The Rescue Dog Agility Demonstration Team

The Ultimate Pet Show

NEC, Birmingham

2^nd - 4^th May 2009

 

Up at 3.30 in the morning, on board the car ferry from Cowes at 5.30, the intrepid Isle of Wight members of the Rescue Dog Agility Demonstration Team are a dedicated bunch of dog agility fanatics! They are all members of the Wight Wizards Dog Agility and Flyball Club on the Island, run by Cathy Humphries.

We arrived at the Ultimate Pet Show in Birmingham to join the other members of the Rescue Dog Agility Demonstration Team, with members from the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross, representing a range of dogs (and handlers!) of all ages, shapes and sizes, some agility champions and some eager novices. 

 

As this was the first year of the Ultimate Pet Show, which marked the end of National Pet Month, we were not sure what to expect. To be honest, at the beginning we were a little disappointed as the show was not as big as we had hoped. Likewise, the demonstration arena was a little too small and some jumps had to be removed to give the dogs room to give a decent display (and the handlers a chance to corner with dignity!). However, there were plenty of interesting stands, talks, demonstrations and 'hands on' activities to keep the enthusiastic crowds entertained all day.

The Rescue Dog Agility demonstration ran for 45 minutes, twice a day for the 3 days of the show. I may be biased, but it did seem to be the most popular event (closely followed by the Quack Pack - Meiron Owen's entertaining duck herding demonstration)! 

Jack Johnstone, Assistant Field Director for Dogs Trust, introduced the Rescue Dog Agility demonstration by highlighting the work of the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Blue Cross in rescuing, caring for and re-homing dogs throughout the country. His message was a positive one, brilliantly illustrated by the dogs themselves, that rescue dogs can be the best pets and competitors and are worth the investment in time, effort and money involved.

And of course, some dogs needing a home were present - let's hope some of them were re-homed successfully following their introduction to the crowd (George the Lurcher nearly came home with us!).

 

The dogs and handlers really rose to the occasion, some completing the course in championship style and some less perfectly, which nevertheless proved very popular with the crowd! The Ultimate Weave Challenge was fast and furious, with the Wight Wizards dogs stealing the show with some fantastically fast weaving which really impressed the crowd.

 

 

The Wight Wizards Team are:

Abbey, a 4 year old working sheepdog adopted from the RSPCA, Isle of Wight, handled by Cathy Humphries. Abbey's first season competing has finally arrived, as she has taken a long time to prepare for 'show environments' and she has the capability of doing incredibly well. She was brought into the RSPCA for very unsociable behaviour, but with hard work, training, love and patience, she has come round and is a wonderfully clever little dog.

 

 

Katie, a 4.5 year old Border Collie Cross adopted from he RSPCA, Isle of Wight, handled by Georgina Ellis. Katie was re-homed when she was 9 months old. She had lived with an elderly lady during which time she had not left the house. She had had very little socialisation and was very scared of people and of life in general. Katie is a very sweet natured little dog who also enjoys flyball. She has won many rosettes in agility and enjoys competing.

 

 

Tasha, a 5.5 year old Border Collie adopted from the RSPCA, Isle of Wight, handled by Steven Humphries (aged 8!). Tasha is a very friendly and lively dog who absolutely loves agility. She has gained enough points in agility shows to allow her letters after her name. She is working in Grade 4 and has qualified and run in two prestigious agility finals.

 

 

Frankie, a 4 year old Labrador Cross adopted from the RSPCA, Isle of Wight, handled by Conny Boon. Frankie came into the RSPCA when he was 7 months old after a marriage break up. He loves swimming and eating - in fact he once ate a disposable razor blade in good old fashioned Labrador style and was no worse off for the experience! He is a wonderful dog and is very friendly. He lives with Charlie, a Lurcher, who is also from the Isle of Wight RSPCA.

 

Saskin, a 4 year old Collie Cross adopted from the Dogs Trust, Kenilworth, handled by Oliver Tatton. Saskin was adopted about a year ago. She didn't cope well in kennels, was distressed and constantly overlooked. How things have changed! She now lives with Oliver and his 3 other dogs who she loves. She is now very calm and laid back at home, but really enjoys her agility. One to watch!

 

We'll be back in Birmingham next year letting everyone know that rescue dogs are great and dog agility is a fantastic activity for dogs and their owners to get involved in. I think the Ultimate Pet Show will grow next year, and we have already been invited back and promised a larger arena. If you have a rescue dog (or are inspired to offer a home to a dog who needs one), whether a seasoned competitor or a fun-loving novice, and you are interested in taking part in the Rescue Dog Agility displays, please contact your adoption charity or Wendy Pratt at Dogs Trust on 020 7833 7608 for further details.

Report very kindly written by Louise Tatton. To be printed in 'The Agility Voice' Magazine (June edition)

Photographs very kindly contributed by Malc Cole.