The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine’s road was lined with dogs and their owners this past Saturday for the 26th Annual Dog Olympics. All dogs were invited to participate in a variety of events ranging from dog limbo contests to obstacle courses interspersed with demonstrations from groups, such as the North Carolina Department of Public Safety K9 Unit and Triumphant Tails.
The mission of the event was to celebrate the human and animal bond, as well as socializing dogs and potential dog owners looking to adopt. The Dog Olympics was run by the Companion Animal Wellness Club and all of the proceeds raised from entrance fees will be distributed to the rescue groups in attendance.
The day started off with a limbo, where small dogs were encouraged with treats to scurry under a bar. Reigning champions, Cutiepie and Ginger, took home first and second prize again this year.
“We have been coming to the Olympics for about eight years now and will more than likely be coming back next year,” said Jennifer and Heather Norland, the owners of Cutiepie and Ginger. After the small dogs, the larger dogs had a go at wriggling their way under the bar.
Throughout the rest of the afternoon and morning, dogs had the chance to show off their ability of convincing their owners to give them treats for performing agility acts, tricks, having the longest tail or just being a “good boy” in general.
Around the perimeter of the arena, businesses and rescue groups were set up to educate dog owners and spectators about the importance of adoption and how to care for their pets. Among the rescue groups was Vets to Vets United, a program to match veterans with service dogs.
Vets to Vets United trains their dogs through a foster program where the dogs are able to bond and train with their future owner. Other adoption groups also have taken to placing dogs in foster homes until they find a permanent place to live.
“We go on home visits as well before an adoption to make sure they have a good forever home,” said Christy Street, an employee of Pawfect Match Rescue, a group at the event.
A total of 15 rescue groups were in attendance at the event. Some brought adoptable dogs along, and Farm Friends Rescue had bunnies and other animals waiting for adoption. A complete list of the groups can be found on the NC State’s Veterinary Medicine’s website.
Other than the rescue groups, there were pet-centered business scattered throughout a nearby parking lot. Among these business were Redd Waggin Pet Supply Co. which is North Carolina’s first pet food truck. The business was started by Johnny Dotson, a firefighter in Wake Forest, to provide healthy gourmet treats for pets as well as other pet supplies.
Dog-E-Ade was another pet nourishment based company in attendance at the event. Flavors of Doe-E-Ade include bacon and roast beef, which are rich in electrolytes and beneficial for dogs.
“I got the idea when I took my dog to the vet when they were sick once and the vet told me to give them water and Gatorade,” said Jason Scibor, founder of Dog-E-Ade. “Even we drink more than just water.”
Not all of the businesses were food-centered. Others sold collars, candles and dog portraits custom painted. Mylees Mommy Paints, a pet portrait business, had Mylee, the owner’s australian-doodle, showing off for the company in custom-made garb.
Walking around the event, other dogs could be seen decked out in vests, bowties and even a Santa Claus outfit.
For further information about the vendors and rescue groups, links can be found through the Veterinary Medicine’s website.
Christina Colvin and her pup Autzen add a little extra flair to the game of Musical Sit at NCSU’s 26th Annual Dog Olympics. Dogs competed for first, second, and third place medals complete with a podium finish.
