Get your furry pal and start training, because the doggy olympics are coming to Puslinch this September.
Held on Sept. 24, you and your pooch can enter in five different events, like an egg and spoon race, bobbing for treats and an agility course. Any pair that competes in all five events will be entered in a draw for a grand prize of dog treats and food toppers.
The event is being put on by Partners with Paws, a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for mental health and psychiatric service dog training. It’s part of Pawtember, a series of fundraising events in September that take place throughout Guelph, Puslinch and Waterloo Region.
They picked September since it’s suicide awareness month.
Other events include a first responders dance competition in Cambridge on Sept. 9, a fitness and pilates challenge in Kitchener on Sept. 16, and a wine and walk in Guelph on Sept. 30. There’s also a silent auction taking place online throughout September.
There will also be a gear and bake sale happening on-site during the olympics.
Funds raised go back to the organization, to help fund psychiatric and mental health service dog training. To train just one service dog takes about two years, and costs around $30,000.
Last year, they raised around $17,000 during Pawtember. This year they have a fundraising goal of $20,000.
This is the third year the organization has held the event, and the first time it’s branched out to Puslinch and Guelph.
The olympics are meant for people with dogs, but anyone is welcome to come out and watch the action, said Sharlene Mohlman, administrative and events coordinator for Partners with Paws.
“So you can come and check things out without a pet or with a pet. Anybody with a dog that they feel is good in public (is) welcome to bring them. We just asked that they're put on a six foot leash that's not retractable,” Mohlman said.
Those interested in the olympics are asked to register online, for a fee of $35. They will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gilmour Road Veterinary Services.
