The Vermilion Agricultural Society’s Canine Sport Committee hosted its first annual Dog Days of Summer demonstration show at the fairgrounds on Canada Day, July 1. The show was set to run from 1 until 4 p.m., but thunder rumbled in the distance just moments before co-organizer Deanna Krys took to the microphone to introduce the show.
The show consisted of three events: an agility course, a barn hunt, and a stock dog demo. The aptly chosen name originates from a phrase describing the hot and humid days of summer, dating back to the Roman Empire. Traditionally, it refers to the period from July 3 to August 11, which encompasses the 20 days before and after the star Sirius rises and sets with the sun. Sirius, known as the ‘Dog Star,’ is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog).
During the first canine event, spectators marvelled at the dogs’ agility as they jumped through stationary hoops, ran through a tunnel, circled barrels, and ascended and descended a ramp, all with the direction and support of their handlers. Bri Ross’s dog Leesi made the audience laugh as she snuck on her belly through the first hoop as Bri was walking away in preparation for giving her the go-ahead to start the course, and then wowed the crowd as she obediently backed up upon Bri’s command.
With dark clouds in the west moving closer, the quick decision was made to shorten the show but ensure that all three events could be shown. Louie the beagle and his handler Kaylie Krys performed a barn hunt demo in which Louie sniffed stacks of straw bales and marked when he had located the scent of a special treat. Megan Krys and Fynn the Australian shepherd performed a second demonstration of the event.
As the wind picked up, Bri Ross and her dog Bess the border collie began a stock dog demonstration, skillfully moving three sheep around obstacles and finally into a pen. Event co-organizer Brianne Bellwood then ran the sheep with Link the border collie, an 8-year-old dog who will be competing at the Calgary Stampede World Stock Dog Championship later this month. Following Brianne and Link, Megan Krys ran Kit the Australian shepherd as the rain and thunder ultimately overtook the show around 1:45 p.m. However, there was a shared sentiment that it had been a fantastic event, with over 80 people in attendance.
The show had been planned with the hopes of showcasing some of the different canine sports available, both to highlight the facility as a great place to do future dog shows and to introduce others to the possibility of what they could learn to do with their own dogs. The Canine Committee’s vision is to get set up to be a host location for Canine Sport Groups as well as host clinics.
The organizers hope to plan more events throughout the year, and to partner with other organizations to provide a Canada Day event with food and entertainment each year, as they did with Icycle Bicycle this year. The handlers and their beloved animals demonstrated the teamwork, communication, trust, and love that are at the heart of canine sports.
The day was also made possible by Brianne Bellwood and Bri Ross supplying sheep for the stock dog demonstration, Soft Creek Farm supplying straw bales for the barn hunt, and the Lakeland College Canine Sport club supplying the agility equipment.
Anyone interested in getting involved with dog sports or sharing ideas about next year’s Canada Day plans, even if not dog-related, can contact the Vermilion Agricultural Society Office and the Canine Committee will be in touch.
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