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Can Tracy shepherd Oscar to be top dog?
Tracy and her dog Oscar taking part in a race at Hicks Lodge, Leicestershire
In keeping with the Olympic spirit felt up and down the country, the ‘Dog Olympics’ take place in Cirencester with an entrant from Horncastle taking part.
Tracy Evans and her dog Oscar, a German Shepherd-Husky cross, are entering the 15th European Canicross Federation (ECF) Championships held at Cirencester Park on the weekend of 13-14 October.
Canicross UK organises races and the league, and entrants compete to be the fastest team around a course - usually 5km.
Tracy and her husband Chris rescued Oscar from the dog pound at Ingham three and a half years ago.
Oscar was aged just seven months and found himself in his fourth home.
He was underweight, not socialised, ill treated and had a fear of aggression, but, despite fears he may have to be put down, after a great deal of patience and training he got better.
Tracy originally started running with Oscar to work off some of his Husky instincts and to help with his rehabilitation. Then a friend recommended Canicross Racing.
Despite most of the races being long distances away, they started competing and Tracy admits she caught the bug.
She finished her first complete Canicross season in May and came fifth in the table in her age group.
She and Oscar also ran at Crufts this year, coming fourth in his age group.
They also take part in Beginners Agility Shows and Companion Shows, with a number of rosettes to their credit.
“I got involved to benefit Oscar,” said Tracy. “But now love the racing and do it for the fun.
“Not only that, I have lost three and a half stone en route.”
Tracy originally took Oscar to Westville Dog Training classes held at Tattershall Village Hall each Tuesday evening.
She is also chairman of the club, as having lost two trainers within a year the volunteer committee were told the club would have to close if other trainers and helpers were not found.
They now have three regular trainers, and two, including Tracy, who help when needed.
She added: “After the initial experience with Oscar I feel very strongly about the importance of puppy and dog training.”
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Weather for Horncastle
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 14 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
