It was the first time that Gonçalo and Scar, from Lagos, participated in an international competition, but that did not stop them from winning 3rd place, in the obedience aspect, in the German Shepherds World Championship, which took place in Modena, Italy, between the 2nd and 6th of October.
Gonçalo Guerreiro, who only arrived in Portugal yesterday – he and his German shepherd dog covered the 2400 kilometers between Lagos and Modena by car – revealed to Sul Informação to be “very happy” with the result obtained.
“It went very well and it was a very positive participation. I think the fact that someone from Portugal, such a small country and with so few practitioners, arrived and, right away, winning a bronze medal is something very positive for the country, for the sport and for the Algarve», he considered .
Altogether, this world competition brought together about 250 participants. In obedience we were 30, divided by different levels», explained Gonçalo.
The young dog trainer from Lagos had several supporters to make the trip by car to Italy and to accommodation, such as the Sul Informação did it work, In September. Part of the necessary funds was obtained through the drawing of a parachute jump that was offered by the company SkyDive7.
The Veterinary Hospital of Portimão also supported this adventure by Gonçalo. And, even though it was not monetary support, “it was very important”.
“Above all, whatever the sport, comes animal welfare. For me, the most important thing is that my dog is healthy. Only later do I see whether or not I'm going to a competition. They helped me a lot, we had physiotherapy sessions twice a week to prepare him physically. It was a great support!», considered the young lacobrigense.
In fact, one of the first things Gonçalo did after arriving in Portugal was to take Scar to the vet.
«Next year, the world championship will be in Hungary and I plan to be present. I will have to take a test to qualify and see what level I'm on. My ambition is to be at the highest, the 3 [this year, Gonçalo and Scar competed at level 2]», concluded Gonçalo Guerreiro.
Photos: Gonçalo Warrior
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