Pets
Such a hap, hap, happy dog!
Forget Disney, the Westminster sports and agility rings are truly the happiest places on earth.
It’s hard to not be full of joy when surrounded by 3,000 best friends—especially when those friends are doing the thing they love the most with the people they love the most.
As part of Canine Celebration Day, Dock Diving was a special attraction at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Although a long-time sport, this is the first time these splash-happy athletes could perform in front of a Westminster crowd.
The activity sees handlers throwing a favorite object towards a pool while their pup waits on a dock about 40 feet long. On command, the pooch runs along the dock and leaps to grab the toy before splashing into the water—all in pursuit of the longest jump.
Always a spectator favorite, the agility course gives dogs a chance to show off their skills and obedience as their handlers guide them through a timed course full of jumps and other obstacles. According to the AKC Agility Guide, “It’s an activity that strengthens the bond between dog and handler and provides fun and exercise for both.”
If you talk with anyone participating or watching these events, the overarching comments center around how excited these pups are to perform and compete. It’s hard to distinguish who gets the most joy out of these events—the humans or the animals.
