The CKC/FFA Canine Fun Day, which was held on April 26 th, was a successful fundraiser for the Louisiana Future Farmers Foundation. The event was held at CKC’s new facility in Livingston, LA., with quite a turnout. From one end of the large CKC Facility to the other, activities were happening. An impressive agility demonstration was given by Cyndy Douan of Georgia Dog Gym in Rome GA., and was enjoyed by all. There was a Novice Junior Obedience trial held. Later, a doggie relay was run with several people and their dogs competing and many others encouraging them from the sidelines. Looking past the competition areas, the canine search and rescue group known as LaSAR (Louisiana Search and Rescue) held two separate demonstrations to familiarize FFA students, as well as, the public with what these magnificent dogs do for others.

Closer in to the Training Center was an area of vendors and concessions, and the presence of a DJ offered a great beat that everyone seemed to enjoy. Baxter, our mascot, even gave everyone a laugh as he danced with the FFA students. In this area, there was also a section set up for anyone who needed more information about our services, an outside version of our Pro Shop, and a smaller area where CKC and the Denham Springs Animal Shelter both had dogs for adoption. As a matter of fact, two dogs found new homes that day!

Inside of the Training Center, a photographer was available for anyone who wished to get a professional picture of their dog. Several of the dogs had come all dressed up and ready for the fashion show and the dog owner look-alike contest. Both of these competitions were comical and fun.

All of this activity usually has a tendency to work up an appetite, and this day was no exception. The FFA members served plate lunches, drinks, etc., and bake sale items were available to top off the hot meals. Other FFA members helped out by “manning” the inflatable slide and spacewalk that were provided for the kids.

Antonio Johnson gave an interesting Weight Pull demonstration with his American Pit Bull Terrier, Candy Man. After this, he fielded questions from the audience about Weigh Pulling and Pit Bulls in general. Johnson said that he was speaking in the interest of the Pit Bull, a breed that is often misunderstood. This was immediately followed by an event that the dogs all seemed to dearly love, the Dock Diving competition. As each dog jumped into the water and swam out to get the ball, there was a spirit of good sportsmanship felt as owners cheered for all of the dogs to do well at this relatively new event. There was also a retriever demonstration followed by an informal time in which many dog owners gave their dog a chance to try retrieving themselves.

The end of the day culminated with awards for all events being presented by the La. Commissioner of Agriculture, Mike Strain, who was accompanied by CKC’s president, Mike Roy. CKC presented three certificates of appreciation to Regina Smart, Donna Winborn and Terry Toney, teachers who had worked diligently on implementing the CKC Canine Care and Training Program in their respective high schools. The winners of several drawings were presented at this time, as well as, the winner of the raffle for a Sony Playstation 3 Game System.

Finally, Kelli Schiro of Ponchatoula High School was selected as the winner and awarded a monetary scholarship for her outstanding achievement in the CKC Canine Care and Training Program. All of the proceeds of this CKC/FFA Canine Fun Day will go to the Louisiana FFA Foundation.

Continental Kennel Club would like to thank all of our sponsors, participates, volunteers and spectators that supported this wonderful event. If you would like more information about the Louisiana FFA Foundation, you can visit their website at www.laffa.org.

For more information on upcoming events, call CKC's Events Department at (888) 252-8042.

FASHION SHOW
1st Place – Rukus, handled by Andrew Foreman
2nd Place – Zoe, handled by Dariyn Lemoine
3rd Place – Miss Priss, handled by Sandi Farmer

OWNER/DOG LOOK-A-LIKE CONTEST
1st Place – Foxey, handled by Cherry
2nd Place – Jade, handled by Kristen York
3rd Place – Chester, handled by Kayla Covington

RELAY RACE
1st Place – Titan, handled by Alicia Cheplick
2nd Place – Buffy, handled by Mike Roy
3rd Place – Trick, handled by Cyndy Douan

DOCK DIVING
1st Place – Titan, handled by Alicia Cheplick
2nd Place – Molly, handled by Olivia Ratcliff
3rd Place – Buffy, handled by Mike Roy

JUNIOR HANDLER NOVICE OBEDIENCE I & II
Pass – Smokey, handled by Christina DesRoches

NOVICE OBEDIENCE I, II, & III
Pass – Riff, handled by Cyndy Douan

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS:
KURTS-LAHAYE PHOTOGRAPHY
JOHN’S GROCERY & HARDWARE
SIMPLY UNIQUE EMBROIDERY
SHARP SIGNS, INC.
RAISING CANE’S
LANDS PHOTO – SHELLY HARGRAVE
LOUISIANA NATIONAL GUARD
J & W CONSTRUCTION
OAKPOINT FRESH MARKET
ALVIN CALLAIS, CPA
RED FERN DOG TRAINING & PET SITTING

For more information on upcoming events, call CKC's Events Department at (888) 252-8042.