Dogs show off in demonstrations, competitions

Published 9:32 pm Saturday, September 17, 2011

If you don’t think dogs can dance or fly, think again — you’ll be proven wrong at Mutt Strut on Sunday.

The fundraising event for the Suffolk Humane Society will feature two amazing animal acts, the Flying Jacks and the Virginia Foxtrotters.

“The Flying Jacks is a group of amazing Jack Russell terriers,” said Kay Hurley, community outreach coordinator for the Suffolk Humane Society. “They do Frisbee catching and they climb ladders and seesaws. They’re not only really agile, they’re just really, really cute and funny.”

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The Flying Jacks perform at 3:45 p.m.

If flying dogs isn’t enough, the Virginia Foxtrotters also will take the stage.

“It truly is dancing with your dog,” Hurley said. “The dogs are trained to do certain steps. They range from pugs to greyhounds. They’re just great.”

The Virginia Foxtrotters is a member of the World Canine Freestyle Organization. According to its website, the club “promotes the creative sport of canine musical freestyle dancing in Virginia.” It’s the first such club in Virginia and will hold a sanctioned competition in February.

The Foxtrotters perform at 1:25 p.m.

Though the Foxtrotters may not be wearing tutus, some of the dogs in the costume contest probably will be. It begins at 4:15 p.m. and will give prizes to first, second and third place.

Both large and small dogs will compete in the “Race the Wind Contest,” being clocked by a police officer wielding a radar gun. It begins just after 2 p.m.

And finally, the Frosty Paws eating contest will begin just after 3:30 p.m., for dogs who would like a race of a different type. It also has small and large dog divisions.

Some humans will win awards during the event, as well. Honors will be given out for the top 16-and-under fundraiser, top overall fundraiser and top team.