Another year begins (6/6/2008):

It is the eve of a new season. Tomorrow we'll open the Sparks Marina Docks for 2008 and we all look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Dog diving has become one of America's fastest growng sports because its driving force is fun and it is open to any dog of any size that is in good health and loves to chase toys. the fun and exictement is equally enjoyed by the dogs, handlers, and those who just come to watch.

One of the most rewarding parts of being associated with H3D is to see the joy shared by our members and their canine pals. Already the year has kicked off to a great start. Almost half the dogs that qualified for the Pro Finals during last week's Jump for Cash in Auburn were from H3D.

I look forward to seeing everyone down on the dock and working together to make this a memorable year.

This summer's big events:

Practice at the Marina: As I mentioned, we’ll open officially on Saturday, June 7. Our opening day will be held in conjunction with a major Nevada Humane Society fundraising event at the Marina called “Walk for Animals.” The walk will be held from 8 am – 1pm that and the Humane Society is planning for a number of post walk events, contests, and entertainment, including a demonstration by our dive dogs. This is a great opportunity for us to team up with the Humane Society on a worthy cause, and meet many new people who care about animals. More details to come as we get closer to the event.

H3D is working with Splash Dogs and Tamarack Junction to host two big events in Reno this summer.

Tamarack Junction Summer Solstice Splashdown/Fun Jump: Basically, what we are doing here is moving and expanding our annual Fun Jump at Tamarack Junction. This event will be held (as the title suggests) during the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 21. You may now register for this event at splashdogs.com.

Saturday’s events includes the annual Fun Jump from 9 am to 3 pm wherein we invite everyone in the area to bring their dog over to Tamarack Junction and give dog diving a try for free.

Following the Fun Jump, the real competition begins with one or two competitive waves on Saturday evening, then a wave or two on Sunday morning followed by Open and Pro Finals. Registration for this competition will be through splashdogs.com.

Nevada State Fair: August 21-24. As always, the Nevada State Fair folk are extremely enthusiastic about the annual Splash Dog event so keep that weekend free. Again, registration will be through Splash Dogs. {mospagebreak title=What You Can Do}

What you can do:

Why, volunteer of course. As you know, we are an all-volunteer organization and need everyone to help out so we can keep our dogs happy. Please hold aside some time during the Summer Solstice Splashdown and the Nevada State Fair so that you can help out at the registration table, t-shirt stand or around the dock.

We also need volunteers to help us at the welcome table and on the dock during our weekly practices. Talk with exec board members Lisa, Leland, Suzy or myself and we’ll get you going.

Finally, a quick thanks to the H3D Board members for spending their winter months planning and pulling the 2008 season together: Mark and Becky Maley, JJ Bowen, Jenny Haas, Lisa Kus (Secretary). Suzy Nicholson (Treas.), and Leland Ede (Vice-Pres.).

Please let us know any thoughts and ideas you have for the club. Look forward to seeing all our friends at the dock.

Bob H.