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Head To Frankenmuth For 2011 Dog Bowl

FRANKENMUTH (WWJ) - Got a canine athlete in your house? Dogs and their owners across the state are invited to the annual Dog Bowl 2011 on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 and 29, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm at Frankenmuth River Place Shops in Frankenmuth.

Friends, family and especially dogs are sure to have a great time participating or just being spectators at this unusual, fun-filled free event.

"We encourage families to bring their pet and create some great memories," Michael Zehnder, Dog Bowl Event Chairman, said in a statement. "With or without a dog, you'll have a great time enjoying these dog Olympics."

Dog Bowl 2011 is a free family event, featuring over 20 activities for canine athletes.

Wiener Dog Races for the hottest little hounds in town. Over 200 dogs are anticipated at races to be held on Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm at the River Place Stage area. All Wiener dogs are welcome. Bring your dog and register at 4 pm on the day of the event.

DockDogs Distance Diving Competitions will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Several world records were nearly broken during last year's competition! Children love to stand poolside to literally "feel" the action as they are sprayed by the resulting splashes. On-site registration will be available as long as open slots remain.

Border Collie Sheep Herding Demonstrations return for the third year, taking place both Saturday and Sunday at noon and 4 pm. The demonstrator selects children from the audience to attempt to herd sheep better than one Border Collie dog. Various Border Collies will demonstrate their skill set and instincts for the audience as they control and move a herd of sheep within a fenced area adjacent to the Disc Dog field.

Considered by many spectators as the highlight event of the weekend, the Disc Dog Competition runs both days from 10 am to 5 pm.  Over 60 dogs will compete as they demonstrate a variety of amazing skills; some set to music, while other challenges are for distance and speed. Judges score on the originality and skill of both the Dog and the Handler.

Bring your bog for the third annual Canine Cruise on the Cass River. This on-the-river relaxing event allows the public to experience a Frankenmuth River Boat Tour on the Bavarian Belle paddle wheel boat with their pets. The Cruise departs on Saturday at 10 am. Tickets are $3 per person with a free ride for your dog.

Watch the canines as they hit the pavement with their owners for the Annual Pet Parade Saturday at 1 pm. Better yet, join the parade with your dog! The parade starts in the South Entrance parking lot of River Place and travels North on Main Street, then East over the Wooden Covered Bridge and ends at the East parking lot. Spectators are invited to bring lawn chairs and view the parade from sidewalks along the route.

Turn your dog into a stage star. Dog owners have the opportunity to show off to the public the unique tricks they have taught their canine at the Silly Pet Tricks event 2 pm Sunday. Dog owners can sign up on site.

Experience the Rock-N-Roll K-9's Performance Team as they perform tricks, relay racing, limbo competitions and choreographed obedience routines and more - all to a Rock-N-Roll musical show. Performance times are Saturday 11 am, 2 pm, 4:30 pm and 8 pm, and Sunday 11 am, 3 pm and 6 pm.

Daily from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm is the Doggie Dash De Lure Races. Watch professionally trained dogs race through an obstacle course chasing a lure pulled by ropes and pulleys for the fastest times. And if your dog likes to chase squirrels, then they can attempt the course, too.

New this year will be an Agility Course with demonstrations and various competitions daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Those interested in trying their "paw" at agility courses are welcome and will have the opportunity to be instructed by professional trainers.

Pro Plan's Rally To Rescue organization will be joining again this year with 10 dog rescues. Rally To Rescue will have pet health talks, demonstrations and information available on a wide range of pet related topics.

Dog Bowl 2011 will also host 20 exhibitors offering unique pet related products and services, free inflatable games for children and face painting.

To print a detailed schedule for Dog Bowl 2011 visit www.dogbowlfun.com. For more information, call 1-800-600-0105.

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