As the sun rose and shined its light on Highridge Park in Rolling Hills Estates the morning of October 2nd, the volunteers and committee members of Lomita Obedience Training Club could be seen scurrying about setting up the ring for the rally competition. As the sun rose a bit higher, the competitors arrived, their dogs bouncing through the grass, sniffing the air and eyeing the competition. Who would be the winning team of the First Annual Rally Throwdown? Which team would raise the most money for America’s VetDogs? Which team would bring the most laughs with their costumes? That first light of dawn held many questions in its rays of sunshine and as the day unfolded, it did not disappoint.

The first competitor stepped off to the command of forward and the competition began. It was a horse race as they say. Teams that held the lead were knocked off, and then came back after their next team member had a run at it. Then there were the teams that entertained the crowd with their antics and costumes. One team even had their set up decorated to reflect their team theme.

The times were not posted until the awards were announced, so it was anyone’s game until the very end. The team “The Wild Bunch” took first place, “Cosmo Girls” second place, “Wiggles & Wags” third place and team “Three Musketeers” took fourth place. The team that won “Top Fundraiser” was team “Trio de Trailer Trash.”

While a good time was had by all, the most important aspect of the Rally Throwdown was raising money for the charity, America’s VetDogs. That goal was accomplished with gusto! With the help of all our sponsors, volunteers, team sponsorship contributors and raffle ticket purchases, we were able to raise $7,750.00. That’s right $7,750.00 was given to America’s VetDogs!

So please visit our sponsors and tell them thanks for helping make this event so successful. We could not have done it without them.

While we rest on our laurels and give ourselves a pat on the back for a job well done, the minds of the Rally Throwdown committee are not at rest. We are now fired up to meet and beat the goal set this year.

So look for the Rally Throwdown in 2012. We promise it will be bigger, better and with all of your help, raise even more money for America’s VetDogs.

A few photos from the event are below. To view the complete photo gallery, click here.