The boxer-lab mix from Manchester Township is high energy and her handler Jeff Love said if he doesn't take her out once a day to play Frisbee, she has a fit.

Earlier this year, Jeff and his wife, Tracy, found out that Melody's talent was actually an activity. They joined the Appalachian Air Canines in Harrisburg and competed through the summer. Now they've organized the Arctic Air Games. The indoor event gives dogs a chance to show their outdoor skills usually reserved for the summer, in the winter.

Dogs and handlers from eight states will compete in four events - toss and fetch, freestyle, time trial and dartboard - at the Bella Vista Indoor Training Center in Monaghan Township. The activities are mostly based on toss and fetch with a dog, a handler and a Frisbee. Points are given based on distance and accuracy. The complete description of the events can be found on www.arcticairgames.com under "rules."

Jeff and Tracy went to a competition in Westminster, Md., earlier this year to try it out. Jeff said some people get very serious about it, but it's not high pressure or high stakes.

"Ninety-nine percent of the people just love to go and play with their dogs," Jeff said.

Among the competitors, Melody is in the minority. Many of the dogs are border collies, who have a natural inclination to retrieve and return. But Melody holds her own. She earned the rookie of the year honor for 2006 in the Appalachian Air Canines Club.

Jeff said the events are always a great spectator sport. The freestyle competition, which is a 90-second choreographed routine to music with a dog, handler and five Frisbees, is a big attraction.

Thirty to 50 dogs are expected to compete, which is a large number for a first-year event, he said.

"It's an activity that people can do with their dog," Jeff said. "The easiest way to get involved is to just go to the event, try it and see what it's about."

- NICKI LEFEVER, FLIPSIDE STAFF

If you go

WHAT: Arctic Air Games

WHEN: Noon Saturday (Snow makeup day Jan. 28)

WHERE: Bella Vista Training Center, 730 Mount Airy Road, Monaghan Township

COST: $20 per dog to register, free to watch

DETAILS: www.arcticairgames.com