This week, assuming that something crazy doesn't break out, I'm going to try to feature some of our speakers/exhibitors at the 2007 Canine Legislation Conference and some of the things I learned/tips that I think people will benefit the most from.
That said, I'm going to start with mostly a photo montage of the finale to our conference, which was an exhibition of some of the worlds top performing dogs.
The first picture is of Roo and Wallace. They are the 2005 World
Champion Frisbee team. They put on quite the show of frisbee tossing and catching. The performance kicked off with them on opposite sides of the "arena" and then running to meet each other in the middle (with a summersault by Roo). It was a great performance and Wallace is a great jumper and catches some really high frisbees.
Tom Clements (photo #2) also came with several of his "ultimate canines". His show featured a Jack Russell Terrier, a high jumping Collie, and the crown jewel of the show, Thumper. Thumper was a rescue dog with local rescue group MABBR (at the time named Fly Girl) and was having a tough time finding a home because she was so high energy. But through a couple of connections with MABBR volunteers, along with Roo, Tom and Fly Girl were able to hook up and now take their tour bus around the country entertaining the masses.
Tom did the MC'ing for the event and had a great message along with his show. He talked about the value of positive reinforcement in training of dogs (vs the negative reinforcement most people gravitate toward) and also talked about how fun it is to take Thumper on the road so that he can teach people that "pit bulls" are great dogs and not at all what most people think when they only judge them off of what they see on TV.
It was very fun, and a good positive experience for everyone.
Also on the docket were Kathy Mills and Stewart "NOTSO" Little. Kathy and Stewart are record holders in long-distance frisbee throwing and catching. They put on an energetic show of frisbee flips, jumps and catches. Stewart was definitely "NOTSO LITTLE" so it was quite entertaining to see this big dog show off his athleticism. They're in picture #4 with Stewart making a jumping catch.
Also on display was KCDA Member Kim Krohn and her Staffordshire Terrier, Susie. Kim and Susie put on a show in obedience training with Susie doinga perfect heal through walks and stops, in a figure 8 (which is very difficult because the Kim kept a constant pace and Susie had to walk more slowly or more quickly depending on whether or not her turn was bigger based on the figure 8).
Susie is in picture #5 all by herself showing off her ability to sit and wait until called (she is just breaking off of Kim's call in the photo). I was amazed at Suzi's attention and desire to follow Kim's every command.
Overall, I think everyone had a great time (I know I did). I think it was awesome that our conference participants, as well as a good turnout of dog people from around the metro were able to come out and see these "pit bulls" in action, and see what these dogs are really like. Everyone also got a chance to meet the dogs after the show which was great fun as well. All in all, a fabulous way to end a solid weekend conference -- and I'm so greatful that Kathy, Tom, Kim and Roo were all so willing to give up their weekend to be with us and to show off their special talents.
And special thanks to Abby for taking so many great photos of the event.
That looks like fun.
I have watched these events before and allways wondered why more people didnt use pit bulls for it!
I mean they are fast,strong,durable & smart so that sport would be right up their alley!!!
Posted by: morgan | September 25, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Wallace is the new Purina Incredible Dog Discdog Champion!!! We met a super star (and Roo and Clara are great, too :) ) www.wallacethepitbull.com
Posted by: Abby | September 30, 2007 at 11:44 PM
UPDATE! Thumper has made it to the big time, come check her and the rest of the Ultimate Canines at Worlds of Fun this summer!
Posted by: Tom | January 24, 2008 at 11:18 PM