WOOF! Annual Dog Olympics Set for Sept. 8

Having Olympic withdrawal symptoms following the end of the London Summer Games?

You can watch eager athletes “Go for the Gold” one more time this year as North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine hosts the 21th Annual Dog Olympics from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 8, with fun competition, canine demonstrations, rescue groups, free microchip clinic, vendors, and pet health information booths.

The popular family event, which will be held at the Veterinary Health Complex on Centennial Biomedical Campus at 4700 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, is sponsored by the CVM Companion Animal Wellness Club to celebrate the human-animal bond and raise money to further the work of local animal rescue groups.

Dogs of all breeds, shapes, and sizes are invited to participate in athletic and non-athletic competitions including Roll Over Rover, Best Trick, Limbo, Musical Sit, Look-a-Like Contest, Longest Tail, Howling Contest, High Jump, Best Beggar, Distance Frisbee Toss.

A Paralympic competition for dogs with spinal cord injuries focuses on the bond owners of paraplegic dogs have with their pets. The special activity will include Obstacle Course Navigation, Best Decorated Cart, and Cart Races.

A free microchip clinic by the Raleigh Kennel Club (one pet per family) will be available with trained personnel implanting a microchip that can be scanned with a handheld device to help lost dogs find their way home. Additional attractions include the opportunity to visit with representatives of 12 rescue groups, “cooling” station for dogs needing a quick dip, and vendor tents offering canine-related goods and services. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Admission is $1 per person, $1 per dog and children five and under are free. The entry fee to compete is $7 for the first event and $2 for each successive event. All proceeds support the rescue groups in attendance and future Dog Olympics.

All dogs must be current on vaccinations and kept on leash when not performing in a ring.

[section_subtitle] articipating Rescue Groups [/section_subtitle]

• 2 Paws Up
• Best Friends
• Boston Terrier Rescue of NC
• Care for Animals
• Carolina Care Bullies
• English Springer Rescue of America
• Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue
• Second Chance
• Wake Animal Advocates Group
• K9 Kindness
• Doberman Rescue of NC

[section_subtitle] 2012 Olympic Events [/section_subtitle]

• Roll Over Rover
• Best Trick
• Limbo
• Musical Sit
• Look-a-Like Contest
• Longest Tail
• Howling Contest
• High Jump
• Best Beggar
• Distance Frisbee Toss
• SPECIAL: PARALYMPICS COMPETITION

[section_subtitle] Demonstrations [/section_subtitle]

• Triumphant Tails

[section_subtitle] Vendors[/section_subtitle]

• Just Dogs Gourmet
• The Pet Necklace
• Swim, Love, Play
• Molly’s Seizure Fund
• Paws Sew Fine
• Poodle Tees and More
• North Carolina Association of Veterinary Technicians