GH Kennel Club’s Combined Companion Event

Hugh McMillan

A modest, unassuming nine and a half year old Border Terrier, “Angus,” is dwarfed by the blue ribbon held by his owner, Raney Ellis of Sequim, WA, which was awarded “Angus” for winning his 14th Master Agility Championship (MACH), which is the all time record for the award. Photo Hugh McMillan

Gig Harbor Kennel Club hosted its annual event at Volunteer Park over three days to some of the best weather. The event combined four events Aug. 4-6.

Club member Dianne Tardy said “This is a favorite of competitors for its beautiful location and our famed ‘sticky buns.’

Many of them (not the sticky buns) have been with us since our first show at Gig Harbor High School (in 2000).”

Sally Hall of Woodinville, a contestant, said, “Agility is a fun sport for both dogs and handlers.”

The dogs jump, ride a teeter totter, run an elevated foot wide plank four feet off the ground, plunge through tunnels, and, in a movement not unlike that of a trout slipping in and out of concealment in a steam, slither through “weave poles,” a series of four foot high poles stuck into the soil about two feet apart in a straight line. Some dogs took this in a ho hum fashion walking through the maize, while others, like crazed missiles, sped unerringly through the gamut. Very exciting.

At this trial were 153 dogs representing 38 breeds including mixed breeds.

Hall declared it to be, “the ultimate dog sport requiring quick thinking and action by both dogs and handlers.”

Among participants was a modest, unassuming nine and a half year old Border Terrier, “Angus,” dwarfed by the blue ribbon displayed by his proud his owner, Raney Ellis of Sequim, WA, which was awarded “Angus” for winning his 14th Master Agility Championship (MACH), the all time record for the award. “Angus” has twice as many awards as his nearest competitor. He also holds titles in Obedience, Rally, and Earth Dog Rally. Because he has so many titles, he was awarded by the Border Terrier Club of America the coveted “Versatility Excellence Award.”

For more information on this event or other AKC events, the GHKC will be demonstrating and have a booth promoting responsible dog ownership at the Canine Carnival, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Meadow at Sehmel Homestead park- 10123 78th Ave NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332.

You can also contact GHKC directly atrozbirn@nwrain.com.