Because Animals Matter hosts annual Dog Day Spectacular
By September Smith
Because Animals Matter is hosting its annual Dog Day Spectacular Sept. 8 outdoors at the Hurricane Community Center.
Showcasing the many ways you can interact, play, and compete with your dog, the event has more to offer than ever before. This year welcomes back the North America Diving Dogs with an even more prestigious competition than last year, a disc dog competition by UpDog, a “FUNgility” course adoptable dogs, exhibitors of all kinds, a variety of activities for kids (and their dogs), and demos on confirmation, obedience, and rally by AKC experts.
The North America Diving Dogs competition this year will be the region’s first qualifier event for the National Diving Dog Championships. You may have seen incredible long-jumping dock-diving dog athletes on TV, but this is your chance to see them in person. These dogs sprint off a dock to fly over a long pool and land in the water with a toy or lure. You can even enter your own dock-diving dog while limits remain open.
The UpDog Challenge is a repeat partnership with BAM’s Dog Day Spectacular. UpDog wants more people and more dogs having fun playing together. Their disc dog games are more than just frisbee catch and offer an opportunity for every dog and human to work toward their own personal bests. You 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 their more freestyle competitions.
If you think all that sounds fun, you need to watch or participate in FUNgility held on the main lawn. The FUNgility arena will be set up with all the equipment you expect, and you will have a chance to have your own turn in the arena with the help of experienced trainers by your side. Trial runs are open throughout the day to humans and dogs of any age and every experience level. FUNgility is a great way to boost your dog’s confidence and bond with your dog.
Visit the large arena on the main lawn for a variety of dog activities and demonstrations throughout the day. And if you have kids in tow, they’re sure to enjoy a test run through the FUNgility course with their dog or maybe just some time in the bounce house or getting their faces painted.
For those over 21, there is a charity poker run hosted by the Celtic Crusaders Riding Club that will begin in St. George and end at the event grounds with all proceeds going to BAM programs. The grand prize for the poker run is a two-night stay at the Eureka Casino Resort in Mesquite. And don’t miss out on your chance to pick up some amazing prizes at this year’s raffle.
And it wouldn’t be a dog-centric event without the opportunity to find your own furry family member. Adoptable pets from BAM and other area rescues and shelters will also be on hand looking for families to go home with.
Bring your well-behaved, leashed dogs to enjoy the day’s festivities, mingle with other animal advocates, and maybe find a new activity you would like to try out with your dog. The Celtic Crusaders will stick around to sell hamburgers, hotdogs, and a delicious vegan lunch option to the hungry crowd.
BAM is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Funds raised at this event support BAM’s community programs that include medical care for BAM’s adoptable pets, Meika’s Memorial Medical Fund, low-cost spay/neuter programs, and other community service projects such as purchasing pet oxygen masks for the local fire department and bullet proof vests for local police K9’s.
The 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 until 5 p.m. as their participation requires. NADD will begin its competition Sept. 7, and both NADD and UpDog will run events Sept. 9; they require participation fees, and pre-registration is suggested.
The Hurricane Community Center is located at 63 S 100 W in Hurricane.
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