In September, we held the first-ever Fidelco Puppy Olympics at our headquarters in Bloomfield with our volunteer puppy raisers and the pups they are lovingly raising.

The event included:

• Simon Says
• Egg Races
• Musical Chairs
• Bobbing for Apples
• Bowling

It was a wonderful opportunity for our pups-in-training to interact with each other and work on the skills they will need to become incredible guide dog partners.

Opening Ceremony

“Jango” carried in the torch.

Musical Chairs

Contestants walked around the circle with their pup and when the music stopped, they had to place their pup in a sit or down stay. Then grab a chair! If their pup breaks their stay, they have to leave their chair and correct their pup. Hopefully they make it back in time to a seat! The last team left”sitting” in the chair wins gold!

Simon Says

Contestants must only follow all the commands that begin with “Simon Says”. There are commands for both their pup and for the handler. The last pair standing wins gold!

Egg Race

Contestants are timed and have to walk to the cone with their pup in heel and balance egg on a spoon. At the cone they have to place their pup in a sit or down stay then return to the other side and call their pup back to them. The team with the fastest time wins!

Bowling

Contestants have 2 attempts to knock down pins using any toys or treats to encourage your pup. 1 point is awarded for each pin knocked down. The team with the most points wins gold!

Bobbing for Apples

Contestants have 2 minutes to encourage their pups to touch, pick up, and bring their handler an apple. Each touch is 1 point, picking up an apple is 2 points, and 5 points is awarded for bringing an apple to their handler. The teams with the most points win!