We tried something new again this week – the explosively popular AKC Fast CAT.  Fast CAT is AKC’s 100 yard straight track sprint event, open to all breeds, and also to mixed breeds. We have been encouraged to try this for quite a while by our friend Donna, who owns CH Ocerico Everest, RN FDC FCAT CGCA TKN ATT. (Everest happens to be the most titled Sloughi in US history, thanks to Donna and her efforts.). Everest was the first Sloughi to compete in Fast CAT and the first Sloughi to earn the BCAT, DCAT and FCAT titles. But, we are newbies, just cutting our teeth on something we’ve never tried before.  We had a glorious weekend in Wisconsin – temperatures in the 60’s, bright sun and clear, blue skies.  Rima, Qolt and Chase ran both days and we also brought Sahara on Sunday. After two days and 14 opportunities for qualifying runs, we are happy to say we got eight qualifying runs, with times sort of all over the map.  (Chase and Sahara are most naturally interested in the lure and ran the fastest.). It took the dogs a couple of tries to figure out what was expected of them and then it clicked.  Rima thinks it is somewhat boring and wonders why she should chase a plastic bag when squirrels and rabbits exist on her farm at home.

	Saturday Run #1	Saturday Run #2	Sunday Run #1	Sunday Run #2	Total Points
Chase	27.70	28.71	29.08	29.14	114.63
Qolt	NQ	18.24	23.84	25.04	67.12
Rima	22.27	NQ	23.02	22.08	67.37
Sahara	N/A	N/A	21.54	28.02	49.56

We had a great deal of fun at our first FCAT and will be trying this again in another couple of weeks.  I cannot recommend this highly enough to any Sloughi owner who has not yet tried this.  It is fun; the rules are simple and easy, and the Sloughis seem to really enjoy it. All photos Photography by Alissa, Pet Personalities