Canines compete in Dock Dog competition at Harborfest

NORFOLK

Coco was cool and collected as she waited for her chance to compete.

But when the announcer called her name, it was game on.

She sprinted up a set of metal stairs onto a 40-foot dock, barking and jumping before sprinting down the runway and flying into a 27,500-galloon pool. The chocolate Labrador traveled 16 feet, 9 inches in the air before landing in the water with a giant splash. It was her best jump yet, said owner Bill Clark of Virginia Beach.

“Good girl!” he cheered as Coco climbed from the pool this afternoon.

The Lab was one of about 50 canines registered to compete in the Dock Dogs competition at Harborfest this weekend. This is the event’s first year at the festival, which continues with live music, food and maritime activities today until 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Dock Dogs tests which canines can fly the farthest, jump the highest and retrieve the quickest from a pool of water. Events have appeared on ESPN and take place all over the world.

Tidewater Dock Dogs is hosting the Harborfest event, which is open to dogs of all sizes and experience levels. Walk-up registration is $25 and canines must be at least 6 months old to compete. The winners, based on the best scores over the three-day event, will be announced Sunday afternoon. First, second and third place receive cash. Everyone gets a ribbon, said Bill Johnson, president of Tidewater Dock Dogs.

But it's more about the fun, he said.

"What's more fun than watching dogs have fun in the water?" he said.

For more information on Harborfest, visit www.festevents.org. For more information on Tidewater Dock Dogs, visit www.tidewaterdockdogs.com.

For more details, return to PilotOnline.com later and read tomorrow's Virginian-Pilot.