Merlin, a miniature poodle has won titles for obedience, agility and even hunting. But what to do in the golden years? His owner decided dancing might be just the thing. This weekend lots of dogs will be dancing in South Carolina's “Puttin' on the Grrr-itz!" event.
"It's a retirement sport," says trainer Kathy Evans, but they work like dogs preparing for this canine competition. "A lot of times they do things for rewards, but he's been training since he was a year old, and he's 12 years old now." Evans Is talking about her mini-poodle Merlin. The dancing duo has put in lots of practice for this weekend's dog dancing event in Columbia, where about two dozen of these four-footed friends from around the country will converge.
Governed by "The World Canine Freestyle Organization" pooches put their best paw forward. Any tricks are allowed, as long as they don't endanger the dog. "It's called canine freestyle," says Evans. Most routines include spins, weaves and jumps. Merlin likes to move, "because he is a really busy dog,” says Evans. “He has a lot of energy. He just needs something to do."
The judging is a lot like figure skating with marks for technical merit and artistic expression, and a high score of 10 in each category. The competition is in Columbia from 9 to 3 Saturday and Sunday.
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