Dogs jumped, swam and leapt and after an intense, four day elimination, invite only, competition to determine the world’s best DockDogs®. The 2009 STIHL Dogs and Logs World Championship presented by STEADFAST® CANINE, a joint health supplement, was held last month in Stillwater, MN, gathering the world’s top DockDogs and Ironjacks (elite competitive lumberjacks)
“[DockDogs is] a competition where dogs jump into water and there are three different events where they measure for: distance, which is Big Air; height- Extreme Vertical; time with Speed Retrieve; and then combine all three events for Irondog,” said Sean McCarthy, owner of DockDog Jordan, who ranked first in Speed Retrieve and fourth in Big Air.
“This year brought a few new events to Henry’s jumping world: Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and IronDog,” said Craig Haverstick, Henry’s owner. “Much to our surprise, Henry caught on very quick and earned scores well beyond our expectations.”
“Because it’s the dogs competing, there is no saying what they’re going to do and at any time, any dog can have its day,” said McCarthy.
The Sit Means Sit trainers, partners of STEADFAST® CANINE Joint Health, are also pleased with their results, both from the competition and from STEADFAST®.
“Thank you, STEADFAST® CANINE, for your fantastic product that has helped keep my dog healthy and has contributed to him now being invited to the World Championships,”
STEADFAST® CANINE Joint Health is an alternative to the traditional glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. The product plays an important role not just in joint health maintenance, but also supports the integrity of bones, tendons and ligaments. This is crucial for these special athletes and also important for growing puppies and senior dogs prone to facing joint issues.
“My dog, Puma, is a very active dog and I am always looking for ways to promote his good health,” said Sit Means Sit Professional Trainer Alfredo Rivera. Power Puma was also a world qualified competitor. “STEADFAST®
Tractor, a yellow Labrador retriever, sporting green ‘war paint’ handled by Lisa Weber of Las Vegas, NV, was the third Sit Means Sit sponsored team, who finished third in IronDog.
“Arenus was delighted to be a part of this year’s Dogs and Logs World Championships,”
Throughout the event, spectators could get paw-tographs from competing DockDogs as well as signed wood chips from competing Ironjacks. STEADFAST® CANINE hosted the ‘Canine Cantina’, where spectators and their four-legged friends could stop by for some free water, Frisbees and key chains. The ‘Canine Cantina’ served 45 gallons of water to the thousands of spectators in biodegradable, eco-friendly cups.
Andrew Fink and his black Labrador retriever, Wilson took home top honors in the IronDog event. In addition to the dogs competing, top lumberjack athletes were also on hand to compete for the title of Ironjack.
“I’ve been involved in entertainment events for over 18 years,” said Grant Reeves, President and CEO of DockDogs. “This is the most energetic and high flying event I’ve ever been involved in. It really is non-stop action.”
The Outdoor Channel will again be airing 13 episodes of the STIHL Dogs and Logs World Championships presented by Cabela’s, STEADFAST® and Royal Canin Saturday afternoons throughout the fall.
