Memorial Day is fast approaching and it’s time to get the practice docks open for summer.

More on that in a moment, first I’d like to recap last weekend’s “Jump for Cash” event in Auburn. This was a really hot weekend for our dogs and handlers. When the final bubble was posted on Sunday afternoon, the temp was well up over 90 degrees and all our H3D members had made the Open or Pro finals out of a field of 87 dogs.

Suzy and Tinka, JJ and Riot, Jim and MickeyD, and Sam and Starbuck all earned berths in the Pro Finals where Tinka placed 2nd, MickeyD 6th, Riot 9th and Starbuck 12th.

H3Ders also filled the Open Finals where Jen and Samurai took first place after Samurai’s recovery from cold tail, Natalie and Katie came in 2nd, Leland and Sir William came in fourth, Annie and Pepperspot took 6th, and Becky Abner with Miss Matches finished in 9th.

Last, and maybe littlest, but certainly not least, JJ’s Rampage jumped over 16 feet to win first place in the Lap Dog finals, while Emma, JJ’s Jack Russell Terrier, came in 6th.

Perhaps the best news of all, Sandra reports that the event raised almost $2700.00 for AAARF (Auburn Area Animal Rescue Foundation).

Now, back to the Sparks Marina and practices: looks like we’ll be open two of the three days over Memorial Day weekend. We plan to be at the dock on Saturday, May 23 from about 9am until 1pm, and the same hours on Sunday, May 24.

We’ll also be open on Saturday, May 30. This is the same day as the Humane Society’s Walk for Animals and stopping by to watch the dive dogs practice is part of their program. Not yet sure that we will have enough volunteers to open on Sunday, May 31 – stay tuned.

Remember that the Summer Solstice Fun Jump and Competition will be held at Tamarack Junction on June 19, 20 and 21. We’ve got an exciting event lined up this year with two competition waves planned for Friday evening, the Fun Jump for 9a-2p on Saturday, followed by two more competition “big air” waves and one Super V. We’ll get an early start on Sunday with two more competition waves and the finals.

To add to the fun, we are also planning to hold a raffle at the Summer Solstice event. Anyone with donation ideas please come forward – the more the merrier, as they say.

This is an ambition undertaking and everyone’s help will be needed. Thanks to the volunteers who have already come forward. If you are interested in joining in, please contact Natalie Jayne by emailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Youth ages 9-19 will have the opportunity to work with and learn more about their dogs at the K-9 Workshop for Youth from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Reno Livestock Events Center Pavilion. The cost is $2 with an RSVP or $3 the day of the event.

The program, sponsored by University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program, gives participants the chance to learn more about man’s best friend, including information on dog grooming and common dog diseases. There will also be workshops on how to weave poles, information on Saint Bernard rescue and how to judge a heeling pattern. Participants do not have to be 4-H members.

“There is a lot of good information in this workshop,” Cindy Smullen, 4-H community-based instructor and coordinator for the event, said. “These are the topics that a lot of people have questions about.”

Smullen also noted that the workshops and information sessions will be taught by a professional trainer, a professional groomer and a veterinarian technician. Each of the workshops, except for the grooming session, is new to this year’s event. This will make workshop participants better informed, and they will have an easier time working with their veterinarian, Smullen said.

Those who attend are asked to bring his or her dog, a crate, folding chair, dog treats, water dish and a lunch. For more information about the workshop or to RSVP by Feb. 9, contact Smullen at (775) 784-4848 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Everyone who got their dogs down to the dock this year has reason to be proud. As the 2008 season comes to a close, three of those dogs – and handlers – deserve special recognition for representing H3D at the 2008 Splash Dogs Dock Jumping Competition at the Cynosport® World Games in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Our good friends Sir William and Leland put in an impressive show after a long journey, making it to the Senior Division semi-finals with a pair of jumps at 18 feet and over.

Miss Katie surprised even Natalie with her showing in the Super-Vertical competition, making it to the finals where they place 16 out of 21 dogs – very cool for a first try at the SV in a major competition.

Flying high, as well as high-flying, Katie and Natalie pulled off a whopping 19.7 jump to place third in the final of the Senior Division.

