Two weekends of dog racing events will commence this Saturday at Misty Rivers Plantation, 117 Cross Dike Road on Puget Island. The first weekend, September 30 and October 1, will be devoted to AKC All Breed Coursing Ability Tests, known as CATs. Dogs will run a random course, chasing an artificial bunny around the 10 acre field, and there will also be FAST CAT trials in which the dogs run a 100 yard straight line course; this one's a timed event. The events are open to all breeds and mixed breeds. Dogs not registered with AKC will need a Canine Partner or P.A.L. number, which can be obtained on line by going to Willamette Valley Basenji Club and clicking on "events." Registration can also be done at the trial, prior to each event.

The meet is AKC sanctioned and sponsored by the Willamette Valley Basenji Club. Coursing starts around 9 a.m., each day, with registration prior to that. The public is invited, and well-leashed dogs are also welcome as spectators. Parking for contestants is on the coursing field out back; spectators are welcome to park on the lawn along the driveway in front. Handicapped parking and restrooms are available on the coursing field. Additional information is available from Judy Brawn at 360-562-1925.

The following weekend, October 7 and 8, will be regular lure coursing for registered sight hounds only, including a Basenji Specialty on Saturday. The public, and their dogs, are still invited to attend as spectators. Word just in: This second weekend may have to be canceled due to scheduling conflicts. Watch these pages next week for further developments.