Cypress man, dog ready to take on challenge
Cypress resident Tony Bessette and his dog Laird are preparing to compete in the the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge this weekend.
The 2015 Western Regionals are taking place in Huntington Beach, California on Saturday, May 30.
Jim Allen, brand manager for Purina Pro Plan, said the event brings together the most athletic canines in the United States.
“It’s a series of competitions that showcase the most incredible dogs,” he said.
Dogs may join in small or large dog agility challenges, diving competitions, retrieving and choreographed disc-catching routines.
Bessette and Laird will be competing in the small dog agility challenge, a test of speed and precision.
The obstacle course includes jumps, weave poles, tunnels and slalom gates. The dog with the fastest time and fewest faults wins.
Bessette rescued Laird, a Shetland sheepdog, in 2006. He had heard the breed excelled at agility challenges, which was something he had wanted to try ever since seeing one of the competitions on television.
“But I had been vice president of a company that re-
quired me to travel quite a bit,” he said. “I just didn’t have the time to do it. Now I’m semiretired, and I have the ability.”
Bessette said it took two years to get Laird ready.
“At first, I did not know anything about it,” he said. “I thought I could just run with my dog and get him to jump. It’s much more complicated than that.”
Luckily, he found some area facilities where he could train and a friend who had competed nationally to coach the duo.
Bessette started by doing some basic training, building Laird’s confidence. Then, he moved on to more rigorous routines.
“It’s a step-by-step process,” he said. “And it takes some time.”
It was a labor of love, Bessette said. “It’s fun. You’re there with your dog, and you’re enjoying your time together.”
Eventually, Bessette and Laird stepped into the ring. They participated in area competitions sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the U.S. Dog Agility Association.
“There’s plenty of local trials going on around Houston,” Bessette said. “It’s all been a learning process.
“I’ve learned something at every event.”
He’s also made a number of friends along the way.
“It’s a growing sport, and more and more people are getting involved,” he said. “I’ve made some great friends. Everyone is willing to help each other and give you tips.”
Bessette said he was excited when Purina Pro Plan contacted him and invited him to participate in its Incredible Dog Challenge.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity,” he said.
He wanted to showcase how talented a rescue dog can be, even one who was 6 when he started training.
Bessette said his fourlegged friend has a competitive spirit.
Laird is 14 inches tall and can jump 18 inches vertically.
“The most rewarding part of competing is the bond that I’ve made with my dog,” he said.
“When I’m done with a run, and I look down at Laird, and he’s there looking up at me, there’s nothing like it. That bond is priceless.”
Bessette encourages other dog owners to consider trying a local agility competition.
“Find a place to train and get involved,” he said. “It’s a nice social event, and it’s good for your health and good for your memory.”
He said competitors are given a course map and then only have seven minutes to memorize the routine, before they run the obstacle course.
Bessette said it’s a difficult challenge, but any nervousness melts away when they start the run.
“Once I get in that mode, Laird and I are just ready to go,” he said. Bessette also is training his new dog Reno to compete in agility tests.
“We’re just starting our journey,” he said. “It’s a blast.”
Allen said the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge is a premiere canine sporting event for dogs, basically the Olympics for dogs. The day’s winners are automatically qualified for the National Finals, held in St. Louis in October.
Allen said all ages and types of dogs compete in the event.
“We have purebreds, mixed breeds, little dogs, and the dogs you would at least expect to be athletic,” he said.
Allen said the event fits with Purina Pro Plan’s mission. “We believe truly that it is nutrition that performs,” he said. “This challenge allows us to showcase people who are active with their dogs.”
Allen said it’s fun to watch.
“This is one of the reasons why I love my job,” he said. “And, in my 18 years of working on this project, I have never seen a dog be a sore loser.”