33 feet." Fullerton also says there will be Frisbee competitions open to dogs of any skill level.
"Anybody whose dog can catch a Frisbee can come on out and just try. Try for prizes. Try for fun," says Fullerton.

This is the first year for the Triad Dog Games. Fullerton is organizing the event as a fundraiser for the Sergei Foundation. She started this non-profit in 2009 shortly as her Siberian husky, Sergei died following a prolonged illness. Fullerton says the goal is to help families who can't afford medical care for their family pet. "One of the strict parameters is that we do have to verify income," explains Fullerton. She also says the foundation will help when a dog has been in an accident or is struggling with an illness. "We do have some guidelines that we look at in terms of past vet care," says Fullerton.

Triad Dog Games will be held at the Reynolda Village in Winton-Salem. Saturday, June 7, events are from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 8, they're from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.