Monday, August 16, 2004 Dog sports enthusiasts to gather in city
FOR the first time ever, the city will play host to a nationwide competitive gathering of dog sports enthusiasts and their trained "flying" canine breed in what is to be "The 2004 Tuna Fest SKCI Dog Agility Competition & Puda Dog Protection Trials".
A brainchild of local canine sports group, Socsargen Kennel Club, Incorporated (SKCI), which is under the auspices of the Philippine Utility Dog Association (Puda), this activity is timed during the Tuna Festival Week celebrations.
The show will be held on August 29 at Anchor Driving Range.
This is not only to provide a distinct kind of entertainment during the festival for visitors and locals alike but also to create awareness of the relevance of these featured dog sports disciplines to today's uncertain times and to gain adherence to the proper care and handling of man's best friend.
As explained by Tito Santos, the event director who happens to be a grandson of the late General Paulino Santos to whom the city is named, "dog Agility, for one is a sport in which a dog runs through a timed obstacle course under the guidance of the handler. Each run is timed or scored to so that the goal is to complete the course in the highest score or the quickest time possible."
He added that agility training strengthens the bond between dog and handler, provides fun and exercise for both and from the spectators, generate respect, awe and more understanding for our canine friends.
Dog Protection, on the other hand, is a more difficult discipline because, according to SKCI Prexy, Jason Ong, a dog is trained to protect his handler or master and is made to obey commands to 'apprehend' intruders or suspicious characters.
"The dogs here are rated therefore on their speed in catching the human decoy after receiving orders from their handlers," he explained.
Dog Sports has been growing in popularity over the years in the Philippines; and Socsargen, particularly Gensan and Polomolok (which has its own Pine Town High Drive K-9 Club) has been at the forefront in promoting it among the locals and in so doing, have produced national champions among their breed.
These groups have even vowed to make the city known all throughout not only as the tuna capital of the country but also its dog sports capital, a vision that has earned the support of Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr.
For more information about the 2004 TunaFest SKCI Dog Agility Competition & Puda Protection Trials, please contact 0917-7141439 or 0919-4238835. PR
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