Canine athletes show their skills in Libertyville
Humans might well envy the physical fitness displayed by canine competitors in the dog agility contest held Sunday at the Libertyville Sports Complex.
The dogs showed their skills over two separate turf-covered courses - a jumper's course and a standard course filled with obstacles - during the competition sponsored by the WI-IL (Wisconsin-Illinois) Agility Club of Spring Grove.
An American Kennel Club event, it was great fun not only for the handlers and dogs, but the spectators.
Event Co-Chair Patti Jo Yuswak said the competition featured 660 runs per day for about 400 dogs.
The dogs are timed and judged on additional criteria, such as whether they "refuse" something like a jump.
"Agility really helps your dog with its confidence," she said. "You bond. Everybody is smiling. The dogs are happy."
"It's a great way to spend a day with your dog," echoed event Co-Chair Mary VanderBloomen.
Among the owners enjoying the day was Tamar Cooney of Indian Creek, who competed with her border collie Miso Soup.
"We love coming to this location, because it's 10 minutes from my house and the club, WAG, does a very nice job every year," she said.
Pat Sanderson of Elgin, who was accompanied by her Corgi Kyndal, said, "This is one of our favorite shows to come to. It's well organized. It runs smoothly. They get good judges, good footing."
Another benefit is the camaraderie among the handlers, said Wendy Parr of Long Grove.
"A lot of these people you see in other dog venues," she said.