WINCHESTER, Ky. — Canines were clearing for take-off Sunday afternoon at the Prime K9 Mid Summer Splash in Winchester. The event offers dogs a chance to stay active by doing dock dives and air retrieval exercises.

Canines from all across Kentucky are welcomed every year at the Prime K9 Mid Summer Splash in Winchester. Mouse, one of the canines participating, is Belgian Malinois who was ready to take water sports to a whole new height.

For Prime K9 Sports owners Emily and Jesse Smith, hosting the Mid Summer Splash is a way to keep all dogs active.  

“My retired police dog was a Labrador and after we left the police department, he didn’t have anything to do besides hang out on the farm. So we went to one of these events and he fell in love with it and so did we,” said Emily Smith

Dock diving is making a whole new splash in the world of dog sports. So that prompted the Smith’s to be registered with the North America Diving Dogs. The organization that allows dogs to be in competition and recognized by the American Kennel Club for winning dives.

The Smith’s opened their business two years ago – the Mid Summer Splash being one of five events they host every year with their three daughters.

“We host events, host training and have fun with our dogs. We are a bunch of crazy dog people here,” said Emily Smith.

Aside from dock diving, canine owners can also bring their pets to participate in activities like air retrieval in which a toy suspends four feet above water.

“It is like sitting on the edge of your seat every time they jump to see if these can reach out and grab it or not,” said Jesse Smith

The off-the-beaten-path farm sits about 30 miles southeast of Lexington. But that doesn't stop the owners from welcoming people and pets from all over the state.

“In the small town of Winchester, Kentucky they can do [dock diving] with their dog. What is great about this facility or this event, if your dog likes to swim or likes toys he can probably dock dive,” said Emily Smith.

The Smiths agree that opportunities like this are what pushes them to keep going.

“It means everything for us, we want our kids to have something to do and be able to enjoy it. Spending time with the family, they all love doing it. It allows us to be able to open up our farm for other people so they can share it with us,” Jesse Smith.

The Smith’s want to encourage people with any dog of any breed they can participate in the Prime K9 Mid Summer Splash. Dogs that scored well today will win a North America Diving Dog title. High scoring dogs will then move on for the next K9 competition in August and then to a regional game.