ZENFULdog Training unleashed its first-ever Fall FURenzy at Countryside Adventures in Moose Creek on October 19th and it was a tail-wagging success!
Imagine enthusiastic human and dog duos dashing through a 3-kilometre training fun run, conquering a 1-kilometre training run, tackling 3 kilometres of fur-raising obstacles, and much more!
The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the joy of fulfilled dogs having the time of their lives. Kendra MacKinnon, ZENFULdog’s owner and trainer, kicked off the day with a warm-up and a 3-kilometre training canicross run, making the most of the cool morning air.
As everyone crossed the 3km finish line, and the 1km line later on, the ZENFULdog community cheered with genuine excitement for every team, fast or slow. Kendra watched proudly as her community celebrated with joy and ensured the safety of their dogs and each other.
The event showcased thrilling bikejoring and paddleboarding demonstrations that amazed everyone. Participants tried bikejoring and were delighted by their dogs’ enthusiasm, sparking interest in joining ZENFULdog’s bikejoring. The paddleboarding miniclass began with land-based fitness exercises to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the water. It emphasized the importance of teaching cues to ensure safety for both dogs and humans. Many ZENFULdog members already paddleboard, and the demo inspired even more excitement!
Next, Natasha Hessee, a ZENFULdog canisport member, led an insightful roundtable on ‘dog reactivity.’ Natasha, who has personally trained and raised a reactive dog, is a passionate advocate for those dealing with dogs’ fear, anxiety-based reactivity, young dog frustration, and overstimulation. This topic is close to her heart, she understands the isolation and judgment that can come with having a reactive dog. The roundtable provided a safe space for participants to share their experiences, realize they are not alone and exchange valuable tips and strategies.
Some teams soon tackled a fun 3-kilometre obstacle course, open to all with safety precautions and recommended equipment. The focus was on fun and creativity, with dogs navigating obstacles at their own pace, never being forced. It was a blast as dogs gave paw, did overs and unders, and everyone bonded, supported each other, and were inspired by each other’s innovative ideas.
Following the award ceremony, teams wrapped up the day with a serene 3-kilometre guided canihike, perfect for unwinding and decompressing. The beautiful trail provided a chance for participants to chat about their dogs’ performances, recap the day’s events, and further bond with their dogs and each other.
This wasn’t just any event; it was a heartwarming mission to support Roy and Cher’s Rescue Farm in Blainsville and Bee Meadows Farm in Applehill. Every step, jump, and wag helped raise 500$ each for these wonderful causes. Kendra praises these rescues for their tireless, hands-on work in rescuing and sheltering animals. Hosting an event like ZENFULdog’s Fall FURenzy allows the community to support such formidable efforts.
The Fall FURenzy was more than just a day of exercise and bonding; it was a celebration of community, love of our four-legged friends, and the great outdoors. It was a day to remember, filled with pawsitivity and fun!
Acknowledgments and Highlights
Sponsors and Vendors
Adding to the excitement was a sea of amazing vendors, including Unleash Pet Photography’s Catch-a-Treat fundraiser, where participants could capture adorable moments of their dogs catching treats mid-air. The bakery and food truck were a hit, with people lining up for more!
A big thank you to all of the other promoters and sponsors: WANNA MAKE IT FARM (WMF), BASE Builders, ZENFULdog Training, NAHAK, Non-stop Dogwear, CRUMPS Naturals, Kathryn Jackson, Kyle Jackson, Diane Woodward, Melanie Quesnel-Michaud, Erin Abraham and Beulah Havis.
Volunteers
Kathryn Jackson:
Kendra credits Kathryn Jackson for organizing the event and handling most of the behind-the-scenes work! Kathy reached out to the promoters and vendors, sourced goodies for the goodie bags, and spearheaded the fundraising efforts for charities. If someone couldn’t complete a task, she stepped in and made it happen! The magic of the day was all thanks to her dedication and hard work.
Kathryn adds: “It couldn’t have happened without the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, Countryside Adventures, participants and, of course, Kendra! The atmosphere was upbeat throughout the morning, with all the dogs and their humans having a great time. With the different runs, demos and talks, there was something for everyone to participate in or be entertained by leaving everyone excited for more, maybe next year?”
Sophie Faubert:
Sophie secured the insurance and managed event security, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She maintained safety for dogs needing space and newcomers unfamiliar with protocols. Sophie helped keep dogs calm and offered solutions for those less experienced with dog event safety. Her presence ensured a fluid, worry-free day.
Eva Moore:
Eva worked tirelessly building obstacles, setting up the obstacle course and marking the canicross trail. She spent many days sweating with us on the courses!
Nick and Countryside Adventures:
Nick, the owner of the venue Countryside Adventures, was incredible throughout the entire event. He was helpful, chill and positive about every idea, going above and beyond expectations. His meticulously maintained property, complete with roaring firepits, impeccable landscaping, and trails, impressed everyone and reminded them to return for winter tubing. Nick and his son even joined the obstacle course with their dog, Dixie.
Volunteers who helped with everything from registration to obstacle set-up and take down: Kendra and Kathryn (our star of the event!), Alex Pilon and his dad, Richard, Kevin, Eva Moore, Natasha Hesse, Elena Blais, Crystal Ladouceur, Mike and Francine Poulin, Claire Sadler, Katherine Beehler, volunteers from École Second Heritage Autumn Fontaine-MacKinnon and Joe, also Kether Fontaine MacKinnon and ZENFULdog members who bought and donated gifts.
Tessa and her pet-parents
Kendra proudly ran the 3-kilometre canicross with Tessa, an adolescent dog new to the sport. Tessa’s pet-parents, Kevin and Eva, have supported her from day one, helping her build confidence and stay calm. Despite her big emotions during adolescence, Tessa’s intelligence and sweetness shone through, thanks to her parents’ dedication.
Kendra provided extra care during the event, ensuring Tessa stayed calm and focused by pulling over to watch when needed and offering positive reinforcement. It was a triumphant moment for Tessa when she led Kendra through the last 2 kilometres! Canicross is the perfect sport for Tessa to shine, be fulfilled, and have fun!
And, of course, Kendra wants to thank all of the FURenzy participants!
You can keep up with events like these and stay connected to your like-minded dog-loving community every day by following ZENFULdog Training on Facebook.
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