DockDogs® Makes Triumphant Return to Discovery Green 

DockDogs® Makes Triumphant Return to Discovery Green

Exciting national event remained a hit with dog lovers and competitors in Houston June 26-28

HOUSTON – JULY 7, 2009 – Houston, well-known for its enthusiastic sports fans, embraced another exciting athletic event as DockDogs® returned to Discovery Green, Houston’s popular park located across from the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

The non-stop action began on Friday, June 26 and attracted a total of 283 canines, up from 140 dogs competing in distance and aerial events last year. Seen on ESPN and the Outdoor Channel, DockDogs® showcases retrievers running from a 20-foot dock and leaping into the 40-foot pool of water. Each jump is measured and the crowds go wild as some of the dogs maintain jumps of 22-24 feet as they compete in Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and Big Air events.

Despite a record heat wave in Houston, with temperatures over 100 degrees, approximately 15,000 spectators passed through Discovery Green over the three-day event, applauding the national and local handlers and their intrepid canines. A variety of breeds showed their affinity for the water including Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and some gritty smaller competitors including Pugs, Poodles and a Schnaudoodle.

Throughout the weekend, spectators enjoyed all the features of Discovery Green, including the Mist Tree, Water Fountains and delicious food and beverage at the Lake House. Park officials added covered bleachers to the venue this year and they remained packed throughout the weekend. Event sponsors and booth exhibitors included Canine Health Institute, Natural Pawz, Urban Tails, Hotel Derek, Bissonet Southampton Veterinary, Houston Pet Talk, Molly's Mutt House, The Gables, My Dog & Me, Reliant World Series of Dog Shows, and Meadowlake Pet Resort.

“Since the opening of Discovery Green last year, we have seen the incredible way in which Houstonians love to spend time with their dogs at the park,” said Susanne Theis, programming director. “We appreciate the support of our dog-friendly companies who braved the heat throughout the weekend.”

Brian Sharenow, director of operations for DockDogs® was pleased with the increase of participants from the previous year.

"Houston showed exceptional growth in its second year as a DockDogs destination,” said Sharenow, “Discovery Green is a great venue for DockDogs and we look forward to returning in 2010."

DockDogs® Houston Complete list of Winners and Finalists

Extreme Vertical Finals - Saturday 5:00pm

1st Place - Chuck Mann (Chatham, LA) - Rebel 6'8"

2nd Place - Skye Kreger (Ponca City, OK) - Grace 6'2"

3rd Place - Blaine Baudoin (Abbeville, LA) - Kita 6'0"

Big Air Amateur Finals - Sunday 2:00pm

1st - Scott Young (Houston, TX) - Jack 19'5" (first time competitor)

2nd - Linda Wakefield (Magnolia, TX) - Delta 17'7"

3rd - Blaine Baudoin (Abbeville, LA) - 17'6"

Big Air Semi-Pro Finals - Sunday 2:30pm

1st - Orlando Escobar (Hempsted, TX) - Smoke 22'7"

2nd - Alison Preslar (Austin, TX) - Micah 20'11"

3rd - Jim Olmstead (Round Rock, TX) - Kya 20'10"

Big Air Pro Finals - Sunday 3:00pm

1st - Steve Roessler (Elko, MN) - Rouser 25'3" (longest recorded jump in history for a Golden Retriever)

2nd - Mike Jorns (Covington, LA) - Reagan 24'5"

3rd - Chuck Mann (Chatham, LA) - Rebel 23'6"

Speed Retrieve Finals - Sunday 3:30pm

1st - Sophy Moreau (Pearland, TX) - Buster 6.2 seconds

2nd - Cliff Buckley (Magnolia, TX) - Blitz 6.5 seconds

3rd - Mike Jorns (Covington, LA) - Charley 6.5 seconds

Iron Dog (Dog triathlon, consisting of Big Air, Speed Retrieve & Extreme Vertical) Finalists - compiled over whole weekend

1st - Chuck Mann (Chatham, LA) - Rebel 2945.44 points (2008 Iron Dog World Champion)

2nd - Steve Roessler (Elko, MN) - Rouser 2915.96 points

3rd - Skye Kreger (Ponca City, OK) - Grace 2892.91 points 

Discovery Green Conservancy

The Discovery Green Conservancy operates the park. It is a private, non-profit organization formed in 2004 at the behest of the City of Houston’s Mayor Bill White. The Conservancy was charged with designing and building an urban park on property across from the George R. Brown Convention Center. The $122 million park project is a unique public-private partnership between the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy and the City of Houston.

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