RuffMudder… the name elicits such wonderful memories of the friends and dogs I’ve shared this incredible event with since it started a few years ago. After a short pandemic-induced hiatus, RuffMudder returned in 2023.
RuffMudder is a 5.5 km cross-country obstacle course, running through forests, fields, and streams, and traversing over 80 creative and fun obstacles that are designed for all levels of fitness and all kinds of dogs.
RuffMudders can run or walk the course at their own speed and choose to avoid certain obstacles as needed. I personally prefer to take my time, though I’ve also run segments of the course with my dogs over the years.
The labor of love that goes into RuffMudder moves me each time I participate – from the upbeat greetings at the entrance, the friendly ushers and volunteers, to the care with which the course is built. I’ve also enjoyed meeting great vendors in the Bark It Market and cooling off in the beer garden.
Mostly, I relish knowing that all this fun is for a good cause, because a portion of the RuffMudder proceeds benefit the Farley Foundation. By covering the cost of life-saving medical treatments, the Farley Foundation helps low-income pet parents keep their pets healthy and at home with their families.
This year, I will be participating again but for the first time, I’m doing it with a group of Way of Life students and their dogs. All of them have made enough progress with their canines to be ready for participation in a busy event like this. Our team includes a mastiff, a Chihuahua, a cattle dog, an Aussie, two Aussie-doodles, and my German shepherd Bruna.
Interested in joining us? We are signed up for the 12:15 PM wave and as of writing this, there are still spaces available. Please reply to this message if you think you’d like to participate!
Date: Saturday June 22, 2024
Way of Life Group Time: 12:15 PM
Website: https://ruffmudder.ca
Email: ruffmudderrace@hotmail.com
Address: Abernant Vet Services 6725 Hwy 26, Stayner, ON, Canada