June 2, 2014 at 3:01 p.m.
Dogs and owners get their exercise during Tails on the Trail event
Dogs and owners get their exercise during Tails on the Trail event
By Kayla Thomason-
This was the first year the YMCA has hosted the event aimed at promoting human and canine exercise.
"This is our first year ever doing this and so far there's more dogs than I expected to be here this morning," said Dwight Webb, membership director at the YMCA of the Northwoods said. "It's going very well."
The Stoney Pines Trail is a 3/4 mile walk and each lap the dogs and owners took earned them a ticket to enter in the raffles where they could win dog food, toys and other pet-related items.
The prizes were donated by Pawz n' Clawz, Doctors Foster and Smith, the Oneida County Humane Society, Northwoods K-9 Sports, and T and M Kennels.
Approximately 20 to 25 dogs attempted the agility course offered by Northwoods K-9 Sports, much to their owners' delight.
"Most dogs surprise their owners," said Deb Zimbler, a partner in Northwoods K-9 Sports. "People will watch this and say 'oh my dog would never do that they just like to lay on the couch' but you bring out some treats or a toy and you try a few things and we simplify everything."
According to Zimbler, the moves dogs do in agility exercise they also do in normal play, but the agility exercise also includes commands and structure.
"[Tails on the Trail is] a great thing for the dogs for socializing and just getting people together, letting people know what's out there for their dogs. It's a great event," Zimbler said.
Dogs and owners alike were pleased with the event, the weather was lovely and bug spray for both humans and canines kept the blood-sucking insects away.
"Oh I love [Tails on the Trails], it's great," said Stacy Sales, who attended the event with her dog, Eva. "[Eva] seems to like it, she's doing really well. She's not barking as much as I thought she would be."
Jodi Sipple and her dog Bentley had a great time at Tails on the Trails.
"It's going great, we've had a lot of fun so far and a lot of prizes being given away and it's a beautiful day for it," Sipple said. "We're looking forward to [next year]. We don't have a lot of activities for dogs, I don't think, so this is great. It's a wonderful first year."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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