Ashley Whippet Invitational Rescheduled

A sudden thunderstorm and drenching downpour sent dogs and their owners fleeing the Ashley Whippet Invitational last week. The Shadle Park event has been rescheduled for tonight. Registration is at 5:30 p.m., with the contest at 6.

The event is named in honor of Ashley Whippet, who brought 50,000 spectators to their feet at Dodger Stadium in 1974 by catching Frisbees for eight consecutive minutes between innings.

The whippet was clocked at 35 miles per hour and could leap 9 feet in the air.

Competitors score points by running farther, faster, and jumping higher. All four paws should be off the ground. Most importantly, they need to bring the disc back to the the disc tosser.

All contestants in the 14th annual event receive an official Alpo Frisbee and certificates of achievement, said Marion Severud, community relations supervisor for the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department.

There is no registration fee for the event, known officially as the 1997 Alpo Frisbee Disc Championships,

The event features booths and demonstrations, including dog grooming, information on guide dogs for the blind, dog training, greyhound adoption and dog treats.

, DataTimes