Whippet aficionados from across North America descended on Brennan Park field as the North American Whippet Racing Association and the National Oval Track Racing Association held their nationals in 麻豆社国产Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 28 and 29).
According to organizer Penny Wilmot, it was a positive weekend for all involved.
"The event was a huge success with the largest entry we have ever had in Squamish," she said. "We had competitors who travelled from as far away as Maine, South Carolina, Texas, Indiana, California, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, Washington and of course British Columbia."
Glen Sawards travelled to 麻豆社国产from Goldendale, Washington and said he was impressed by what he saw.
"The facilities here have been wonderful and the scenery is just amazing," he said. "The Canadian people are always really friendly and they really know how to treat us right."
Sawards, who made his trek with 11 dogs said the competition was stiff, however one of his dogs placed second.
"Our dogs have been running all right," he said. "We've had a lot of young dogs, racing for the first time here and there is some pretty hot competition."
A big part of the attraction is meeting people as passionate about whippets as he is.
"You just meet some great people from all over out here," he said. "I think we're all just animal lovers and love these dogs."
Sawards himself is a big animal lover, as he and his wife often take in abused or abandoned dogs to help give them a better home.
Saturday's race featured the NAWRA straight track event, which saw a female named Dani capture the top dog of the day title. Pat Burlingame, who hails from Southern California was the dog's proud owner.
Sunday was the oval track racing portion of the event and exceptionally strong winds caused some delays. Races weren't completed until 6 p.m., but after it was all said and done a locally born dog took the top prize.
Chief, a male born in 麻豆社国产on the same weekend four years ago, was named top dog of the day for Sunday.
Chief's owners Troy and Helena James of Cobble Hill, B.C. said not only was he named after the local landmark, but the entire litter was given 麻豆社国产area names.
Chief also took home the overall combined award for top dog over both days of competition.
Next up for the dogs will be a trip to California as the Northern California Whippet Club will host an event on Saturday (Sept. 4) and Sunday (Sept. 5) in Sacramento.
For more information and a full schedule for both circuits, visit www.nawra.com or www.notra.org.
