Thousands attended the inaugural event as more than 70 canine athletes competed in exciting dock-diving events
Nearly 3,000 spectators and more than 70 canine athletes gathered at Big Truck Farm Brewery in Parkton, Maryland, for the inaugural “Hops on the Dock” competition, hosted through a partnership between Best Friends Fur Ever, Chesapeake DockDogs, and Big Truck Farm Brewery.
Dogs of all breeds and skill levels competed May 15-17 in thrilling dock-diving events including Big Air, Speed Retrieve, and Extreme Vertical, showcasing athleticism, confidence, and the powerful bond between dogs and their handlers.
“The event was a huge success,” said Mary Steinebrunner, President of Best Friends Fur Ever, a pet care company offering dog day care, boarding, and dog spa services. “Partnering with Chesapeake DockDogs and Big Truck Farm Brewery reflects our mission of building community among pet lovers through events, partnerships and support for local animal welfare organizations. We want pet parents to spend more good days with their dogs, and this event helped bring that vision to life.”
“Chesapeake DockDogs members, dogs, friends and families thoroughly enjoyed the event. It was incredible to see some of our longest standing competitors jump alongside those who signed up that very day for the first time,” said Graysen Ratner, President of Chesapeake DockDogs. “Bringing those two groups together is what makes our club so special. We were honored that Best Friends Fur Ever highlighted our 20th anniversary at Big Truck while all of our members were together.”
In the jumping competition, the dogs were grouped in different categories based on their experience and skill level ranging from Novice, Junior, Senior, Elite and Super Elite with dogs jumping. The furthest jumps: Laci 24’ 0” and Bodie 24’10”.
“We love creating experiences that bring families, friends, and the community together, and Hops on the Dock did exactly that,” said Summer Kim, Event Manager of Big Truck Farm Brewery. “Seeing our farm filled with dogs, spectators, and local rescue partners was incredibly special.”
Families and dog lovers had an opportunity to watch canine athletes soar through the air to notch the longest leap from the platform, highest jump and quickest retrieval. They also were able to meet adoptable dogs from Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), learn more about training, enrichment and pet care from local experts, and connect with Reed’s Rescue, a nonprofit, volunteer-based senior dog rescue organization.
As part of the celebration, Best Friends Fur Ever also recognized Chesapeake DockDogs’ recent 20th Anniversary milestone. For two decades, Chesapeake DockDogs has brought together competitors, families, and dog lovers through dock-diving sports and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, helping strengthen the relationship between dogs and their handlers while growing the sport across the Chesapeake area.
The event also highlighted the growing partnership between canine sports organizations and local businesses like Big Truck Farm Brewery, whose expansive outdoor property and community-focused atmosphere helped create a unique destination for pet lovers and families alike.
About Chesapeake DockDogs
Formed in January 2006, Chesapeake DockDogs is the Maryland/Northern Virginia area club of DockDogs® Worldwide, the largest presenter of dock-diving dog performance sports in the world, with over 30 clubs all over the United States, Canada, and Australia. Chesapeake DockDogs has members throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, & New Jersey.
About Big Truck Farm Brewery
Big Truck Farm Brewery is a popular, family-and-pet-friendly craft brewery in Parkton, MD, Set on a 250-acre farm, it features an 1840’s timber-frame barn taproom, homegrown ingredients, on-site food, outdoor games, and scenic views.
About Best Friends Fur Ever
Best Friends Fur Ever (BFFE) is the Baltimore region’s premier dog daycare, boarding, and canine care resort. With locations in Joppa and Cockeysville, Maryland, BFFE provides a safe, enriching, and engaging experience for every dog. From high-energy social play to specialized, medically informed support through the ACC+ program, BFFE’s mission is to ensure every dog thrives both physically and emotionally.
Read the release on Citybiz: https://www.citybiz.co/article/851160/best-friends-fur-ever-partners-with-chesapeake-dockdogs-and-big-truck-farm-brewery-for-blockbuster-hops-on-the-dock-competition/
Or on i95 Business Magazine: https://i95business.com/releases/7921