What the heck is Flyball?

Hundreds of two and four-legged competitors from the North American Flyball Association convened at the Boothbay Region YMCA this past Saturday and Sunday. Flyball.org has a detailed explanation about the sport of Flyball, but Steve Kanyok of the Mystic Stormchasers from Connecticut was able to explain it more succinctly.

“Flyball is like fetch on steroids for crazy dog people,” said Kanyok.

The competition attracts dog owners of working breeds like Australian sheepdogs and terriers. Working breeds aren’t well-suited to a leisurely life as a house pet and Flyball gives them an outlet for their inbred need to work. The dogs, with vocal support and food motivation from their humans, compete against time. This weekend marked the 10th year of the competition at the Y. In addition to providing education and entertainment to onlookers, the event gave a boost to local businesses during the shoulder season. The event also featured vendors, a silent auction, a raffle and no admission fee. Well worth marking on your 2017 calendar.