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Canines compete in agility, obedience

Cariboo Agility Team event held in 100 Mile House

The 100 Mile ballfields went to the dogs this weekend for the annual Cariboo Agility Team’s Agility Trials.

Held on the final weekend of August for well over a decade, the event draws dogs and trainers from across the interior. This year, however, team president Roxanne Ziefflie said they saw a lower turnout due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfire season.

“This is the smallest trial we’ve ever had. Originally we had over 200 runs a day booked and now we’re down to 130 a day,” Ziefflie said. “All the people from Kelowna and Merritt cancelled, rightfully so.”

Despite the reduced attendance, spirits were high as 25 competitors and their 35 dogs enjoyed the cool sunny weather between runs. Ziefflie said it was the first trial for many participants in the past few months.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds, all over the age of 18 months, competed in an ever-changing course consisting of jumps, tunnels and other obstacles. They were judged on their performance and obedience by several judges, including Abbotsford’s Tracey Mallinson.

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“I like the sport because it’s good for everybody. The youngest handler I’ve seen run was four and the oldest I’ve seen run was 93,” Mallinson said. “I just think it’s a really great sport that can be done by all ages and all financial levels.”

Anna Beasley, of Vernon, competed for the first time with her 18-month-old Papillon puppy Beebe. She’s been training dogs for agility competitions since 2003.

“We’re not very good but we always have fun and that’s our goal, to have fun,” Beasley said.

This was Beasley’s first time competing in 100 Mile House. She had taken a few years after her previous dogs got too old to compete. She said the Cariboo Agility Team’s trial is the “most friendly one in the province.”

“I’m 67 so this is really good for my brain to memorize the course. If my dog makes a mistake sometimes I get lost but every trial the course is brand new,” Beasley said.

Anyone issued in taking up agility locally or joining the Cariboo Agility Team is invited to contact Ziefflie at Radford K-9 Sports Centre.



patrick.davies@100milefreepress.net

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Patrick Davies

About the Author: Patrick Davies

An avid lover of theatre, media, and the arts in all its forms, I've enjoyed building my professional reputation in 100 Mile House.
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