16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic

YEAGER: A CANINE WITH A HEART

 

What do dog jumping and Down syndrome advocacy have in common? 

 

It may sound like a joke, but the answer is not only serious, it's downright inspiring. Both dog jumping and Down syndrome advocacy happen to be the passion of Dave Skoletsky of Stoughton, the founder of "Sit" Happens Dog Training. Dave has managed to parlay these "hobbies" into a remarkably successful outreach campaign that continues to make a real difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome.  

 

The vehicle for Dave's vision is Yeager, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois who, like Dave, has a heart of gold. Early this year, Yeager - who Dave found on Craigslist - set the world record for Extreme Vertical Jumping, leaping 8'4" in the air in official competition. The key to their success? Yeager's strength, agility and focus, in combination with Dave's professional but loving training regimen and his ability to get the best out of his "best friend." 

 

In his brief but impactful career on the "Dock Dogs" circuit, Yeager has already racked up an impressive resume, including "Rookie of the Year", "Iron Dog" and "Most Inspiring Team." He has appeared all over television, including on ESPN, 'Chronicle' and The Outdoor Channel.

 

Next month, on Sunday October 7 at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Dave and Yeager will be at our 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic, greeting people and performing tricks. 

 

REGISTER TODAY TO JOIN YEAGER OCT. 7! 

Yeager on a visit to Virginia Beach, where he became the Iron Dog world record holder

 

 

 

DAVE & YEAGER'S INSPIRATION 

 

Dave and Yeager's story is about much more than a man and his dog. It also happens to be about a young girl, Dave's daughter Eve, who six years ago was born with Down syndrome. "I experienced what most new parents go through," Dave says, "fear, confusion, and stress about how to navigate and provide the best for my child." 

 

In the coming years, as Dave came to understand the beauty of Down syndrome, he never forgot the support he received from organizations like the MDSC. "We've learned that interventions between birth and age 3 would make the biggest difference for Eve.  Being 'in the know' and having access to interventions and support groups was of the upmost importance to us." 

 

Dave is so appreciative of the support his family received that he and Yeager have reached an agreement -- ALL of Yeager's winnings during ALL his performances go to advocate for Down syndrome programs, organizations and causes. We are thrilled that for the first time ever, Dave and Yeager will be at our Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. Dave has put together a Buddy Wak team, 'Go Team 21', and plans to donate all proceeds to his team and from merchandise sales to the MDSC.  

 

Come visit Dave and Yeager at our Buddy Walk on Oct. 7... just look for the dog sailing high above the crowd. 

  

Fighting for Jack!

 


TWO OTHER PUPS TO WATCH FOR!

 

Yeager won't be the only competitive canine visiting at our Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. Two other members of Dave's "Go Team 21" will be present as well and ready to perform.

 

Taho (above), a 1 1/2 year old yellow lab is a newcomer to DockDogs, but has already left his mark. At only his third event, Taho took first place in "Big Air" at a national competition, jumping 25'8". As Dave says, "Remember his name. You will being hearing great things about him." His owner is Jesse. 

 

Then there's Brooke (below), a 6-month-old Border Collie and another rising star of DockDogs. For a breed that is not fond of water, Dave says, she is a good example of facing challenges and thriving  She started just two months ago at the Mansfield Crossing Event, jumping 9'9". Her owner is Brendan. 

 

 

16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic

A THREE-MILE WALK THAT'S SO MUCH MORE

 

The MDSC's 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic will feature Special Guest Lauren Potter of Glee, known to millions as Becky Jackson, captain of the Cheerios cheerleader squad, and a true champion of people with Down syndrome around the world. American Idol semi-finalist Ayla Brown will perform with a full 5-piece band and songs from her new album.

 

Each step around the beautiful 3-mile route, at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield gives hope to new families, provides critical support and resources for other families, teaches educators, policymakers and medical professionals how to best serve people with Down syndrome, and ultimately changes the lives of people with Down syndrome and those who love them.

 

October is National Down Syndrome Awareness, so there's no better time to promote acceptance and inclusion for the Down syndrome community than at our 16th Annual Buddy Walk & Family Picnic. Join the excitement and the celebration.

 

SEE HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION!

 

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