TOP 10 reasons to go to the Critter Family Fun Day

Terry Dyck of CM Streek Agility Training Center rewards her dog Wicket for a good run during last year's Critter Family Fun Day in Palestine.

TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND THE CRITTER FAMILY FUN DAY ON SATURDAY

1. Returning for the fourth year will be Terry Dyck of CM Streek Agility Training Center Inc. in Frankston. Dyck and her students will conduct a match and demonstration. Racing against the clock, dogs take on an obstacle course filled with jumps, tunnels, a seesaw, A-frame, dog walk and weave poles. Their handler directs them around the course using hand signals and verbal commands.

2. Bill and Star from the CBS reality show Greatest American Dog will be on hand to show off some of Star's tricks and to sign autographs.

3. Dancing dogs! Pam Martin and her “Top Dog Freestylers” will show off their freestyle routines. Canine Freestyle is a dog sport in which training, teamwork, music, and movement combine to create an artistic, choreographed performance that celebrates the unique qualities of each individual dog.

4. You can bring your dog! (All dogs must be social, vaccinated and on a leash).

5. You and your dog can try out the mini agility courses! I watched several people and their dogs do this last year and they had a great time with it (with success and not-so-good success, but it was still funny!) This is a good way to see what your dog is capable of, and it might let them have a little fun!

6. Adopt a pet! This event is sponsored by BARC, The Humane Society, so you can expect to see a good variety of pets available for adoption. Mingle with the adoptable pets and you might just find your new best friend!

7. The Kid Zone! Kids love bounce houses and slides and there will be plenty to do at the Critter Family Fun Day. The best part is the admission covers everything, so you don't have to worry about finding extra dollars to let the kids try the activities a second and third time! They can play as much as they want!

8. Pony rides courtesy of Saint Francis Outreach and their Texas Ponies.

9. Admission price includes hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and the Kids Zone. The cost is $10 per person (children under 6 get in free).

10. All proceeds benefit BARC, The Humane Society!

By Cheril Vernon, Community Editor