In 2011, our founder just wanted to try lure coursing with her own dog, Pretzel. There were no local options, and the equipment was out of reach...
...so with the help of her dad, she built a homemade machine. |
Pretzel loved it. Friends and their dogs were invited to try it. Those “fun runs” grew into monthly community events run by Meghan, her Mom and her Dad. And one of the very first dogs to ever run with us was a rescued whippet named Frank. |
Frank began on death row, battling heartworm in a shelter. A friend drove halfway across the state to save him. Mike and Linda adopted him, completed his treatment, and gave him the second chance he deserved.
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And he lived it fully.
For 16 years, Frank sailed, kayaked, and traveled with his family. But nothing made him come alive like the lure. Even at 15 years old, with fading eyesight, he would wait for the “OK” command and when he heard it, he exploded after the flag.
Frank passed this January at 18 years old. But his story isn’t over. |
On March 21, 2026, SwiftPaws is proud to bring our lure course to Poocharella, hosted by Touch of Grey Rescue at Wickham Park. Poocharella is their 5th annual community dog festival - featuring live music, 80+ vendors, food trucks, contests, raffles, and nonprofits - all to raise funds for senior and special needs rescue dogs. Because every dog deserves their best life - no matter their age. |
The Frank McGarry Memorial FundIn honor of Frank, Mike and Linda created the Frank McGarry Memorial Fund. SwiftPaws matched their gift. Together, we are sponsoring first-time lure runs for rescue-dogs. And every sponsored run at Poocharella also supports Touch of Grey Rescue’s senior and special needs dogs. |
Is Your Dog a Rescue?
Frank reminded us why we do what we do.Because enrichment matters. Because second chances matter. And through the Frank McGarry Memorial Fund, that fire keeps moving. This March at Poocharella, when a rescue dog takes off after the lure for the very first time, that spark, that confidence, that moment of pure instinct... That’s Frank. Running forward❤️ - The SwiftPaws Team |