The Columbia Agility Team (CAT), a well-established dog agility group based in Portland, is urgently searching for a new training location as their lease at a barn in Helvetia is set to expire in June.
Formed in 1993, the team has called the Helvetia barn home for the last seven years. However, the barn’s owners notified CAT five months ago that their lease would not be renewed, leaving the team scrambling to find a suitable new space.
“This is the best and most convenient facility I’ve ever had access to, and I’m very sad our time here is coming to an end,” said team member Courtney Keys.
The challenge of securing a new facility is not unfamiliar to CAT. Team member Kitty Ware, who has been with the group for over three decades, shared that the team has relocated through several barns over the years. “In the 32 years I’ve been involved, we’ve had to move at least seven times,” Ware said. “Finding a space large enough for our needs is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Without a new location, the team may be forced to practice in their backyards, lacking the proper infrastructure of a fully equipped, covered obstacle course like the one they currently use in Helvetia.
Dog agility is a challenging and rewarding sport, requiring constant practice and dedication. Keys, reflecting on the sport’s unique bond between handler and dog, shared, “It’s magical to compete with your dog and communicate with a creature who doesn’t speak your language, yet you are perfectly in sync.”
The team believes that both dogs and owners benefit greatly from the sport, not only gaining confidence in the arena but also learning new skills. “I want to give my dogs the best life I can,” Ware added.
As the June deadline approaches, CAT continues to search for a new facility to rent. The team is hopeful that a suitable space will become available soon to ensure their agility training can continue without interruption.
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