Dozens of active duty police, military, and transit K-9 dogs and handlers from around the region will compete for top dog awards at the second annual Western Connecticut Police K-9 Challenge on Saturday, October 8, at the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard (2GHG) in Newtown. The Newtown Kennel Club (NKC), the Friends of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard (Friends of 2GHG), with support from the Hometown Foundation Inc, will host this year's fundraising event at the 2GHG headquarters at 4 Wildlife Drive.Family Fun Activitiesgofundme.com/horseguard. Volunteer staffing provided by the Newtown Cadets youth group, Newtown Kennel Club, and Newtown Police Department K-9 Unit. Food will be provided by The Hometown Foundation, Inc.Lisa Peterson - lifelong equestrian, dog show judge and award-winning podcaster, communications professional and journalist - writes about horses, hounds and history at lisaunleashed.com. Reach her at lisa@lisaunleashed.com.

The event kicks off at 10 am with K-9 competitions, continues all day kids' activities, and concludes with award ceremonies at 3 pm.

The 2GHG was chartered in 1808 by the General Assembly as a Connecticut state militia unit and is one of the oldest and last active cavalry units in the United States. In recent years, as state funding has dwindled, the horse guard has had to rely on private donations to operate and stay at their facility in Newtown.

Teams including German shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Labrador retrievers will compete in suspect apprehension, obstacle course, tactical obedience, the fastest dog, and more. The three highest-scoring teams, based on points earned in each division, will receive special Top Dog awards. In addition, first place honors will go to the team with the most points in each division.

For the safety of all, only Police K-9s are allowed on the grounds. Spectators are asked to please leave their dogs at home.

Besides watching the thrilling and fast-paced competitions, kids can enjoy many new free fun activities at the K-9 Challenge this year. There will be:

*Tractor Hay Rides - Ride in a hay-filled wagon pulled by a tractor around the 2GHG grounds;

*Pumpkin Patch Treasure Hunt with Prizes - Kids of all ages can follow a treasure hunt map around the grounds to find clues to win prizes. A lottery of correct answers will win a grand prize of a ride in an exotic car;

*Pumpkin Decorating - Explore your creativity with markers, glitter, and glue to make your Jack or Jill o' lantern your own to bring home;

*Meet & Greet Cavalry Horses - Visit the paddocks to pet the brave horses of the Cavalry; and

*Cars & Colts Concourse - At least 25 exotic cars, with an emphasis on V-12 engines, will be on display with owners who can answer all your questions about these ultimate automobiles. There will be an exciting mix of Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, Pagani and the LaFerrari - the fastest and most expensive Ferrari ever built.

"Just like the horse guard, the Newtown Kennel Club has a long history of contributions to its community," said NKC Board member Pam Pearl. "We're proud to be able to help the 2GHG continue its legacy and stay in Newtown."

"As the Second Governor's Horse Guard faces future funding challenges, we appreciate the Newtown Kennel Club, the Friends of the 2GHG, and the Hometown Foundation contributing to community fundraising events like the K-9 Challenge," 2GHG Commandant Major Jim Marrinan said. "We are committed to support the cavalry's 'Ready to Serve' tradition."

Admission is free, with a $5 suggested parking donation. Donations can also be made at