2008 World Agility Championships

Agility August World Team Practice

The AKC Agility World Team held its second group practice Aug. 15-17 in San Jose, California.
The team spent two days training at Power Paws - the home and agility training facility of Team Coach Nancy Gyes. They spent a third day at an indoor soccer arena on turf similar to the footing they will compete on at the World Agility Championships.

 The World Agility Championships will be held September 26-28 in Helsinki, Finland.

Gyes and Assistant Coach Kathie Leggett ran the practice sessions and were assisted by volunteers Jim Basic, Joan Alpen, Sandra Rogers, Moe Strenfel, Bev Weidlin, Katie Tolve and Robert Yi. The team ran many international courses, which were similar to the challenges they expect to see at the World Championships.

Gyes declared the practice a great success and said the entire team is healthy and running great. She expects great runs at the World event. 

"The entire team has been training so hard, and it really shows. Collectively they have spent hundreds of hours on the agility field, studying courses, training sequences and keeping their dogs fit for the challenges soon to come," Gyes said. "They are focused and ready for the event. We are all looking forward to depart for Finland in just a few short weeks."

I Love Dogs Inc. is the sponsor for the AKC/USA Agility World Team. The American Kennel Club thanks I Love Dogs for its generous support of the team. For more information on I Love Dogs Inc., go to www.ilovedogs.com.

You can show your support for the 2008 team by purchasing a T-shirt from I Love Dogs. For information on ordering a shirt, go to http://ilovedogs.com/akcshirts.

Agility World Team 2008

1st team photo - front row, left to right- Geri Hernandez and Focus; Carrie Jones and Jive; Linda Mecklenburg and Super; Ann Braue and Scream; Marcus Topps and Juice; Paulette Swartzendruber and Rush

Back row, left to right - Assistant Coach Kathie Leggett, Marcy Mantell and Wave; Joan Meyer and Neil; Melanie Del Villaggio and Dara; Dee Anna Gamel and Kelsi; Ashley Deacon and Luka; Joel Lavalley and Marvel; Karen Holik and Sizzle; Team Coach Nancy Gyes

Click on image for larger view.