Doggieteering with Tollymore Orienteers

Adventurous Doggos Tracking Down Treats

On Sunday 25 August 2019, in celebration of International Dog Day, Tollymore Orienteers hosted a "pawesome" (awesome) event at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, in the heart of County Down, Northern Ireland.

Tollymore Orienteers are a development hub of Lagan Valley Orienteers. Supported by Sport Northern Ireland.  This group are into their 3rd Summer of Adventures with a strong focus on family fun and exploring local areas. Like all Orienteering clubs, the hub is always on the lookout for new members. After spotting an article about Doggieteering, Lagan Valley Orienteers regular Jane Wilson suggested this might be a super event for the Tollymore Crew.

Doggieteering ran exactly as any other O-event would but with the added benefit of doggie treats in Tupperware at each control. The event instructions were printed on the back of the maps.

The feedback was fantastic – waggy tails all round and lots of happy humans too!

All the dogs and their humans were smiling from "ear terrier" (ear to ear!) as they emerged from the forest and headed to the finish line to enjoy a refreshing bowl of water and the finishers complimentary tennis balls. Memories to cherish "fur-ever" (forever!). The hub were also delighted to be able to donate the left over treats to Northern Ireland Assistance Dogs (NIAD) thanks to support from the Smith Family of Lagan Valley Orienteers and their very special dogs.   

Organisers Juls Hanvey and Jane Wilson reckon an event like this is "pawsibble" (plausible!) for any club.

Sporting Clubs Coordinator for Northern Ireland, Juls Hanvey, said: "The only difference between this event and any other beginner event was the treats at each control and some clever marketing.  We wanted to appeal to the many dog walkers of the area and encourage them out to have a go at the sport.  We did have to tell them that although we couldn’t always promise treats, we could always promise fresh air, new skills, adventure and fun! We are hoping to see some of the new faces, both furry and otherwise at our next event.”

Why not give it a go? Woof Woof.

Photos by kind permission from Tollymore Orienteers Facebook page.