WHEN DOGS FLY! PUPS GO THE DISTANCE IN JUMPING COMPETITION
Source: WWNYTV (Extract)
Posted: June 21, 2024
On Friday in Clayton, amidst sightings of houseflies, dragonflies, and horseflies, there was a unique sight: dogs flying through the air!
The annual Seaway Splash began with dogs from across the Northeast and Canada leaping into the water. The goal? To see which pooch could jump the farthest.
Many dogs, including Cheyenne, prepare for this competition by practicing in their own pools at home.
“As soon as she’s out the back door, she’s in the pool,” said Larie Harper, Cheyenne’s owner.
Cheyenne has been participating in this event for three years and can achieve jumps of up to 18 feet.
“For them, it’s more about fun than competition,” Harper remarked.
Several of the dogs competing this year have extensive experience in the sport. However, for Ember, this marks her inaugural leap into the water.
“She tried jumping off the dock during the try-its, so now I’m going to sign her up for some jumps,” shared Terry vonHagn, Ember’s owner.
Ember holds a special role as a service dog, adding another dimension to her participation.
“This is her playtime; I do this for her because she does so much for me,” vonHagn explained.
Clu, another participant in the competition, is also a service dog and holds a prestigious status in the dock-jumping community.
“Clu’s grandfather is Milt’s dog,” noted Dawn Strawn.
She is referring to Milt Wilcox, who started the Ultimate Air Dog competition 20 years ago.
Nearly 30 dogs competed in the first splash of the event. The contest continues throughout the weekend at Frink Park in Clayton.