Dogs make a big splash in Libertyville
Dogs from throughout the Chicago suburbs and the Midwest made a big splash Friday at Libertyville's Dog Days of Summer.
Encouraged by their owners, the dogs jumped into a 30,000-gallon pool during the DockDogs Big Air Dog Jumping event in the rear parking lot of PNC Bank.
Roberta Mecklenburg of Elk Grove Village instructed two of her dogs, 7-year-old Halle and 1 -year-old Jake, both rescue dogs, to run the 40-foot ramp and leap for distance into the 50-foot-long pool. The dog with the longest leap off the dock wins.
“Halle has been competing for six years and loves the sport,” said Mecklenburg.
More than 125 dogs will compete for prizes over the three-day event
“Many of the dogs are local but some come from as far as Arizona,” said Jared McMahon, event announcer.
Some owners of the less experienced dogs had to spend a minute persuading their pets to jump in after a toy in the pool.
DockDogs jumping resumes at 10 a.m. today and Sunday. Dog Days of Summer events start at noon today and 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Some of today's highlights include a doggy fashion show, a pet parade and games. Sunday's slate features a 3K dog walk and a pet blessing ceremony, among other events.
For more information, visit www.pamperedpupz.com/dog-days-of-summer.php.