Going to the dogs

Juliane Magarino runs with her dog, Fudgie, during the Coastal Canine Olympics. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

More than 50 dog owners signed up their pooches for the second annual Coastal Canine Olympics hosted by the Humane Society of Del Norte (HSDN).

The event raised about $2,200 to support  the spaying and neutering of animals for families that can’t afford the regular price tag, according to HSDN President Cheryl Wilson.

Clear skies brought out more than a hundred people to watch the dogs vault over obstacles, participate in dog-owner look-alike contests and even hunt for treats.

Shylo, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, runs the agility course during the event at the Del Norte County fairgrounds. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Wilson, who was staffing the T-shirt and sweat shirt booth, said the event came about last year not only as a fundraiser, but also as dog and owner entertainment due to a lack of that sort of thing in Del Norte County.

“We actually thought of it because there really wasn’t anything for dogs to do,” said Wilson.

The event sparked the interest of several local businesses, and more decided to donate this year. Food was also sold to raise funds this year.

The success of last year’s event played into this year’s as well, due to word of mouth, she said.

To see more photos from the Canine Olympics go here. 

Jennifer Henyon, owner of Red Rover Ranch, a dog kennel and boarding house, as well an HSDN board member, talked about a few other things that attributed to the event’s growth.

She said the local area is a haven for  people who love dogs — and she gave a few reasons why.

“Del Norte County is definitely a dog town, it’s a casual place with a laid-back atmosphere, where you can pal around with your dog just about anywhere,” said Henyon.

The presence of the HSDN didn’t go unnoticed, even before the Canine Olympics, she said.

“Local people here really support the Humane Society,” said Wilson, as she stooped to pet a participant’s canine companion.

She talked about the main  reason for the event as well.

“There are low-income people that can’t afford to get their dogs spayed and neutered and this will help them out,” said Wilson.

Henyon talked about plans to create something else for Del Norte’s dogs and owners, a canine-focused park  near her business on the fairgrounds.

“We have plans for a dog park as well, there’s about 4 acres of land near my ranch,” said Henyon.

Wilson offered a final bit of advice to visitors.

“Just watch where you’re stepping,” she said.

Coastal Canine Olympics results (dogs’ names plus owners’ last names):

• Best Costume: First, Chopper (Wakefield family); second, Daisy (Magarino); third Ellie (Duncan)

• Best Howler: First, Bogey (Wright); Second: Sammy (Wright); third, Gabbie (Colby)

• Best Trick: First, Maggie (Morgan); second, Cherie (Morgan); third, Elwood (Lund)

• Best Photo: First, CaBella (Johnson); second, Callie (Shanlee); third, Maggie, Cherie and Austin (Morgan)

• Meatball Race: First, Benny (George); second, Morgan Borgeson; third, Myley Wernick

• Dog/Owner Look-alike: First Helmut (Fox); second, Toto (Nahm); third, Buddy (Caul)

• Doggie Dash (under 30 pounds): First, Lucy (Miller); second, Myley (Wernick); third, Ellie (Duncan)

• Doggie Dash (over 30 pounds): First, Zane (Curtis); second, Bitzy (Leavitt); third, Kali (Elmallh)

• Agility Course: first Cherie (Morgan); second, Austin (Morgan); third, Maggie (Morgan)

• Treat Hunt: First, Brutus (Wernick); second, Morgan (Borgeson); third, Lucy (Miller)