K9 Acrobats go to charity fair

24 June 2006 – Ti-Ratana Family Day fair, Brickfields

D biggest charity event v hv attended so far designed 2 raise funds 4 d orphanage. Held at d large La Salle Brickfields school field n opened 2 public. Plenty of food, game stalls n entertainment were lined up 4 d day 2 get people 2 part with deir cash, all 4 a good cause.

'Yup, even d K9 athletes hd 2 parade as well ...'

Dis time v hd a larger stage n proper field 2 perform in so v cld fit in more items. Waggie Tails hd deir customary dog parade with Taro d Bully being d star attraction, followed by OB demo by Lotus n Angel n ending with d K9 Acrobats featuring Russell, Angel n myself. Angel was an impromptu addition 2 our act n was glad dat she cld make it as she’s a pretty talented OB n agility dog … definitely helped 2 take some of d pressure of us. Nice 2 hv a lady along in our team as well.


'Angel n Taro stealing d ladies' hearts during d parade.'

Our line up of entertainment included (thks Fiona 4 d cool action shots):
Frisbee – managed 1 notable distance catch n den decide dat d puddles n muddy field was way too inviting 2 just keep playing with d frisbee alone. Dived straight in2 a puddle much 2 d amusement of d crowd n den headed towards d spectator tent 4 some shade. End of Act I.

Tricks – Russell did his stuff n added in some impressive jumps over his owners arms plus spins 2 boot. Very nicely done considering dat he only started on d move a couple of days ago.

'In order 2 fly, it helps if u hv a large wing span ... or long ears.'

2 catch us in action, click on ’Tricky Mutts’.

My owner decided 2 try something new n showcase my abilities as a sniffer dog … yup unfortunately, I do hv a very ambitious owner. 1st attempt, managed to locate my icecream toy hidden under some plastic cones fairly swiftly. 2nd attempt, icecream toy was hidden in a volunteer’s pocket instead n I took some time trying 2 sniff it out, stumbled thru some cones until my owner pointed me 2 d right direction. Guess I’ll never make it as 1 of dose professional K9s who work d airport shift.

'My fav moves involve jumping n climbing all over my partner, sweet.'

Musical freestyle – did my regular dance, started fine but den missed some heelwork moves, yet again. Otherwise was a fairly decent performance n my jumps n tricks sequences were smooth. Encore piece was good as well n finally nailed d ‘Back flip 2 catch d ball’ move, groovy. Again d muddy patches proved irresistible n I plonked myself deep into 1 immediately after d routine. Dis time I choose a really thick slosh 2 soak in n funny enuf, d crowd kept far away from my dirty paws after dat.

Agility – Russell n I ran a mini agility course made up of homemade hurdles, broad jump n weave poles. Russel needed some warming up on d poles n Angel also joined in d fun after awhile. After all d tricky n demanding stuff earlier on, v finally get 2 put in some speedy runs n jumps.

Flyball – 1st time v were showcasing dis sport. Long time no play, so v were a little rusty. Runs 2 retrieve d ball was good but returns over d hurdles were certainly out of sync. Well back 2 d drawing board den n hope 2 hv a more complete relay run 4 d next event.

As u cn c, there were a number of 1sts for d K9 Acrobats on d day n plenty of variety in d acts 2 keep d audience suitably entertained. Our performance wasnt perfect but v hd a swell time n v spotted a number of smiling faces amongst d audience … n in our books, dat’s d only thing dat really matters.

'Venus, proving dat dogs r a smiley lot.'

Was supposed 2 do some goalkeeping stunt as part of d World Cup euphoria 2 end d program but guess who forgot 2 bring my favourite football along. Next time, I shall pack my own stuff n carry my own toys instead.

Taro, 'I really need 2 sit down after all dat posing around .'

Also d 1st time dat d Waggie Tails mutts demselves attempted 2 raise funds by offering 2 pose for special 3D photos with members of d public. As v didnt hv a designated booth, most people werent fully aware of our services but v did ok in d charity stakes. Angel did well n managed to raise some $$ by posing with a family.

As I was half-covered in mud, there werent many takers who wanted 2 b seen with me, much less b photographed together. Well wat do dese people know bout taking natural shots anyway.

After a quick hosing down, I was reasonably white again n did my bit to collect RM15 for charity, although d money did come from my owners own pockets … ha ha, cn always depend on dem 2 sponsor my photo sessions.