Finals for Fido

From August 10-12, the 2007 World Championship Boatyard® Dog Trials will be held in Rockland, Maine during the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show. Yes, you heard me—the Boatyard Dog Trials. And I have it on good authority they’re a total blast to watch.

So, what’s a dog gotta do to take top prize at such an illustrious event? It turns out, quite a lot. First, each dog must complete a rigorous dockside obstacle course. Next, he or she must master a tricky dinghy-hopping trial. And lastly, each contestant has to show off a special talent in the all-important freestyle event. In past years, dogs have shone in this last section by executing spot-on Elvis impressions.

This year’s contestants include (among others) a border collie, a yellow lab, and last year’s champion, Soldado, who hails from Culebra. What are these entrants going to be judged on? Both the handler and dog must finish the trials totally soaked. Other than that, they’ll simply be judged on their pizzazz.

The bottom line? This event promises to be a real riot. So, if you’re a dog-fan and find yourself in Rockland mid-August, do yourself a favor and go check it out. Woof.