Then there is Tinka. By now I think it’s safe to say the club’s top dog. Our Nevada State Fair winner made it all the way into the World’s Sunday Pro Finals where she once again exceeded the 20 foot mark to place 9th overall. The World Games cap off an incredible season for spirited little Tinka and handler Suzy Nicholson, congratulations to both.

So, time to look ahead to the next season. Next summer may feel a long way off, but with Splash Dog events planned for early and mid January in San Mateo and Sacramento, and plenty of planning to do, the marina docks will be open again before you know it.

It’s my pleasure to announce that Natalie Jayne has decided to join Leland and myself on the club’s board. We are already seeing the benefits of the ideas, energy and enthusiasm Natalie has for the club, matched only by Katie’s energy and enthusiasm on the dock. Carolyn Kelly, whose “grand-dog” is still just getting his feet wet on the ramp, has offered to join the board as well to help keep our administrative affairs in order.

We’ll be meeting regularly over the winter, at least once a month. We encourage all members to join us as we work to create a vision and plan for the club’s future. Jennifer Howell (Samurai) has been coming to the meetings to help advocate ideas for increasing junior handler participation in dive dogs and bringing forward ideas for club activities. This kind of participation goes a long way toward building a five-star club.

Our next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9 at the Denny’s on Nugget Ave. in Sparks – we’ll continue to post meeting times and locations as we plan them and hope members will take the time to join us, if for no other reason than to just stay in touch and talk dogs.

As I mentioned, Splash Dogs is planning for an event in San Mateo for January 8 – 11, and one the following weekend in Sacramento. Keep an eye on splashdogs.com for details. 

Thanks for a wonderful, memorable 2008, looking forward to working together for greater things in 2009. 

Can Your Dog Fly?

Give Splash Dogs a try at the Nevada State Fair

Reno, Nevada. Local dog lovers are invited to try one of the Country’s hottest new dog sports when the Nevada State Fair hosts the 2008 Tamarack Junction High Desert Dive Dog Challenge, August 20 – 24 at the Livestock Events Center in Reno.

This “Splash Dogs” competition is open to anyone with a canine partner who loves to run, jump, fetch and swim. Newcomers are invited to give dog-diving a try during practice sessions for $10 a day. High Desert Dive Dog members will be on hand to help beginners get started.

Splash Dog competitions are also great spectator events, featuring high flying dogs from throughout the West. Last year’s winning dog, Salix, came from Utah to jump 24 feet at the Nevada State Fair. Close on his heels with a 23-foot jump was a little dog with big heart Tinka, with handler Suzy Nicholson from Washoe Valley.

Competitive waves will be held every day from Wednesday August 20 through Sunday August 24. Entry fee is $20 per wave, $10 for Junior Handlers. Top dogs receive free entry into the Sunday finals. For information and registration, visit www.splashdogs.com.

Tamarack Junction High Desert Dive Dog Challenge schedule

This annual dock diving competition is sponsored by Tamarack Junction Casino and presented by Splash Dogs and northern Nevada’s own dog diving club H3D (High Desert Dive Dogs). Additional sponsors include the Nevada State Fair, Scraps Dog Bakery at the Sparks Marina, Scraps Dog Company and Discount Pet Food and Supplies, and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.

H3D is a non-profit club dedicated to teaching and promoting the safe and fun methods of dog dock jumping. Members of H3D regularly compete in events in Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington. Club members practice most weekend mornings on the east side of the Sparks Marina. New members are always welcome. For information, call Bob Harmon at (775) 826-9511.

Hot dogs splash down at the Summer Solstice Fun Jump and Competition

June 21- 22 at Tamarack Junction Casino

Reno, Nevada. Dogs fly high for fun and prizes during the two-day Summer Solstice Splash Dogs Fun Jump and Competition June 21 and 22 at the Tamarack Junction Casino in south Reno.

“Dog diving is becoming one of the Country’s fastest growing dog activities because its driving force is fun and it is open to any dog of any size that is in good health and loves to chase toys,” said, Bob Harmon, president of the local dog diving club, High Desert Dive Dogs. “The fun and excitement is equally enjoyed by the dogs, handlers, and those who just come to watch.”