As you are probably well aware, the 2014 Winter Olympics are going on in Sochi, Russia right now. I am not normally too excited about watching sports, but I love the Olympics. There is just something so magical watching athletes do flips and spins on snow and ice.

This year there has been a lot of hot discussion about social policies in the host city. In the pet blogging community, the focus has been on the mistreatment of stray dogs in Sochi. Some believe that the best course of action is to boycott the Olympics completely and I don’t have any issue with that.

I, however, can’t bring myself to do it. I’ve been an athlete. I know what it feels like to work hard. I just can’t justify not supporting athletes following their dream solely because of the social policies from the International Olympic Committee’s choice of host city.

What I can do is bring the Olympics back to the dogs. I’m angry and disgusted by the treatment of dogs in Sochi, but I’m only human.

A human who enjoys making gold medals out of clay and coming up with ridiculous competitions for my dogs to win those medals.

Now for the fun.

This past Saturday, Luna and Cousin Keto competed in a competition of wit, strength, and endurance.

The 2014 Winter Doglympics!

The puzzle solving competition is on!

The puzzle solving competition is on!

Luna and Cousin Keto battled in six events.
Puzzle Solving
The Great Blanket Escape
The Yard Dash
Hurdles
The High Jump and Catch
Yoga Mat Unrolling (idea borrowed from Sugar the Golden Retriever)

Luna prepares for the big race!

Luna prepares for the big race!

Keto sets up for his hurdle run.

Keto sets up for his hurdle run.

The competition was fierce. Treats were sacrificed and it even snowed a little, but it was all worth it in the end.

So how did each pup make out?
Puzzle Solving – Luna wins Gold!
The Great Blanket Escape – Luna wins Gold!
The Yard Dash – Luna wins Gold!
Hurdles – Luna wins Gold!
The High Jump and Catch – Keto wins Gold!
Yoga Mat Unrolling – This just kind of failed and resulted in a muddy yoga mat. Next time.

Ready Set Go! Jump over those hurdles!

Ready Set Go! Jump over those hurdles!

Even though I didn’t have a podium, we celebrated with a medal ceremony full of honor and glory.

Luna and Keto show off their Gold Medals

Luna and Keto show off their Gold Medals

My mom brought up a good point. We forgot the National Anthems!

What would your dog’s National Anthem be?

Luna’s National Anthem is Cheeseburger In Paradise.

Cousin Keto is definitely a Sharp Dressed Man.

Keto poses for the Puparazzi after the Doglympics

Keto poses for the Puparazzi after the Doglympics

But wait! The fun isn’t over yet. You can host your very own Doglympics!

Just gather various items around your house. Muffin pans, tennis balls, puzzles, cones, blankets, and of course treats. Be creative and have fun with it.

Want to make your own medals? All you need is:
1 package of gold Sculpey (or similar) bake to harden clay
Wax paper
An oven that reaches 275 degrees F
Clay working tools (optional)

DIY Clay Doglympic Gold Medals.

DIY Clay Doglympic Gold Medals.

I was able to get five medals and a tiny trophy out of one package.

Start with a ball of clay. Flatten it. Then cut out your medal shape.

I made more traditional Doglympic medals, but you can decorate it however you want. Chapstick lids work great for making Doglympic rings. Don’t forget to make a hole to thread ribbon or string through.

Bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees F (or whatever your package of clay says.)

Let the medals cool, add the ribbons, and you are all set to host your own Doglympics!

Jessica Shipman
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