Pet Briefs

Wlodarski, dogs in AKC agility championship

Seabrook Island resident Karen Wlodarski and her papillons, Jazz and Rap, are among the contenders at the American Kennel Club National Agility Championship in Lexington, Va., this weekend.

Agility, the AKC's fastest growing sport, demonstrates a dog's willingness to work with its handler in a variety of situations. The event requires conditioning, concentration, training and teamwork as the dogs negotiate an obstacle course, including weaving through poles, bounding over jumps and balancing on boards.

Eight-year-old Jazz was the No. 1 AKC agility papillon in 2010 and No. 5 of all breeds. She has qualified for and competed in every AKC national agility competition since age 2, earning a slot in the finals round three times. Three-year-old Rap will make his agility nationals debut at Lexington.

Wlodarski is president of the Charleston Dog Training Club, a member of the Low Country Dog Agility Club, and trains at SCoot Dog Agility on Johns Island. She is an AKC agility judge and has been active in the sport for more than 10 years.

Owls to fly under the full moon April 16

The Center for Birds of Prey, 4872 Seewee Road, Awendaw, is hosting "Owls by Moonlight" 6-9 p.m. April 16.

"Owls by their very nature are inconspicuous," said Jim Elliott, executive director at the Avian Conservation Center. "Being able to share these birds so visibly in this wonderful setting can only lead to a better appreciation for owls and our roles in protecting them and other birds."

"Owls by Moonlight" will feature both indigenous and nonindigenous species of owls, from the small screech owl that lives in the Charleston area, to the largest owl in the world, the Eurasian Eagle Owl.

The event will include flight demonstrations, educational owl discussions and an introduction to the center's newest team members, the 2011 owl chicks.

Guests will encounter owls up close in the Countess Alicia Paolozzi Owl Wood while enjoying heavy finger foods, wine, beer and soft drinks.

Tickets are available at www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org and are $35 for adults, $25 for youth ages 12-18, $15 for children ages 6-11 and free for toddlers under age 6. Members of the Avian Conservation Center receive a 20 percent discount.

For more information, visit www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.org or call 971-7474.

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Send items to pets@postandcourier.com.