THE Coffs Harbour Dog Club has hosted their Autumn Trials in agility, jumping and games at the Rex Hardaker Oval in Toormina over the weekend.

Dogs jumped hurdles, traversed tunnels, and clambered over A-frames, dog walks, seesaws and through weave poles.

“The Friday afternoon was so wet, even the paperwork going back to the office was a bit soggy, but the volunteers and the judges were out there, so we got it done to put the competitors through,” said Will Sinclair-Huggins, Trial Manager.

Luckily the weather cleared over the weekend.

Will’s role involved contracting judges, booking the grounds, deciding on the event format and liaising with governing body Dogs NSW.

He also ran his dog Alfie in the competition.

“Alfie was a rescue dog at six months of age, and he hadn’t had a normal life before we got him, as he wasn’t a confident dog,” said Will.

“People said to me if you can get him to jump up on things and go over strange surfaces, it will build confidence, so we did that and I could see he was really enjoying it and when we did the agility class, he just lit up.”

Alfie has also helped Will out in his private life, particularly on his wedding day two years ago in Kingscliff.

“Alfie was my best man because a dog is a man’s best friend.

“His plus one for the wedding was his dog walker,” said Will.

“My wife Mel and I had eloped, so it was just the four of us with Alfie, the photographer and the plus one who were the witnesses.”

At the Autumn Trials, Alfie got his first qualification in the Open event.

“Despite not being as tall as the other dogs he competed against, he was quick enough to come fourth, which is pretty amazing.

“He is such a quick little guy.

“We came first in Jumping Dog Excellent (JDX), and we are gearing ourselves to run at the national event.”

By Mary KEILY