Jae at Crufts
CaniX Run
This year WAGS Member's Ann-Marie and her dog Jae (Border Collie) competed at Crufts in the CaniX event. They came 7th over a 2k course in a time of 6.48 minutes (only 30 seconds behind the first placed dog). Not bad for a first run at Crufts!
Ann-Marie and Jae at Crufts 2010.
CaniX is the relatively new sport of running with your dog (any breed) - canine cross-country. The dog wears a harness which is attached to the handler's belt by a bungee cord and you race other teams around what is typically a 2k or 5k course. With any luck, the dog pulls out ahead and urges you to run faster and faster. Most dogs thoroughly enjoy the sport and their handler's become super-fit.
Ann-Marie and Jae thoroughly enjoyed competing at Crufts. She enthusiastically tells me, "It was a very long day, we left at 5.00am and did not get back until 10.00pm and managed to get a bit lost on the way home. Jae behaved brilliantly and was a true professional. It was so exciting, I felt like a little girl even though I had been to see Crufts before. It seemed so big."
Ann-Marie and Jae in the main arena at Crufts.
Ann-Marie continues, "The race started in the main arena at Crufts, on the green carpet, which was an interesting running surface. I'm glad I forgot to trim Jae's nails as they gave him a little extra grip. We then ran outside negotiating the polished floor of the foyer, ran around the lake and finished on the beach outside the NEC building."
Ann-Marie points out the health benefits of running with your dog. "I feel so much better now I am training - my wobbly bits aren't wobbling so much!"
Ann-Marie sent me a final photo and says, "I thought you might like this one as it's funny. I meant to kiss him on top of his head but he had other ideas and caught me by surprise. (I must stress my mouth was shut!)"
A kiss.
If you're interested in finding out more about CaniX you can visit their official UK website at www.cani-cross.co.uk.
