Jump More, Bark Less

For every dog out there who wants to nap on the sofa when you're at work, sneak nibbles of dinner off the table when no one is paying attention and offer up an occasional bark when you're providing insufficient ear-scratching, there's an X-treme pup who lives for the exhilaration of an adrenaline rush and the excitement of physical challenges (and belly rubs, of course, in the down time). This latter group of canines doesn't climb rock walls or jump out of airplanes like their human equivalents might -- instead, they head out to Purina Farms' Incredible Dog Arena (200 Checkerboard Drive, Gray Summit) for an event like today's Tough Enuff to Jump! Diving Dog Fundraiser. Thrill-seeking pups will have four opportunities (at $20 per entry) to jump way off a dock and show off their swimming skills, which means humans will have four chances (at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) to cheer on these puppy-dog daredevils. Admission to watch is free, but donations are being accepted for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and on behalf of a child with Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare degenerative disorder. For directions and to learn more about the other goings-on at Purina Farms, check out www.purinafarms.com.
Sat., Aug. 16, 10 a.m., 2014