Dog races will take place

The hounds will indeed be running this weekend at Misty Rivers Plantation, 117 Cross Dike Road on Puget Island. The possibility of a cancellation was mentioned in last week's article, but problems were solved and all systems are go for sight hound lure coursing Saturday and Sunday, October 7 and 8. The event is AKC sanctioned and sponsored by the Willamette Valley Basenji Club, and will be coursing for registered sight hounds only, chasing an artificial bunny around a 1500 yard course.

The public is invited to attend, as well as leashed dogs. Contestants will park on the coursing field; spectators park on the grass along the driveway. Restrooms and handicapped parking are available in the back. Running will start at 9 a.m. on both days continuing to mid-afternoon.

Last weekend's event was for all breeds and mixed breeds running both the CAT (Coursing Ability Test) track and the FAST CAT (a timed 100 yard straight course) and was a great success, with nearly 200 runs each day. Twenty seven breeds were represented, including some rare ones such as Drever, Nova Scotia Duck Toller, Portuguese Podengo and Kooikerhundje, plus a half dozen or so talented mixed breeds. This week's event should be considerably smaller and more laid back -- with easier parking for those who want to come watch the fun.