VERSAILLES, Ky. — Winners of the best trick, fastest pup, and most loving dog were all crowned at this year’s Canine Olympics.
What You Need To Know
- Kentucky’s furry friends showed their top-notch tricks at this year’s Canine Olympics
- The event returned after the pandemic put the decades-long event on pause
- Nearly 20 competitions for pets and their owners were held
The Canine Olympics helps celebrate “the champion in every dog” by honoring outstanding pets in Kentucky.
Kicking off the event with an annual Blessing of the Dogs, the dogs circled the inside of the showcase gates, each welcoming the love and attention. Visitor Becky Rogers’ pet pup Zodiac was one of the lucky pals to have received a blessing.
The annual dog fair has been around for over 40 years and also helps recognize puppy pals who have been adopted from the humane society or are still needing homes. The Woodford Humane Society marketing director Beth Oleson said the event is like a big family gathering.
“It’s such a tradition for a lot of people, like there are people here who have every t-shirt from every Canine Olympics from decades and decades,” said Oleson.
Long-time sponsors Best Friends Obedience and owner Mary Ann Zeigenfuse, who helps judge the events, are a huge part of the canine legacy.
“Our game’s judge Mary Ann Zeigenfuse owns Best Friends Obedience, so she’s been with this event since 1982 and she’s always been the games judge. There is not a Canine Olympics without Mary Ann,” said Oleson.
Along with the canine competition were several dog-themed tents and vendors from around central Kentucky like, Bella’s Shaved Ice, Kentucky Kettle Corn and Hollywood Feed and their manager Courtney Sloan.
The doggy-festival sees several returning pets who have been adopted from the humane society over the years in its pup parade. Eckert Veterinary Hospital provides the Woodford humane society year-round medical care for their pups.