In 2018, when Tanis was 3 years old, the Rapoza family received a text message with a photo from Debby Chaplic of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They had a coonhound-beagle mix with “their name written all over her.” The Rapoza family went with a leash to the shelter and returned home with Skippy.
“Tanis and Skippy had a special bond right from the start,” Astrid, Tanis’ mother, said. “Skippy seemed unsure of herself but started to gain trust and showed her sweet and sparkly personality.” Seven years fast forward, Queen Of Stunts “Skippy” TKE VSWI and Tanis have achieved the Elite Performer Trick Dog Title together, earned two Scent Work titles and completed several group event walks and runs. They were excited to win Junior Placement Trophies in the National Trick Dog Competition in 2023, 2024 and 2025. They started with remote trick dog training lessons, practiced regularly, wrote stories and worked together as a true team. Skippy and Tanis participated in the 2025 National Trick Dog Competition. See their performance here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AEz3r2lQzEs. They look forward to more learning and adventures together!
Name: Tanis Rapoza
Age: 10
Grade: Fifth
Hometown: Warren, VT
Family: parents Peter and Astrid and brother Cyrus
AKC: How old is Skippy?
Tanis: She turned 8 years old on Valentine’s Day!
AKC: What got you started in training and competing with dogs?
Tanis: While we have always owned rescue dogs, my brother really wanted a Redbone Coonhound. After adding a Redbone puppy to our family in the fall of 2022, her breeder told us about AKC Trick Dog, other AKC performance sports, as well as conformation shows. Skippy and I took our first trick dog class in January 2023, and I showed a dog in conformation for the first time that spring. I started to really enjoy working with dogs and noticed how much Skippy loved the training. We had so much fun working on the tricks!
AKC: Is your family involved in dog training/showing?
Tanis: We have always enjoyed training with our dogs and used to own a mixed breed therapy dog. By now, my family has been actively involved in Trick Dog, Rally, Fit Dog, Scent Work, coursing, and conformation. I have a real passion for showing dogs in conformation and am really enjoying showing table, ramp, and floor breeds. I am also competing in Juniors with my Junior’s dog Baron, who is a Field Spaniel. My brother has mostly done Fit Dog and Scent Work and would also like to try tracking. I love dogs and enjoy working with each individual dog.
AKC: What sports does your All American Dog compete in and what titles/honors has she earned?
Tanis: Skippy enjoys Trick Dog and Scent Work the most and I have so far focused with her on those sports. Skippy and I worked together through the entire Trick Dog program. We have participated in the national trick dog junior competition every year since 2023. For each competition, I wrote a story to match with the tricks, made props, and practiced with Skippy to prepare. We have won our class each year and earned three beautiful trophies. Skippy has also earned her Scent Work titles through the level Experienced with me and we have participated in a number of Fit Walks and Community Walks.
AKC: Tell us about what dog training has meant to you.
Tanis: I have always believed in the saying “teamwork makes the dream work.” It is exhilarating when one is working with a dog and things go just right. I love to meet dogs where they are and feel the connection with them and that they are happy to work with me and be with me. It truly makes my heart happy. I couldn’t imagine life without dogs.
AKC: Tell us about any other dogs you may have – names, ages, and what sports they compete in.
Tanis: In addition to Skippy, we have a Redbone Coonhound named Lia and a mini wirehaired dachshund named Beth. They are both 3 years old and enjoy Trick Dog, Rally, Fit Dog, Coursing, Scent Work and Conformation.
AKC: Do you own any “non-dog” pets?
Tanis: Yes, I own a leopard gecko, Mr. Bojangles.
AKC: What are your goals in the sport of dogs?
Tanis: I would like to show in conformation at Westminster and would also like to start agility with Skippy and with my dachshund as I think they would really like it. As I have seen the benefits for dogs of both mixed breeds and purebreds, I would like to actively be involved in preserving these sports in the future.
AKC: Do you plan to do something animal related as a career?
Tanis: Yes, absolutely. I would like to work for a handler in the future. In the long run, I am interested in becoming a veterinarian who advocates for dog sports and is supportive of both breeders as well as rescues.