Agility event
The Big Bend Barkfest is shaping up to be the greatest exhibition of cavorting canines that the southland has ever witnessed. The show, beginning at 9:00 a.m. March 6, 2010, just keeps getting better and better. Have you ever seen a live canine agility trial? These dogs, all breeds mind you, run flat-out through a timed obstacle course. They are not only judged by their speed but by the precision with which they navigate the obstacles. Amazing to watch, smiles are guaranteed!
How about working dogs? Long hours and low pay? They work and will sacrifice their lives just for a pat on the head accompanied by a simple ”Good Dog”. Tracking dogs, search and rescue dogs and their handlers, always ready to go out in any weather to save lives. Watch in amazement what they can do.
The dogs that may put their lives on the line every day as police dogs and their officer handlers practice year-round in all conditions to “get it right” when lives are on the line. They will be on the field to make you grateful to know they are there, on the front lines of law enforcement.
We will host a wonderful “Meet the Breed” event to introduce you to the many breeds of dogs that you may have never met. Experts for each breed will be there to answer your questions about the history of the breed and the characteristics of the breed that make it uniquely suitable for a specific job or person.
How about obedience? To witness the highly trained obedience competition dogs in action may well motivate you to start your best friend on a training regimen that will lead to stardom. Long hours and hard work will only bring you closer to your dog. In the meantime, just watch and applaud the focus and precision of these remarkable canines.
Barkfest will hopefully have something for all “dog people”. But how about your dog??? Is there something that you need to share with others at the show? There are many dogs out there that could be a part of history in the very first Big Bend Barkfest. If you feel that your dog’s skill set needs to be shared with others at the show, why not let us know? We might just be able to give you a chance at stardom.
Of course, if you have a little wiener dog, and I know many of you do, the most fun you will ever have with your dog would be to run your dog in the wiener race. This event is not for the seasoned veteran but for the rank amateur. Nothing makes people laugh like a wiener race. Do yourself a favor, check it out and join us for the fun. My little Dachshund Bailey will be there and I am dreaming about her little ears flapping in the wind as she races the 30 yard sprint toward me on the finish line. Be there with me and share the laughs.
Could this be your dog?
I would love to see some folks with dogs that will fetch and catch a Frisbee. I know you are out there and I want you to be in the show to make the crowd go Ohh and AHH. Is that dog your dog? If so, you need to consider sharing those unique skills with the crowd. Could this be your big chance?
A couple of other “just for fun” events that are looking for entries are the costume contest and the ugly dog contest. No dog skills needed, just a sense of humor. Dress ‘em up funny, fancy or downright outrageous. It is all for a good time and to help those dogs who wish they could be there too.
We are adding new things all the time. All day long, dogs, dogs and more dogs. Plan to join us for the greatest dog show of them all. Come on, what do you have to lose? You will certainly be among friends: dog people-the finest kind of folks.
Norm Griggs, DVM President, Big Bend Barkfest, Inc.
On the whimsical competitive side we will host the crowd favorite “Wiener Dog” races, Doggie fashion contests, and the “Best Dog Trick” contest. 
Speaking of athletic dogs, why not enter yourself and your Frisbee catching dog in our “best catch” tournament. It is all for fun and a trophy to recognize you and your winning dog’s talent. And, of course, all of our profits go directly toward improving the lives of those dogs who have no family to play with.