Ankeny Dog Park Ambassador Wins Big Award in National Challenge

The duo earned their championship title by submitting a 500-word essay and 12 weekly videos demonstrating various activities they enjoy together – agility, Frisbee, jogging, dancing, hiking, tricks, tag, soccer and taking advantage of the walking path and puppy playmates at the 7.5-acre Ankeny Dog Park.

In addition to being Ankeny Dog Park regulars, Cheri and Gunnar are "on-call" 24/7 to assist law enforcement agencies nationwide in search and rescue efforts. They have worked numerous cases, and most recently helped locate a missing dementia patient.

Gunnar is certified with the United States Man Trailing Association (Trailing), and North American Police Work Dog Association (Human Remains Detection and Trailing), and assists Cheri as an instructor with the International Bloodhound Training Institute.

While Cheri and Gunnar have shared many experiences together - the Eukanuba Get Fit, Get Active Challenge was something new. 

“I learned how absolutely amazing and versatile my dog is,” Cheri said. “He was up for anything I asked of him, which is why I believe he is such a good working dog.”

So how will she spend the prize money? New tires for their K9 vehicle for starters. The cost of being a volunteer search team is very high. Road trips to South Dakota, Texas and other points across the country add up. Yet it’s a commitment she makes willingly. 

“It’s been extremely rewarding, and I truly love being able to give back to my community," Cheri said.

In addition to search and rescue, Cheri is also a professional artist and accomplished equestrian. She and her husband Ross share their Ankeny home with Gunnar and two other Ridgebacks in training – Ruger and Kimber. 

To find out more about the world of search and rescue, or simply for a unique volunteer opportunity, Cheri notes that local search teams are always looking for “practice” subjects.

Read about Cheri and Gunnar in the Eukanuba Get Fit, Get Active Challenge.

Check out more finalist videos.

For more information about joining the Ankeny Dog Park, visit www.AnkenyDogPark.org or find it on Facebook.