Newtown Kennel Club (NKC) and the Friends of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) will host the 2015 Western CT Police K-9 Challenge on Saturday, October 3. This inaugural fundraising event, held at the 2GHG Headquarters, 4 Wildlife Drive, begins at 10 am, with award ceremonies at 3 pm. The event will be held rain or shine.

A 2GHG Color Guard ride will kick off the competition at 9:45 am.

More than 30 teams of handler and active duty police and military K-9s, including German shepherd dogs, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador retrievers, will compete in suspect apprehension, obedience, obstacle course, and tactical command divisions.

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.

Besides the thrilling K-9 competitions, children may enjoy activities, meet and greet horses, see emergency vehicles, and learn from dog, horse, and cavalry history experts at the pavilion.

“Just like the horse guard, the Newtown Kennel Club has a long history of contributions to its community,” NKC President Helene Nietsch said. “We’re proud to be able to help the 2GHG continue its legacy with this fund raiser and provide a fun event for our brave Police K-9s.”

“As we face future funding shortages from the state, help from the local community is more important than ever,” 2GHG Commander Major Gordon Johnson adds. “We are committed to carry on the cavalry’s ‘Ready to Serve’ tradition and thank the NKC and the 2GHGFriends for its support.”

Admission is free, with a $5 suggested parking donation. Donations may also be made at gofundme.com/horseguard.

Volunteer staffing will be provided by the Newtown Cadets youth group, Newtown Kennel Club, and Newtown Police Department K-9 Unit.

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

Newtown Kennel Club, founded in 1947, has a long tradition of supporting canine causes and charities whose mission includes the health and welfare of all dogs in the community.

A portion of the proceeds from its annual dog shows is donated to canine-related organizations, nonprofits and the continued support of Newtown’s Police K-9 Unit. For more information visit newtownkennelclub.org.

The 2GHG was chartered in 1808 by the General Assembly as a Connecticut state militia unit and is one of the last active cavalry units in the United States.

The Friends of 2GHG was organized by former members of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) for charitable and educational purposes. The Friends are dedicated to promoting the public’s interest in, and the general welfare of 2GHG. 2GHG is a specially chartered body of troops of the organized militia of the State of Connecticut, headquartered in Newtown.

For more information visit friendsof2ghg.org.