By Sean C. Morgan
Of The New Era
The public is invited Saturday morning to the Cascade K9 Jamboree, an event planned for dog aficionados of all varieties.
The K9 Jamboree will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Sweet Home Outdoor Events Center, 4001 Long St.
Admission is $10 per person. Children 5 and younger are free. Lunch is $5. Dry camping is $10.
The event was created for several reasons, initially in response to the creation of a new city ordinance governing dogs in an attempt to address stray dogs and barking.
It also is intended to raise money for the Sweet Home Police Department’s K9 Program.
“(We’ll have) a lot of fun activities for people, the general public and their dogs,” said co-organizer Connie DeBusschere. They can participate in a variety of new games and dog sports, including agility events, fly ball, lure coursing and carting.
Brain games will challenge dogs’ minds and noses, DeBusschere said.
The idea is to connect people to various resources to educate them and help improve responsible dog ownership, she said. Cascade K9 Jamboree will bring everything there is to do with dogs all in one place, from pet supplies to working and performance dogs in action, K9 demonstrations, contests, games, Kids Zone and much, much more.
The event will feature trainers, dog clubs, veterinarians, rescue clubs and Safe Haven, all resources for those who may need help with their dogs. They will suggest ways to help keep dogs occupied mentally and physically, DeBusschere said.
Proceeds from the K9 Jamboree also will help support K9 Officer Sasha McDonald and her canine partner, Gemma. McDonald implemented the new program, training her dog and securing a vehicle donation from Deschutes County.
Since then, McDonald brings Gemma, a drug detection dog, with her on patrol. The dog has been key to locating drugs in several incidents in Sweet Home and in Lebanon.
Perhaps most importantly, the Jamboree will be “all about having fun,” DeBusschere said. Visitors will see demonstrations, and they’ll be able to try things with experienced people. They’ll enjoy “ginormous” hot dogs donated by Thriftway, DeBusschere, and they’ll compete in several contests.
Participants can sign up for the contests the day of the event, DeBusschere said. Those include Dog Owner Look-Alike, Fastest Tail Wag, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog and Best Trick. Medallions will be awarded for first through third place.
The program benefits the Sweet Home Police Department’s K9 program. Families are invited to attend with their dogs. Friendly dogs are welcome. Puppies must at least 5 months old. Dogs must be on leashes. Retractable leashes are not acceptable.
For more information contact Connie DeBusschere at [email protected] or
(541) 367-4660 or K9 Officer Sasha McDonald at [email protected] or
(541) 367-5181.