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Sports

NDY 2012 DOGcathlon, Dog Walk and Costume Contest

 

Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson and New Directions for Youth (NDY) present the 2012 Olympic DOGcathlon,  Dog Walk and Costume Contest on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills, CA beginning at 10:00 am. This 2nd annual event is co-sponsored by Freaky Dog People (FDP) and Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue (SCGRR).

This DOGcathlon Event supports the vital work of New Directions for Youth (NDY), a non-profit youth development organization that provides direct services and programs to at-risk youth and families throughout the San Fernando Valley and in the greater Los Angeles area

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A tax-deductible donation of $35 per dog ($50 for 2 dogs) will be required of those participating in the walk. All dogs will go home with goodie bags courtesy of Kaiser Permanente in appreciation of their participation. If you do not have a dog, please come anyway! Do not bring your dogs if aggressive towards other dogs or people. All proceeds benefit NDY youth programs. To register, visit www.ndfy.org.

The four-hour “paws for a cause” event kicks off at 10:00 am with registration and a resource fair. At 11:00 am Rabbi Julia Weisz of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas will lead a Dog and People Friendly Blessing of the Dogs as they begin the mile and a half dog walk led by Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson.Veterinary Specialists of the Valley, K-9 Gym Rehabilitation Center/Dr. Dodi Tyneway, The Jon Wolfson Family and Union Bank will be sponsoring watering holes (water stops for the dogs).

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Following the walk, there will be a Dog Costume Contest and Parade and a Dog/Owner Look Alike contest. LAPD K-9 Unit and Search and Rescue will perform demonstrations and the DOGcathlon Events, including “Catch and Kvetch” and Racing for Bones will round out the day.

Ricochet, the Famed Surf Dog and American Humane Association Hero (www.surfdogrichochet.com), who was recently featured in People Magazine, will be available for a photo op and will sign PAWtographs. Zoom Room (www.zoomroomonline.com) will provide agility clinics throughout the event. Josepha Salinas of HOT 92.3 FM will broadcast from the event.

All proceeds benefit New Directions for Youth (ndfy.org).

Highlights of NDY’s DOGcathlon include:

  • Get a “pawtograph” and your picture taken with Ricochet, the Famed Surf Dog and American Humane Association Hero (www.surfdogrichochet.com). Ricochet was recently featured in People Magazine
  • Josepha Salinas of  HOT 92.3 FM will broadcast from the Event
  • Los Angeles Search and Rescue Demonstration
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind
  • DOGcathlon Events sponsored by area businesses and organizations, including Sempra Utilities, Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, Veterinary Specialists of the Valley and the K-9 Rehabilitation Center
  • Zoom Room Agility Clinics (www.zoomroomonline.com)
  • Great Doggie Bags for all registered participants
  • Aromatherapy will offer PAWdicures
  • Meet Olympic Gold Medal Decathlon Winner, Rafer Johnson
  • Arts and Crafts with your Dog
  • Prize drawings and Silent Auction
  • Various dog-related non-profit and for profit organizations and businesses, including animal rescues and veterinary services
  • Food Trucks and much more!
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