‘Pooch Plunge’ kicks off Dog Daze Friday
Dog owners still have time to test whether their pooch can dive, which takes place Friday, Aug. 14, while top national competitors perform in the shopping center parking lot in front of Planet Fitness Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16.
Presented by TDS Telecom, the fun begins with a “Pooch Plunge” from 4 to 7 p.m. (registration begins at 3 p.m.) Friday.
For a third straight year in Farragut, K9 Center of East Tennessee sponsors the Pooch Plunge “Try it.”
“Lots of dogs play in our local lakes, but there is a big difference between a lake —not clear — and a pool — very clear,” said Trish Isbell, one of the owners of K9 Center of East Tennessee, 11225 Threadstone Lane, near Episcopal School of Knoxville. “Most dogs are apprehensive when first getting in a pool since they can see the bottom, not like in a lake where they see the top of the water.”
While people are eager for their dog to participate, Isbell said, “There are many dog owners that aren’t sure if their dog would enjoy jumping from a dock into a pool, so having (the Pooch Plunge) event lets them try it.”
To help dogs take the plunge, Isbell said, “Our K9 Center pool is a 16-by-32-foot saltwater pool with a 25-foot dock.
“We enjoy watching new dogs jump and gain confidence,” she added. ”We love to support our local community.
“Our mission at the K9 Center is to help families with their dogs so that the dogs can be the best they can be. We want to help with training, socialization, exposure and playtime.”
Competitive Saturday and Sunday
Big Air competitions, nationally sanctioned by Dock Dogs International, runs from from 9 a.m. to past 5 p.m, Saturday. Sunday’s final round runs from 9 a.m. through Big Air Wave Speed Retrieve, which starts at 3 p.m. Big Air Finals begin at 5 p.m.
This year’s Farragut regional competition is even more important due to cancellations of so many springtime and early summer Dock Dogs events. Registrants will be able to gain qualifying points toward attendance at the World Championships in October. Last year there were more than 30 competitors and more than 5,000 visitors during the event’s second visit to Town.
“This Dock Dogs national event is a way for fans to watch some of the best dogs in the Southeast compete. They fly high, fly far and fly fast,” Isbell said.
While she has had a dog in competition in the past, “The dog that I compete with is living in South Carolina with my daughter, so he won’t be here this year,” she added. “I have lots of Smoky Mountain Dock Dog friends who compete.”
“I love watching them compete and the joy that both dog and owner have during these events.”
