Take The Plunge in Ottawa! September 11-12, 2010

[AllieMackie]

Hey folks!

JessLough and I will be at Take The Plunge in Ottawa on September 11-12, 2010. Consider this an invite for a meetup and to check out a really cool new Ottawa dog event that supports EIGHT different rescues in the area, including the FRSO, of which Jess and I are avid volunteers!

Let me C&P the info from the website:

What happens when 1000 Island DockDogs gets together with eight local Animal Rescue organizations?

A Splashing good time at an action-packed canine sport, open to dogs of all breeds/people of all ages! No experience necessary. Requirements for participation are minimal: participating dogs must love being in the water. Simple enough? Add your dog's favourite floatable toy, a 4-foot leash, and the handler's desire to have fun with their dog, and you're ready for an intense splashdown and lots of fun.

This exciting family oriented event will be held at the Rideau Carleton Raceway on September 11th and 12th 2010.

Visitors will also be able to watch some exciting canine sports demo’s throughout the weekend, visit people from local rescue groups and see many local pet vendors on site.

Take the Plunge is being organized by:

* Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline,
* Boston Terrier Rescue Canada,
* Boxer Rescue Ontario,
* Bullies in Need,
* Cat Rescue Network,
* Catahoula Rescue,
* Collie Rescue Network,
* Ferret Rescue of Ottawa and Area


If you want to come from out of town, it can probably be arranged for you and your dog to stay at my place (I live close to the grounds), provided your dog is crate trained and can handle cats and being around small animal cages. If not, I can recommend some great pet-friendly hotels close to the grounds.

It's a great excuse for a fun weekend of dock diving. Even if your dog isn't into dock diving, it's a dog-friendly event that will have vendors, including myself! I'm vending at an event for the very first time. You can also meet various local rescues. Oh, and ferrets! Jess and I are on the volunteer team for this event, and since it's the first year, lots of word-spreading has to happen, so passing the word along to any forums you're on would be cool too!

Let myself or JessL know if you're interested, or comment here! It's be cool if anyone local or nearby could make it.

[JessLough]

bump

Pass along the word, folks! We are hoping for this event to be HUGE!

[hanslynch]

Are you folks having raffles or auctions at the event? I have some great dog stuff that I could donate. If so please PM me with the details.

[JessLough]

hanslynch, pming you now!

[AllieMackie]

Less than a week! My booth is pretty much ready, and I am SO EXCITED.

[Lizmo]

OMG. You must take Finn and try him out.

[AllieMackie]

Originally Posted by Lizmo

OMG. You must take Finn and try him out.

Finn's a bit of a wuss with being submerged in water, still; I haven't given him many water experiences yet. I might sign up for a wave and try him in the practice areas. Even if he doesn't want to do it, at least it's money towards the rescues!

[Lizmo]

Definitely, and don't be afraid to take advantage of the practice!

You might take him to the ramp first, let him see the water and then throw his toy in just a little bit so he doesn't have to go far. Then go a bit further next time. Then once he swims (I know he will, you can do it Finn! Blaze is rooting you on, bro, to take a swim after funz toys!!) take him up to the dock and go to the edge and just encourage him with everything you have to make that first leap off. And then once he does make sure you also encouage him.

Also, if you pre-register, you get a discount.

[cinnamon]

I wish I could go..is this an annual event?

[JessLough]

Cinnamon, yes, it will be an annual event, this is the first year