SOUTH YARMOUTH – For the second year in a row Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School will play host this weekend to the region’s largest canine athletic festival, aptly branded “Paw Palooza.”
The two-day event will be highlighted this year by the “Dock Dogs” tournament. “Dock Dogs” is, in fact, among the fastest growing pooch-related water sports, with sanctioned competitions being held all across these United States.
The competition features the pups leaping from an elevated platform into a 40-foot pool whilst being judged for distance, height, and speed. Event organizers say that newcomers are always welcome to take part in these contests, but will likely come in as underdogs, as trained teams from across New England will be there as well with years of practice already under their collars.
The Paw Palooza Show Ring will also feature its own version of “Flying Dogs.” Current world record holder Mike Piazza and his squad of high-flying Border Collies will be making an appearance before the crowds on Saturday afternoon. The team is considered the preeminent ensemble on the worlds Frisbee circuit.
The Show Ring will feature agility demonstrations from the Cape Cod Kennel Club and an equipment show-and-tell courtesy of the Chatham Dog Club.
Also on hand for the events will be several of the Cape’s dogs in blue, including K-9 units from the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office and the Yarmouth Police Department. They, along with their handlers, will take part in a showcase of patrol dog skills with a mock narcotics search demonstration, simulated criminal apprehension, and an audience Q and A.
Attendees can also brush up on their pet know-how at the “Doggie U” tent. Doggie University, staffed by experts from the MSPCA and the Animal Rescue League, will offer 30 minute presentations on a variety of hot topics including health, raining, and ticks.
Finally, participants can pick up a souvenir at the Paw Palooza Vendor Fair featuring nearly 70 vendors selling the latest in tools and treats. A number of activities will be integrated into the fair as well including Pupcasso art projects, a Kissing Booth, face painting, tug toy making, dog and kid caricatures, inflatables, and doggie facials.
The second annual Pup Palooza is sponsored by the Agway of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation and will be held this Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 Am. Tickets are just $5, with proceeds to benefit the Cape’s two largest animal shelters – The MSPCA, in Centerville, and Brewster’s Animal Rescue League of Boston Shelter.
By DAVID BEATTY, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
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