Festival goes to the dogs with flying disc competition

Local disc dog enthusiast Tom Wehrli's passion for Frisbee dog competitions dates back almost as far as his marriage.

"Of course, it's my 30th wedding anniversary this week, so I shouldn't talk," Wehrli joked as he recounted all of the unconditional love he receives from his dogs.

This weekend, though, it's all about the dogs as more than 100 dog competitors and their humans descend on Naperville for two world class disc dog events that take place as part of the Naperville Jaycees Last Fling event.

So why do people travel from throughout the world to compete in the contests?

To Wehrli, it's simple.

"It's universal because it's time spent with your doggie," he said. "It's a bonding experience. People who have a dog and don't learn how to spend time with it -- you're missing out on unconditional love for years to come."

The pros take to the turf Saturday morning for the Ashley Whippet Invitational East Coast Qualifier. Winners head to the A.W.I. World Championship in Scottsdale, Ariz., in November.

"This will be awesome," Wehrli said.

Then up to 125 teams -- from beginners to experts -- compete Sunday in the Windy City K-9 Classic.

Sunday's competition is a melding of backyard beginners to serious competitors from as far away as Japan, Wehrli said.

Events begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Grand Pavilion behind the Judd Kendall VFW Hall at the west end of Jackson Avenue.

Beyond the seriousness of competition, Wehrli said the deeper implications of this weekend are the love for your animals.

"The benefits of having an unconditional love for an animal are amazing," Wehrli said. "You come home from a bad day of work and their tails are wagging. If that doesn't calm you down and make you feel better, not too much else is going to."

If you go

What: Dog disc competitions

When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Grand Pavilion behind the Judd Kendall VFW Hall, 908 W. Jackson Ave.

Info: (630) 357-9663 or k9discfan@ameritech.net