A strange thing happened a few years ago when Christine Longnecker, who teaches horseback riding in and around Erie County, Pa., brought her new rescue dog, Miles, to a class.
Instead of waiting quietly with the other non-horses in the barn, Miles suddenly sprinted into the ring and bounded over the fences himself.
On Saturday, he is scheduled to compete for the second time in the agility competition at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which will be held in Flushing, Queens.
The agility competition might be the rhythmic gymnastics of Westminster, derided as less than by traditionalists, but it’s a growing sport with meritocratic principles and an air of antic fun in its favor.
Any dog can compete, no matter who its parents are.
Persons:
Christine Longnecker, Miles, “, Ms, Longnecker, antic, they’re
Organizations:
Westminster Kennel, Westminster
Locations:
Erie County, Pa, Flushing , Queens