Nothing makes for a great summer like the sight of dogs flying 20 feet through the air and cannonballing into water, right?
If that sounds strange (or accurate), you definitely have to check out what is sure to be one of this summer’s best dog-themed events.
On July 7 through 9, Osborne’s Agway in Concord will be putting on a Splash and Wag DockDogs event that any dog lover won’t want to miss out on.
The fun kicks off at 8 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. on Sunday. It’s free and, best of all, bringing your puppy pals to get in on the fun is encouraged.
“We had good luck last year in Belmont,” said Lee Hughston, manager at Osborne’s Agway in Concord. “This is our second year and we hope it’ll be even better.”
DockDogs is a canine aquatics competition that showcases the physical abilities of our doggy pals. The competition features dogs leaping off a dock into a pool for distance, height, and speed.
While the tournament will have some professional pups from all over the country, there are some spots available for newcomers to the sport to sign their dogs up to go paw-to-paw with the best in the business.
There is also a limited signup Friday and Saturday for those who just want to see how their best buddies can do, without being entered in the competition.
This event has a whole lot more to offer, however.
Another way for your dog to get in on the fun is to register him or her for one of the other events, like the talent show. This competition is the chance for you to show off your pooch’s impressive training and tricks for a chance to win a prize.
On Saturday, there will be a costume contest at 2 p.m. This is the chance to dress your dog up in a wacky outfit for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
“The costumes can be simple or over the top,” Hughston said. “We’re really hoping people will get into it and go wild.”
The gift card prizes for all events are mostly for Agway, but some are for dog food brands as well.
Ever heard the adage that dog owners sometimes look like their pets?
Sunday will feature a “Lookalike” contest where this myth will be put to the test. First prize is a gift card, gong to the person who is judged to most resemble their doggy.
If you don’t have a dog and would rather just watch, there is certainly plenty to do.
The Belmont Police Department will be demonstrating its K9 unit, which is trained to apprehend criminals, locate missing persons and sniff for narcotics.
Also worth a peek are agility demonstrations and disc dog competitions run by Mary Finlayson of Finlayson’s Pet Care Center LLC in Chichester.
For some more hands-on fun, be sure to swing by the Smooch Your Pooch booth.
“It’s sort of like a fair kissing booth,” said Hughston, “but you get to spend a few minutes with a dog getting licked to death.”
Raffles are also on the agenda for the event, giving you the chance to walk away with some great dog-related goodies.
The Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord Merrimack County will be selling delicious biscuits, in case your furry friend gets hungry.
All of the action takes place right on the Agway property at 258 Sheep Davis Road.
To register your dog for any of the previously mentioned events, visit the Concord store or call them at 228-8561. There will be onsite registration as well.
The event schedule can be found at osbornesagway.com.
