“Where The Fur Flies” was never a more appropriate name than for the K9 obedience and rally “B-OB” fun match held by the Mesilla Valley Kennel Club (photo on right).
The “twist” to this story was not just how the dogs performed (or didn’t perform in the case of “Piper” the hound), but that the participants all turned out to be senior citizens. That went for at least half of the canine participants also!
Turns out that obedience and “rally” are canine sports attracting large numbers of senior citizens, due to the relaxed and “go at your own pace” nature of the activity, and the low cost. This is also an activity taught in most communities, and while novices can stay at a beginner and local level, those who find it enjoyable can also take it to an ‘advanced’ and nationwide level of competition.
“It can be expensive,” explained Billy Jo Porter, of El Paso, in photo on left, with her champion Papillon, “Tigger,” but it gives you the opportunity to learn to communicate on a deeper level with another species, which is an exciting lesson!”
Folks with single and double hip replacements had just as much fun as more active competitors, and senior dogs had as much fun as the 1-year olds. Phyliss McNall, with Mesilla Valley Kennel Club, said. “We’re always looking for new members!” and all agreed it is a healthy, fun and low-cost way to connect better with one’s pooch ... and new humans!
“Seniors Rally” is presented in two parts, as we want to give equal time to the sport of “rally,” a bit more complicated but possibly more fun canine sport. Rally involves “stations” with printed signs, at which point the human and dog must act in concert to perform assigned tasks. Rally is more fun, according to judge Laura de la Cruz, because the guardian/handler can talk to the dog, using more verbal communication and provided a less structured protocol.
For more information on canine sports and clubs in Southern New Mexico, McNall urged those interested to contact the club at southernnewmexicodogfolks@yahoogroups.com.