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WHEN ARE THE TRIALS? SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, 2008, 10:30 a.m., during the sixth annual MAINE BOATS, HOMES & HARBORS SHOW, August 8-10, 2008, in Rockland, Maine. The six pre-qualified contestants and handlers get into the show free. Please note that, due to liability concerns, NO other animals are allowed on show grounds; leave your pets at home. (The pre-qualified Boatyard Dog® competitors are allowed on the grounds on Sunday morning only).

WHAT'S INVOLVED? This is meant to be a light-hearted, fun (and funny!) event. Dogs and handlers will run a timed obstacle course that might include negotiating a tippy dock, jumping over lobster crates, getting in and out of a small boat, fetching bizarre objects from the water, or whatever else we dream up. A short "freestyle"act is also required. There'll be a parade, so costumes (for dog, owner, or both) are strongly encouraged. And as a previous competitor has noted, "You or your dog will get wet!"

HOW DO I ENTER? ALL DOGS MUST BE PRE-QUALIFIED TO COMPETE. Mail us a letter telling us why your dog should be a trials competitor (be creative, extra points are given for humor). Include a flattering photograph (print or slide preferred), contact information, and a daytime phone number. The final group of contestants will be chosen from the pool of written entries and notified by mail. All entry materials become the sole property of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, Inc. Mail to: Boatyard Dog® Trials, P.O. Box 758, Camden, ME 04843 or e-mail: dave@maineboats.com [1]. Please, no calls.

PRIZES: The World Champion(s) will be featured in the Boatyard Dog® column in an upcoming issue of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine and will keep the perpetual "Pup Cup" for one year.

DEADLINE: Put a big, dirty paw print on the calendar! Your entry for the 2008 trials must be received by JULY 16, 2008.