These Are a Few of Your Favorite Things…About Rally!

Canine and human connections top the list.

Recently we asked our WCRL Rally Facebook followers to tell us what they love most about the sport by answering – “My favorite thing about rally is…”

The most frequent responses involved the relationship we have with our dogs: bonding time, building teamwork and getting to talk to the dogs.

Robin Korotki from Hampstead, Md., expressed her favorite thing about rally as, “Being able to cheer my dog on as we work together.”

Judy Cherry from Hunterdon County, N.J., said, “The joy of doing something with my dog that gives her the opportunity to play with me. We both love the challenge. Gives a new, fun dimension to ‘sit, stay’!”

Jean Guyon from Altamont, N.Y., agreed that she loves “the chance to spend time with my older dog in a fun, safe activity that we both love.”

Getting right to the point, Jen Heid of Pittsburgh, Penn., said, “Specifically WCRL rally…Allows my tripod dog to participate (unlike other venues who shall remain nameless).”

E Foley of Burtonsville, Md., shared her happy memory: “The way my dog looks at me. I originally thought rally was going to be super boring but *he* is the one that made me realize it is fun! He gets this goofy grin on his face the whole time, but especially for 360 Left. At one trial, judge Leigh Sylvester drew a smiley face on our score sheet next to the 360 Left sign because she thought he was so cute and happy when doing it.”

Beyond canine connections

In addition to obvious benefits and connections with the dogs, many found the human connections to be equally as beneficial in rally.

“The fun I have had with my dog is number one but so many other things: The friends I have made, the teamwork I have seen and the love of dogs and the wonderful feeling when you see another team have a fantastic run,” said Becky Potter.

Karleen Krisher Hayden of E. Greenbush, N.Y., added, “The support, encouragement and friendliness among competitors!” She also noted the “goofy smile on my dog's face when he looks up at me during a run because he's saying, ‘Isn't this fun, Ma?’”

Whether it’s the smiling faces of other participants as they build friendships and support each other, or the expression of your dog enjoying the sport by your side, rally offers more than a few of our favorite things!