Devoted dogs and their owners were ready for a day of fun in the sun at the first annual dock dog competition on Nolin Lake over the weekend.

Friends of the Nolin and Kentucky Dock Dogs collaborated together to make the event become a reality. Gift baskets were handed out to the top winners in each category. Ribbons were awarded to all dogs that participated.

FreedomFest's Dock Dogs Fun Jump offered amateurs and professionals the chance to see what the national competition was all about. On July 10 at Nolin Lake boat dock, dogs were asked to bring their favorite chew toy or possession to be thrown out into the lake and fetch for them.

Rande and Kay Murphy, who own 2008 Dock Dog Big Air World Champion Quasi (28 11.59" jumped), attended the fun jump over the weekend. Quasi is a three-year-old labrador retriever who makes the sport look effortless out on the water.

"I don't know why they love it so much," Kay said.

Rande added that Quasi just loves the water, and that he is a natural at the sport. Both Quasi and Holley (another dog the Murphy's own) are skilled jumpers in Dock Dog competitions. The only difference is that Holley jumps in the masters division, because she is nine years old.

"The key to being good at the sport is practice, practice, practice," Rande explained. "You have to get your dog comfortable with the water, bring their favorite toy and watch them jump after it."

Anyone interested about upcoming Dock Dogs competitions can contact the state chapter by email at Kentuckydockdogs@gmail.com.

About 40 dogs competed in the fun jump competition.

Friends of the Nolin representative Chris Boggs was pleased with the turnout on that day. "People that participated loved the area and enjoyed the event," Boggs explained. "Several people out on the lake stopped to watch the competition."