 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| eENJOY SPORTS with DOGS in
TOKYOf was held in Tokyo for the very first time.
On the day, the weather in Tokyo was sunny but very cold. In fact, during the early morning preparations, it was so windy that it seemed likely the tents might be blown over. Fortunately, by opening time, the winds had calmed and the festival was blessed with some lovely weather. As this was our first attempt to hold such an event in Tokyo, we were a little anxious about how local participants would react. Plus, with the weather being so cold, we were also anxious about the final turn out of participants. However, despite this mixture of expectations and concerns at such a cold and busy time of year we were delighted to welcome many participants who came with their dogs. At the end of the day, the festival turned out to be a very lively event. Hotta Company very generously gave all participants a uniform for their dogs. Furthermore participants in the gig-races received a bandana, harness and lead, while those taking part in the Frisbee section were presented with a free frisbee. The event began with an opening ceremony, followed by a speech from Knots representative Ms. Tominaga who explained about Knots and the purpose of the event. Then, following an explanation of the sports and appropriate instructions, the games started. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
yFrisbee Dogs Sectionz
This section was divided into two, namely, the eRetrieve Sectionf in which the dogs retrieved balls and toys thrown by their owners, and the eBeginners Sectionf in which the dogs had to catch as many frisbees thrown by their owner as possible within a given time. The latter required not only the catching skills of the dogs but the ability of the owners to throw frisbees in such a strong wind ? not an easy task at all! So this was about first-class team work between owners and dogs. As well as breeds such as border collies and labradors, many other varieties took part, including mixed breeds. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
yAgility
Sectionz |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| yGig Race Sectionz This is the competition in which dogs pull bicycles. For this event, the gig-race ground was located a little further away from the other sports areas, which we recognize was an inconvenience to gig-race participants. Nevertheless, everybody seemed to have a very good time and the dogs enjoyed a good run around. There were a number of huskies entered in this sport and it was clear that this breed is especially adept at such pulling sports. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| After all the
games were over, attendees enjoyed further demonstrations of canine agility,
frisbee catching, and the highly enjoyable styles of eK-9 dancingf (free
style dance routines for people and dogs). Unfortunately, there were
no eK-9 dancef contest participants this year, but having received such
a wonderful demonstration, Knots is confident that next year there will
be many eager entrants. So this is an invitation to everybody to try
eK-9 free style dancef for themselves. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At the awards presentation, the winning teams were given a shield and a certificate. An additional prize of dog food (eProplanf 9kg) was presented by Nestle Purina Petcare Company. The dogs on the ceremonial platform were very well behaved and looked as proud as their owners. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
@@ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
@Then we had the ejankenf (rock, paper, scissors) event, already a well established Knots event fixture in Kobe. It was getting dark by that time so thanks go to all participants who stayed till the end despite the cold. The janken heated up very quickly and all present excitedly jostled to win the donated prizes. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The sales booths were quite lively. There were some delightful products
being sold and there was one booth with a professional photographer
taking portraits of much loved dogs. In the Knots booth, there were
free samples of bones and ewild bore jerkief from Mikuni-sho in Shimane
Prefecture. There was also a discipline advice desk. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Participants who attended this Tokyo festival seemed to have a very enjoyable time together with their much-loved animals and families. Furthermore, such an event undoubtedly strengthens the bond and relationship between owners and pets, as well as expanding a circle of new communication between people and people. Thanks to the generous help of so many people the event ended safely with no accidents. All of us at Knots wish to extend a big thank you to all who helped. For Knots itself, this event was a truly meaningful experience. To hold such a festival in a different city marks a major step forward. Having gained an overall positive reaction from participants, we hope very much to plan a 2nd Tokyo Festival in the future.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 @@@@@@@ |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
