Kat and Jack Fahle have been involved in disc challenge for over eleven years. However they felt the need to expand this sport so that it provides something for everyone. “We wanted to make an organization that was more accessible to pet people, to the person that plays disc in the backyard.” Kat Fahle said. Along with three of their friends; Andre and Jason Riglers, and Babz they put a new approach in disc dog challenges and formed the UpDog Challenge.
The rules are more relaxed for the beginner. For example,dogs just starting out can retrieve a rolling disc instead of catching the disc mid-air. Due to those rules being flexible the success of UpDog Challenge has expanded through the United States and reaching areas of Canada.
At this particular event held on May 30 at Veterans Memorial Park in Spring Hill, Florida, there were four types of games; Frizgility, Throw n Go, Funkey and Timewarp. Each game had rules for both the owner and the dog. With less restricting rules, more points can be racked up by the team and it’s more fun for everyone.
The event had a showcase of different breeds and different ages. Some were rescues, some had beautiful style, some were cute in action and some were older and still going strong. There were also new dog/human teams experiencing their first challenge as well as those that were more trained. Seeing a blended amount of dogs and variety of talent made this event even more special.
Colleen Hegyi has been involved with disc challenges since 1995 along with her husband since 1991. You can tell they love being a part of these events and when asked why Hegyi replied it’s due to, “All these people and my bond with my dog.”
For more information about UpDog Challenge check out their website at http://updogchallenge.com/
