The Agility Dog Show recently hosted by The Village at Gleannloch Farms attracted an estimated 100 onlookers to watch 20 canny canines wind their way through the challenging courses particular to that demanding dog sport. The audience had the opportunity to see seasoned international champions as well as nervous novices try their paws along seesaws, hurdles, A-frames, tunnels and more.
“You don’t have to watch long to understand where the word ‘agility’ fits into this popular and fast-growing dog event—it’s as spectacular as a good circus act”, said Kathy Johanns, executive director for The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “This is just the kind of program we love to have here at our community. Everyone who came was amazed and thrilled—and we had guests of all ages right alongside our residents.”
Agility Dog competition is a relatively new form of canine sporting event, only gaining recognition in the last 20 years as an official sports category by national groups such as the American Kennel Club. The agility contestants must master two different kinds of courses: the Jumpers Course, requiring jumping and pole weaving; and a Standard Course, which includes such challenges as climbing an A-frames, squeezing through tunnels, negotiating see-saws, and then suddenly freezing stock still on flat surfaces.
“As a dog friendly community, our residents really get a kick out programs like this,” said Mimi Collins, lifestyle director at The Village at Gleannloch Farms. “There’s just something about dogs and kids that makes everyone of us feel more in love with life.”
The agility-style competition was open to all types of breeds from 15 months old and up. The younger dogs are considered “green” and allowed to compete as novices. The more experienced dogs are in the “Elite” category and are expected to exhibit total course mastery. Although dog agility is relatively new and fast-growing, the Houston area already boasts some of the top agility dog trainers and competitors in the world.
“We had some real performers at this program today,” said Patricia Horton, organizer of the event, and an agility dog trainer. “But many in the audience really enjoyed watching the new dogs try their hearts out just as much.”
Horton brought a field of around 20 agility dog performers to The Village at Gleannloch Farms in Spring, where her dad and mom, Charlie and Lois Horton, reside. She was invited to bring in the Agility Dog Show for the fourth straight year by popular demand.
For more information on Dog Agility as a fast growing sporting event, please see:
• http://www.squidoo.com/dogagilityvideoshowcase
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility
• http://www.akc.org/events/agility/what_is_agility.cfm
Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, The Village at Gleannloch Farms is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.
The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.
In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.
For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.
