MACH Mardens Prize Fighter MXB MJB OF T2B CGC CA owned by Denise Marden of Manalapan, NJ

Five years ago, Denise had just lost her first rescue dog and started searching for a new dog to adopt.

 “Looking through Pet Finder for a mixed-breed with either Australian Shepherd or Border Collie in the mix, I stumbled across the cutest green eyed pup with just those credentials. I could never have imagined how much of an involvement or where this journey would take us. “

At age one year, Rocky had already completed several obedience courses and earned his AKC Canine Good Citizen award and therapy dog certification. Denise decided to keep training him, and they started taking rally classes.

 “Rocky was doing just fine but I could tell he was more interested in the funny equipment that lined the outside field where we were taking lessons.  A dear friend of mine asked me if I have ever thought of agility and told me to come along with her for a lesson.  We did and never looked back.”

Rocky proved to be an amazing and fast agility dog. Denise enrolled him in the AKC Canine Partners program for all dogs, including mixed-breeds and rescues. His AKC number gave him the ticket to enter AKC Agility trials, and Rocky recently earned the AKC’s top title in Agility – the Master Agility Championship (MACH).

 “He loves this sport as much as I do. Where ever our journey takes us next, I’ll just be happy doing it with my best friend Rocky! “