Flyball is a dog sport known for its many success stories. Makaso and Rex are shining examples of diamonds in the rough in the rescue world. Dedicated family members, Wendell, Laura, and Kiyomi helped these career change dogs into flyball stars and wonderful family members.

Here is their story written by Wendell, Laura, & Kiyomi.

Makaso and Rex were rescued from shelters 5 years ago. Makaso and Rex have since battled their way to Flyball Excellence! After 18 months of diligent training by Brian and Joanne, these dogs finally had a place in the world. Makaso, a cattledog mix, is super fast, super smart, and is completely devoted to Wendell. He is the original Bullet Dog*. Makaso is a crowd pleaser with his trademark swimmer’s turn and tough work ethics.

Rex, a terrier mix, is ALWAYS happy and is completely devoted to Makaso and comfortable sleeping spots. A handsome pup that loves his job on the flyball course.

Their “currency” is yummy treats, but for flyball they would happily work for free because they LOVE it so much!!!!

*Ballistic Racers has 2 teams, one of which is named Bullet Dogs, in honor of all the hard work, dedication and outstanding fast dogs.

Groovy Event Benefits Canine Companions for Independence

Join the Ballistic Racers Flyball Team when Canine Companions for Independence hosts the sixth annual WOOFSTOCK: A Festival for Dogs & People on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 10:00AM until 3:00PM. The event will be held at the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way in San Diego’s Balboa Park. All proceeds from WOOFSTOCK will benefit Canine Companions, which is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs to people with disabilities completely free of charge. This ‘60’s themed festival is open to the public and well-behaved, leashed dogs. There is plenty of free parking. Admission is only $5 and discount coupons are being distributed to local businesses. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available.

The day will begin with the Peace, Love & Walk ‘N Roll fun dog walk at 9:00AM. Walk registration fee (($35 adult, $15 child, $60 family) includes the official WOOFSTOCK tie dye t-shirt, free Festival admission and a sWAG bag filled with great surprises! The walk is approximately 1.3 miles through beautiful Balboa Park and online registration is available at www.cci.org/woofstock. Walkers have the opportunity to raise funds for Canine Companions and exciting prizes will be rewarded based on the donations collected. The Top Dog Fundraiser will win a custom painting of their pooch by artist Deirdre O’Byrne!

The WOOFSTOCK Festival begins at 10:00AM. There are plenty of fun activities for the family and Fido! Enjoy demonstrations by amazing canines including assistance dogs, Disc Dogs, search and rescue dogs and our own Ballistic Racers Flyball Team. Compete in contests for Grooviest Costume, Best Trick, Longest Tail, and Biggest and Smallest Paws. Check out the games and activities at the Children’s Fun Zone. Bring your dog to the K9 Playground. Shop at the dozens of vendor booths, bid on unique items in a silent auction and enjoy delicious refreshments.

WOOFSTOCK is the premiere dog festival in San Diego County! Last year, approximately 2,000 people attended.

About WOOFSTOCK:
For more information, visit www.cci.org/woofstock or call (760) 901-4300. For sponsorship and vendor inquiries, contact Annie Scott at (760) 901-4306.

About Canine Companions for Independence:
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has five regional training centers across the country, including a local facility in Oceanside. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, training and ongoing follow-up services. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.

The Ballistic Racers Christmas Dinner
Once again our annual Christmas dinner was a huge success. Twenty four of us enjoyed the food and show put on by the chefs at Miyabi Restaurant. Fire, flying utensils and tossed pieces of cooked food were all part of the show. Believe it or not, the food was as good as the show! Everyone participated in a gift exchange which was really fun. People were able to open a new gift or steal a gift from another member. Everyone ended up with a gift, most of which had a dog theme. We were able to celebrate three birthdays as well, with a beautiful chocolate cake and of course singing. Alice, Phyllis, and Shay received the Birthday greetings at this festive occasion. We topped off the night with a delightful CD slide show made and shown by Kelly and her husband Jim. Two hundred twenty nine pictures of the 2009 Ballistic Racers Flyball Team in action were projected on the wall for all to see. These shots included all the dogs and handlers of our entire team. What a year and what a great slide show! Special thanks to all the team members for their generosity in donating to this year’s recipient, Vizsla Rescue. We were able to donate a large crate and a full basket of dog toys, leashes, collars and supplies to a related organization.

Thanks to our team members, Kelly and Jim
for the slide show, Miyabi Restaurant, and
of course all our dogs for another very
successful year of Flyball racing,

Brian and Joanne
2009

Bailey was adopted from the shelter in Phoenix, AZ, by her dad Christian. At
the time he was a single parent and it got rough for awhile when Bailey came
down with parvo. She pulled through and has been a fighter ever since.
However, Bailey did lack, shall we say, manners. She was somewhat sheltered,
kept indoors and not socialized as a puppy. Bailey spent all her time with her
dad so when Christian decided to move to San Diego California and get married
to Tiffany, she was not thrilled.

San Diego was great, great weather and a new step-brother, Maddox the pug,
and they have DOG PARKS!!! But still Bailey had a hard time adjusting, she
ate a few couches, a couple of doors, several pairs of shoes and an un-named
number of remotes! One thing bailey always loved is playing ball…she loves
the ball, a little obsessed. In 2008, her dad was called to active duty to
go overseas for a year. Bailey and her step-mom, tiffany had to find a bond.
Tiffany found Ballistic Racers on-line and took bailey to an evaluation. She
was barking and growling, scared of the box and the box loader. However,
brian and Joanne saw potential and Tiffany was dedicated.

Today, bailey is an amazing dog. She LOVES flyball and she is good at it.
She loves having a job to do. At home, she is calmer and no longer has to be
crated to protect the couch. She has good manners and loves her step-mom!
She never misses a jump! Her dad has returned to the United States and hopes
maybe she will run for him too!