According to some Aiken residents, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
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Laura Lee practices tossing a flying disc with her dog, China, as they get ready for the 2005 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships in Aiken. Ms. Lee and China were one of six teams that participated in last year's dog disc competition.
Ron Cockerille/Augusta Chronicle
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Laura Lee took up throwing a flying disc with her Australian shepherd and border collie mix, China, about a year ago.
"I have a very active dog, and I needed something to play with her," Ms. Lee said.
The duo will take their hobby to new heights when the disc-dog competition returns to Aiken's H. Odell Weeks Activities Center soccer field Saturday.
China and other canines can show their stuff at the 2005 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championship, which begins at 9:30 a.m.
Ms. Lee and China made up one of six teams that participated in last year's event in Aiken. Organizers hope more pairs will enter the competition this year.
There is no entry fee for the contest, which is open to all dogs and to novice and veteran competitors.
"It's a great event for spectators, as well as people that want to participate," said Andrew Parker, the Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department's program coordinator.
Participants can register when they arrive, he said, and admission is free.
Contestants and their canine counterparts earn points for basic throws and catches. They receive bonus points for midair catches in the distance-and-accuracy event.
Members of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Molly's Militia will be at the field to provide information and to conduct pet adoptions. Palmetto Vet Calls and Carolina Equine Clinic will have representatives available to offer pet products and services.
The 2005 Skyhoundz Championship Series, sponsored by Hyperflite Flying Discs, includes more than 100 local championships, seven regional championships and a world championship.
All competitors will receive an official Hyperflite K-10 Competition Standard flying disc. The top three finishers will earn plaques.
For more information, call 642-7631.
Reach Betsy Gilliland at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.
2005 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championship
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road
COST: Free
PHONE: 642-7631
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