It has been described as the most fun you can have with your dog and other dog lovers. So, what is Goldstock? In order to truly understand, you have to come and experience it for yourself.
Canine Good Citizen® Testing
The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. Please click here to read a list of requirements to take the test at camp.
Cabin Decorating Contest
For most of the past 20 years of Goldstock, we have had a different theme each year, and to celebrate the theme, there have been golf cart decorations, cabin decorations, and even decorations on our dogs. This year, our 20th Goldstock, we will look back and remember, and honor our friends and our wonderful fur kids. We couldn’t decide on just one theme, so we are asking everyone to pick your favorite theme from years past...and we’ll be posting a link to those themes. So here’s to 20 years of supporting rescue, and there will be a special anniversary prize to the winner of the cabin decorating contest...a donation to the rescue of the winners’ choice. Stay tuned, and pick your theme...happy 20th everyone!
The Sweetest Dog Contest
Do you think YOUR dog is the sweetest dog at Goldstock? Here’s a just-for-fun contest to find out. Your dog gets extra pets, gives extra kisses, shows off its special tricks, and if people agree your dog is sweet, they vote with their wallets! The girl and boy dog who raise the most votes/money win a prize AND their favorite rescue(s) get the money! Click here to read up on the rules and find out how to enter.
The Doggy Olympics
This is an all morning event that includes retrieving, the sassy walk, weave poles and the main event dock diving. Events change from year to year but all events are designed to allow your youngest pup to your oldest senior to show off their athletic chops. If you want to increase your dog's chances for success, the judges do accept bribes to increase your dogs "style points". The judges absolutely love pictures of Presidents, especially pictures of Jackson, Grant and Franklin. All "bribes" and donations to this event go to support local and national rescue organizations.
The Golden Glove Baseball Game
A star studded event filled with super kids and amazing dogs. Just add a ball and you have complete and total fun chaos.
The Agility Demo
Agility is a fun dog sport that has your dog jumping hurdles, through hoops and tackling several other obstacles all the while teaching you and your dog to work as a team. If you want to have a really good time with your dog and increase your dog’s confidence, this demonstration is the place to start!
Field Demo and Running Practice Blinds
If you’re interested in seeing what field training is all about, this demo will give you a brief overview of AKC and Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) field events, as well as showing you working dogs in action. We will talk about how to get your retriever started in playing the game, and at the end we will give you a chance to see if your dog has any interest in birds. In addition to plastic bumpers, we will be using real (dead) birds, probably ducks, for this demo.
This is technically a free demo; however, if you choose to donate, all donated funds will be passed on to a rescue organization (TBD) present at Goldstock.
Rescue Parade and Recognition of Senior Dogs
This is an opportunity to introduce new rescues to the joys of camp and hear their incredible stories. Or celebrate the beauty and grace of our senior dogs. If you would like to have your rescue or senior included in these event(s) please click here for more information and registration forms.
The Candle Ceremony and Slideshow
Believe me, this is an incredibly moving ceremony. As the candles are lit, the slideshow with photos and names of our pets, family and friends who have passed this year are projected on a screen. The slideshow plays continuously. At the end of the formal ceremony, people may choose to join a line to light individual candles and place them in and around the fireplace. The atmosphere is peaceful and supporting. Many people will stay and watch the slideshow over and over. Sometimes the photos of pets or people bring smiles and laughter, sometimes pangs of grief. If you would like to have someone (of any species) honored in this ceremony please click here for more information about the ceremony and instructions on where to submit your information and photos.
This is just a sampling of the amazing events at Goldstock; to check out the rest of this weekend, please click here to view the 2016 Calendar of Events.