Baxter, a Belgian Malinois, jumps in a distance challenge and is about to sink his teeth into the prize. He was “diving” in one of two events requiring dogs to leap as far as they could from a 40-foot dock into a 19,000-gallon pool. The baton Baxter is about to chomp on was suspended from an apparatus over the pool. He is owned by Tony Lambert.
Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds journeyed with their owners to Spa Beach at the Pier in St. Petersburg Saturday. The Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge took over the park as hundreds of people and their furry canine companions attended what was billed as an Olympic-style competition. Events included an agility course for both large and small dogs, weave pole racing, Jack Russell Terrier racing, and two separate diving events.
The arena was surrounded by grandstands and tents for participants. Cloudy weather prevailed but rain only once interrupted the competition.
Legend, owned by Annette Martinez, competes in the agility course. The timed event was made up of jumps, hoops, tunnels, and other obstacles
Some of the intense expressions on the competitors’ faces (both dogs and trainers) were priceless.
This article appears in May 2-8, 2013.
