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Dogs put their best paw forward
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Neighbors | Submitted.Winners at the Davis YMCA's Pooch Pentathlon Sunday were awarded bone shaped medals for coming in first place. Awards were given for all five events in each dog division.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .This golden retriever, Ben, has hip dysplasia and was said not be able to walk by the age of 2. He is now 6 years old and owner, Youngstown's Becky Onuska, said water helps keep him mobile.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Hubbard's Ron Cooley (left) and Cheryl Ross took their four dogs to the Pooch Pentathlon Sunday at the Davis Family YMCA. All four participated in the pooch competitions.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Boardman resident PJ Zakrzewski led her dog, Jack, through the pool in a race at Davis YMCA's Pooch Pentathlon. The dog competition featured five events.
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Neighbors | Shaiyla Hakeem .Spectators watched as two small dogs raced in the doggie paddle competition at the Pooch Pentathlon Sunday. This was the pentathlon's fifth year.
By SHAIYLA HAKEEM
Canines of all breeds and sizes showed their athletic skills as they competed against each other in and out of the water.
Boardman’s D.D. and Velma Davis Family YMCA hosted its fifth annual Pooch Pentathlon Sunday in its outdoor recreational area.
The dogs competed in five different events classified in the divisions of small, medium and large breeds. The competitions included an obstacle course, a doggie paddling race, water fetching, treasure diving and leap dog, where dogs were measured on how far they could jump in the pool.
A winner was awarded a dog-shaped medal for each division and event. All dogs that participated received a dog treat bag and commemorative certificate.
Whether dogs were competing or just having a good time, many owners were happy with the outdoor event. Youngstown resident Becky Onuska said she loves the dog-friendly outing. Her golden retriever, Ben, has hip dysplasia — abnormal hip joints. Veterinarians told Onuska that Ben wouldn’t be able to walk past the age of 2. He is now 6 years old and loves to swim.
“Being in the water keeps him going,” Onuska said. “It’s like medicine for him.”
Chris Hughes, YMCA aquatic director, has worked with the pentathlon since its first year. She thinks the event is a great way for the Davis YMCA to be present in the community.
“It is a unique event and is, as far as I know, the only one offered in the Mahoning County,” she said.
The pentathlon originated as a fundraiser for the now disbanded Porpoise Club of the Davis YMCA. The club’s mission was to provide service to the community and was running low on funds. Hence, the Pooch Pentathlon was born.
“Only 25 dogs were registered for the first year,” Hughes said.
Since then, the participation rate has almost tripled. Sixty-four dogs registered and participated in this year’s pentathlon and more are expected for next year’s competition.
Registration for the event was $5 per dog and since the club is no longer active, all monies will be used to fund aquatic programs.
“The dogs love it and the community loves it, so it will continue to be an annual event,” Hughes said.