Photo Courtesy/Tamra Spink Rachel and Cash pose for a photo will all their winnings. The dogs will competed Dec. 16-17 in the 2012 Dock Dogs World Championships in Dubuque, Iowa.

One of two Loudoun County dogs that competed Dec. 16-17 in the 2012 Dock Dogs World Championships in Dubuque, Iowa, is No. 3 in the world in the Novice Big Air Competition.

Rachel, a 6-year-old chocolate lab, was adopted from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter from Tamra Spink of Hamilton in 2008.

Rachel is the 2012 regional champion in the novice Big Air competition, which earned her a spot in the world competition.

Big Air is a long jump for dogs. The dog, which is placed anywhere on a 40-foot dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy. For the novice division, the dog must be able to jump at least 10 feet.

Cash, a 3-year-old black lab, also adopted from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter by Spink, did not place in the competition.

He competed in the experienced Big Air category and generally jumps up to 19 feet 11 inches high. His record is over 20 feet, Spink said, which made him a contender for this year’s world competition.

Spink got into the world of dive dog competitions through Chesapeake Dock Dogs, a regional affiliate club dedicated to bringing regional, quality events to the area, in September 2011.