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Good dog!
By WILMA NORTON
© St. Petersburg Times, published February 1, 2001
[Times files 2000]
This Jack Russell terrier struts its stuff in one of last year’s slaloms.
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ST. PETERSBURG -- Dog lovers can watch Labradors, Jack Russell terriers and other breeds perform athletic feats Saturday as the Purina Dog Chow Incredible Dog Challenge returns to the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront for the third year.
The competitors already have been chosen for contests that include catching a flying disc, jumping hurdles, diving, swimming, agility tests and relays. Winners advance to national competition.
But pet owners are welcome to bring their dogs to watch the show and to be admired. When the challenge came to St. Petersburg last year, the crowd contained almost as many dogs as people, from tiny Pomeranians to a towering Irish wolfhound.
Some people traveled from as far away as Lakeland to watch the free event, which is geared to families.
The action begins at 10 a.m. Competitions continue until about 3 p.m.
Bleachers will be set up in Spa Beach Park, Second Avenue NE at the waterfront on the approach to The Pier. Even though there are thousands of seats, they fill up quickly.
Highlights of the challenge in St. Petersburg will be featured on the USA cable network March 10 at 5 p.m., repeating March 11 at 9 a.m.
The schedule for Saturday's events:
- 10:30 a.m. -- agility competitions. Dogs clear jumps and race through tunnels, slalom gates and other obstacles.
- 11:15 a.m. -- diving. Dogs jump off ramp into a swimming pool. The most distance wins.
- Noon -- swim race. Dogs swim in head-to-head relays.
- 12:30 p.m. -- flyball competition. Dogs clear hurdles in relays.
- 1:15 p.m. -- Jack Russell terrier hurdle racing. Dogs jump hurdles and race through tunnels.
- 2 p.m. -- flying disk. Dogs and partners perform aerial maneuvers to music.
- 2:45 p.m. -- high jump. Similar to the human track and field event. The dog clearing the highest bar wins.
- 3 p.m. -- head to head flying disk competition.
PREVIEW
The Purina Dog Chow Incredible Dog Challenge, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Spa Beach Park, Second Avenue NE at the waterfront, downtown St. Petersburg. Free. (727) 893-7465.
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