by Martha M. Hall
LANCASTER—The Northern Neck Kennel Club (NNKC) will sponsor a Fast CAT (FCAT) Fun Run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 9 at the Upper Lancaster Volunteer Fire Department, 5170 Mary Ball Road, Lively.
NNKC president Carol Hughitt said the non-competitive event is designed to introduce dogs and their owners to FCAT.
“The events are intended to be a fun way to acquaint folks to competition without the pressure or performance anxiety that a competitive sport usually entails,” said Hughitt. “If dogs and their owners fall in love with FCAT, there are competitive events in the area you can enter.”
In this sport, dogs complete a timed 100-yard dash, running one at a time as they chase a lure. The run area is fenced and the lure is run on a line down the course. When the dog is in position, a staff member calls “Tally-Ho,” and the dog runs down the line, chasing the lure. The object is to see how fast the dog completes the run.
In the FCAT “fun runs,” owners are allowed to run the course with their dogs, if necessary, to encourage participation and to handle any confusion issues the dog may have.
Each run will be $5 and each dog may do two runs. For guaranteed run times, pre-register. Participants will be assigned a block of time at 10 or 11 a.m. Depending on numbers, a noon block may be assigned or serve walk-in applicants. Walk-ins may be assigned earlier, if spots are available.
For a reserved block, email preferred time and dog’s name to Kim Bolster at kimnorthernneckdogs@gmail.com.
Martha M. Hall is a Northern Neck Kennel Club board member.
