St. Louis, MO-August 13, 2009-Dogs jumped, swam and leapt and after an intense, four day elimination, invite only, competition to determine the world’s best DockDogs^®. The 2009 STIHL Dogs and Logs World Championship presented by STEADFAST^® CANINE, a joint health supplement, was held last month in Stillwater, MN, gathering the world’s top DockDogs and Ironjacks (elite competitive lumberjacks). This year’s competition featured the top 54 DockDogs and top 8 Ironjacks in North America.

“[DockDogs is] a competition where dogs jump into water and there are three different events where they measure for: distance, which is Big Air; height- Extreme Vertical; time with Speed Retrieve; and then combine all three events for Irondog,” said Sean McCarthy, owner of DockDog Jordan, who ranked first in Speed Retrieve and fourth in Big Air.  

“This year brought a few new events to Henry’s jumping world: Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve and IronDog,” said Craig Haverstick, Henry’s owner. “Much to our surprise, Henry caught on very quick and earned scores well beyond our expectations.” Henry, an 8 year old rescued Chesapeake Bay retriever ranked first in Big Air, second in IronDog and third in Speed Retrieve.

“Because it’s the dogs competing, there is no saying what they’re going to do and at any time, any dog can have its day,” said McCarthy.

The Sit Means Sit trainers, partners of STEADFAST^® CANINE Joint Health, are also pleased with their results, both from the competition and from STEADFAST^®.

“Thank you, STEADFAST^® CANINE, for your fantastic product that has helped keep my dog healthy and has contributed to him now being invited to the World Championships,” said Fred Hassen, CEO and founder of Sit Means Sit. “Having a healthy dog definitely makes their performance better every day.” Hassen’s dog, Rex, was a strong competitor, advancing to the finals in both Speed Retrieve and Extreme Vertical; placing second and third respectively.    

STEADFAST^® CANINE Joint Health is an alternative to the traditional glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. The product plays an important role not just in joint health maintenance, but also supports the integrity of bones, tendons and ligaments. This is crucial for these special athletes and also important for growing puppies and senior dogs prone to facing joint issues.

“My dog, Puma, is a very active dog and I am always looking for ways to promote his good health,” said Sit Means Sit Professional Trainer Alfredo Rivera. Power Puma was also a world qualified competitor. “STEADFAST^® CANINE fits the bill when it comes to protecting him and helping him perform at his best.” Power Puma competed in the IronDog event, performing all three events, and finishing in fourth place.

Tractor, a yellow Labrador retriever, sporting green ‘war paint’ handled by Lisa Weber of Las Vegas, NV, was the third Sit Means Sit sponsored team, who finished third in IronDog.   

“Arenus was delighted to be a part of this year’s Dogs and Logs World Championships,” said Celeste Mohatt, Arenus Marketing Manager. “It was a thrilling event that highlighted the athletic ability of both the top DockDogs and lumberjacks in the world. STEADFAST^® CANINE was proud of what our sponsored Sit Means Sit trainers and their dogs achieved. We look forward to a continued partnership with the DockDogs organization.” 

Throughout the event, spectators could get paw-tographs from competing DockDogs as well as signed wood chips from competing Ironjacks. STEADFAST^® CANINE hosted the ‘Canine Cantina’, where spectators and their four-legged friends could stop by for some free water, Frisbees and key chains. The ‘Canine Cantina’ served 45 gallons of water to the thousands of spectators in biodegradable, eco-friendly cups.

Andrew Fink and his black Labrador retriever, Wilson took home top honors in the IronDog event. In addition to the dogs competing, top lumberjack athletes were also on hand to compete for the title of Ironjack. 

“I’ve been involved in entertainment events for over 18 years,” said Grant Reeves, President and CEO of DockDogs. “This is the most energetic and high flying event I’ve ever been involved in. It really is non-stop action.”

The Outdoor Channel will again be airing 13 episodes of the STIHL Dogs and Logs World Championships presented by Cabela’s, STEADFAST^® and Royal Canin Saturday afternoons throughout the fall.

About DockDogs

DockDogs^® is the independent governing and sanctioning body for regional, national and international dock jumping performance sports. DockDogs^® establishes the rules and standards of the sport, tracks results and records and supports and promotes the growth of its athletes, events, spectators, and sponsors.  To learn more visit www.dockdogs.com.