Because Animals Matter hosts 7th annual ‘Dog Day Spectacular’

This photo from a previous "Dog Day Spectacular" event showcases an adoptable dog, Hurricane, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News

HURRICANE — Because Animals Matter is hosting its annual “Dog Day Spectacular” event Saturday at the Hurricane Community Center, 63 S. 100 West in Hurricane.

The event, meant to showcase the many ways people can interact, play and compete with their dog, has more to offer than ever before with the annual benefit “Walk for the Animals,” a North American Diving Dogs Trial, a disc dog competition by UpDog, a FUNgility course, demos on confirmation, obedience and rally by AKC experts, a police dog demo, adoptable dogs, vendors of all kinds and a variety of activities for kids (and their dogs).

“Dog Day Spectacular” Flyer | Image courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News Click image to enlarge

Start the day off on the right foot with “Walk for the Animals.” This seventh annual benefit walk winding through downtown Hurricane starts at 8:15 a.m. (registration opens at 7:30 a.m.) and will once again be led by Robin Kirker, longtime animal rights activist and owner of Tails Off Trails.Kirker’s experience hiking with animals promises a lively and enjoyable walk. A $20 walk entry donation includes a souvenir T-shirt.

After the walk, guests are invited to stay for the celebration at the community center. This year will include the first ever AKC Trial in the region by North American Diving Dogs. These dogs sprint off a dock to fly over a long pool and land in the water with a toy or lure.

The UpDog Challenge is a repeat partnership at the event. UpDog, along with Because Animals Matter, wants more people and more dogs having fun playing together. Their disc dog games are more than just a frisbee catch and offer an opportunity for every dog and human to work toward their own personal bests. Guests will see dogs wind through agility equipment and leap through the air for that perfect disc catch, and will probably see a few human handstands or other stunts during the freestyle competitions.

The fun continues with the FUNgility arena which will be set up with all the expected equipment. Guests will have a chance to try their own turn in the arena with the help of experienced trainers by their side. Trial runs are open throughout the day to humans and dogs of any age and every experience level.

A dog takes part in an agility demonstration in this photo, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News

Attendees can visit the large arena on the main lawn for a variety of dog activities and demonstrations throughout the day, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office police dog demo at 10 a.m. Learn about the training the community’s K-9 officers and handling officers go through on a daily basis, and of course watch the K-9 take down a “bad guy.”

Other events include junior handler activities for children and their dogs and a poker walk for guests 21 and over.

To complete the dog-centric event, adoptable pets from Because Animals Matter and other area rescues and shelters will be on hand looking for families to go home with.

Guests are invited to bring their well-behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy the day’s festivities, mingle with other animal advocates and maybe find a new activity to try with their dog. Because Animals Matter will be on hand selling hamburgers, hot dogs, and a delicious vegan lunch option to the hungry crowd.

Dog Day Spectacular is free to enter with booths and demos running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The NADD Trial and UpDog Challenge will continue after 2 p.m. and both will operate a second day of competition on Sunday. Both activities require participation fees and pre-registration is suggested.

A full schedule of events can be found online.

Event details

  • What: “Dog Day Spectacular.”
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 9 | Walk: 8:15 a.m. | Booths and activities: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Hurricane Community Center, 63 S. 100 West, Hurricane.
  • Cost: Free; some activities vary.
  • Resources: Dog Day Spectacular | Because Animals Matter.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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