Canines compete in 22nd annual Dog Olympics

Hosted by members of the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, the event is a fundraiser designed to provide support for 13 local rescue groups that work to find stray animals forever homes. 

Saturday's event included athletic and non-athletic competitions, and the Raleigh Kennel Club sponsored a free microchip clinic. Microchips can be scanned with a handheld device to help ensure that lost pets will be returned to their owners.

Scout, a 13-year-old who came with her family to the fundraiser, said she trained her dog Buddy all year to compete in the high jump competition. 

"We don't really know where he came from," Scout said of how her family came to know Buddy. "The found him on the side of the road. Dogs aren't like people. They don't insult you. They are really nice."

Bill Winters, who brought his 5-year-old Chihuahua Puck to compete in the limbo contest, said his pooch is his best friend. 

"He and I are inseparable," he said. "No matter what goes on, I know that I always got one friend."