The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); and now UpDog Challenge disc organization. For more information on how to apply for AKC recognition of these titles, go to: http://www.akc.org/dog_shows_trials/titles/
Read on to meet some of the All-American Dogs who are recent achievers in these sports.
AKC Therapy Dog Title
The AKC Therapy Dog Title program offers titles based on the amount of service that a therapy team has volunteered, giving more dogs the opportunity to earn the honor. Dogs also must be certified by an AKC-recognized therapy dog organization.
The titles are:
- AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN). Must have completed 10 visits.
- AKC Therapy Dog (THD). Must have completed 50 visits.
- AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA). Must have completed 100 visits.
- AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX). Must have completed 200 visits.
- AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD). Must have completed 400 visits.
We salute these All-Americans who are recent recipients of the THDD title for 400 or more visits!
Maizy Girl THDD CGC owned by Cheryl Price of Hurlock, MD
Maizy Girl, 14-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, was adopted by the Prices in 2009 through Schnauzer Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic.
She had already developed cataracts and couldn’t see well but loved everyone. Cheryl’s other rescue dog was getting involved in agility, and she wanted Maizy Girl to get involved in something too. Because she loves people, they joined Pets on Wheels of Delmarva in 2011.
Since then, Maizy Girl has visited at Chesapeake Woods and Mallard Bay Nursing Homes; Pleasant Day Adult Day Care; and the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Maizy Girl also visits the Hurlock Library and Warwick Elementary School where children read to her.
“She has been a favorite everywhere she visits,” Cheryl said. “She sits on laps or beds giving and accepting love with everyone she meets. The activity director at one of the nursing homes we visit calls her the ‘perfect nursing home pet.’”
Their 400th visit was in May 2020 when a number of Pets on Wheels dogs visited Chesapeake Woods Nursing Home. Because of the lockdown, they had to walk around the outside of the building and visit through windows.
“We do miss visiting our friends and hope to resume when things are more normal. Whoever gave Maizy Girl to the rescue certainly missed out on a wonderful dog who brings joy to many, many people.”
Scamper Dempsey THDD CGC owned by Sharon Dempsey of Anaheim, CA
Scamper began her unofficial therapy dog work at 8 weeks of age. She was a birthday gift from Sharon’s students and she faithfully came to school daily for her first three and one-half years. She provided joy, comfort, and support to staff, parents, and students.
“When we moved, we searched for a new career. We finally found her niche when we began ‘Reading with Scamper’ in the resource center where students from grades 1-8 read to her each week,” Sharon said.
Scamper joined the AKC Canine Partners program on Feb. 5, 2019, and the Alliance of Therapy Dogs on May 26, 2019. She achieved her Therapy Dog Distinguished title on Sept. 17, 2020 – one month before her seventh birthday.
They visit elementary, middle, and high schools. Since the pandemic, they have participated in the AKC Pup Pal program and Pets Together Zooms to care facilities across the United States. Scamper has continued school visits via Zoom while waiting for them to reopen.
“Scamper is a special dog. She will take love over treats. She is very intelligent with the ability to learn tricks quickly and perform them during her visits. She has an instinct to know how to respond to persons in need. She loves children, and they love her. I couldn’t have ever dreamt of a better gift that continues to give!” Sharon said.
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the THDD:
- Miss Willow Of Old Mill THDD CGC owned by Cindy Gatten of Springfield, OH
- Odie Schuler THDD CGCA owned by Michaelle Schuler of Dearborn, MI
BARN HUNT
RATCH (Barn Hunt Champion)
Mulcahy’s Hang On Little Tomato DCAT RATCH CZ8B CGC TKN owned by Lisa Miller of Bethesda, MD
Evey is a 2-year-old Norfolk-Sealyham terrier mix, who “possesses vigor and lots of drive and is a very enthusiastic competitor. She’s the brightest dog I’ve ever owned and definitely has her own ideas about things!” Lisa said.
The pair started out in Barn Hunt when Evey was just a few months old. True to her terrier heritage, she showed a natural gift for hunting rats, acquiring multiple Barn Hunt awards, along with her CGC title, and becoming an AKC Achiever Dog before her first birthday. She completed her Master’s title with a First Place/High Master run at the West Highland White Terrier Club of America Barn Hunt trial during the Montgomery County Kennel Club terrier show week in October 2019.
Pursuit of Evey’s RATCH was put on hold in 2019 when Lisa required surgery for a brain tumor. Once Lisa’s treatment was complete, they were both excited to enjoy dog sports again. But along with everyone else, they hit another roadblock when COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to dog sports. When events slowly resumed, they were finally able to attend a Barn Hunt trial at Branchwater Training Center in Reisterstown, MD, where Evey earned her Championship on July 26, 2020.
“Staying safe and healthy is a priority for us, and we don’t know what the future holds. But we are excited to try flyball and scent work this year and dock diving during the next season,” Lisa said.
“We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to participate in sports and events that the AKC Canine Partners program affords, especially during the program’s 10th anniversary milestone year!”
RATM (Master Barn Hunt)
- Duke Of Hales Corners CD BN RE MXP AJP CAX SWA RATM CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Nancy and Mark Freitag of Hales Corners, WI
RATN (Novice Barn Hunt)
- Jack Of All Trades RATN owned by Kathy Farrell of Latham, NY
- Maeve Mayhem Fennec RATN CGC TKI owned by Sara Hensel of Decatur, GA
- Impulsive At Last RATN TKA owned by Katherine Bednarz and Eric Mendez of Lockport, NY
- Pixleys Princess Leia BN RN FDC CA BCAT RATN CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Lisa and David Pixley of North Richland Hills, TX
RATO (Open Barn Hunt)
- Tesa RATO CGC TKI owned by Cathy McClellan of Lamont, FL
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DSA DJ TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
- Bradley’s Daisy RN RATO DN CGC TKI owned by Alison and Kevin Bradley of Fayetteville, AR
NADD–NORTH AMERICAN DIVING DOGS
DE (Dock Elite)
On Target’s Fatal Strike DE owned by Kristen Ingersoll of Tewksbury, MA
Venom started to train in flyball before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, but, due to the closure of their training facility, that has been put on hold. Without flyball they decided to get her into dock diving.
Venom began the season with some impressive 24-foot jumps and has continued to improve. She earned her Distance Elite Title (DE) on Aug. 15, 2020, and finished out this season with a distance personal best of 30’5″ and a Hydro Dash personal best of 13.845 seconds.
She was ranked number-four All American Dog for the 2020 season.
“Now that dock diving in the Northeast is wrapping up, we will be working on getting her CGC, some trick dog titles, barn hunt, and returning to flyball training in hopes to get in the lanes.
“Thanks to her incredible drive and work ethic she has exceled in this sport. She truly enjoys everything she does. I really can’t wait to see what the future holds for her,” Kristen said.
Jagger They Call Me J-Bird DE owned by Lynn Mahony and Hooman Shahidi of Boston, MA
Jagger, also known as J-Bird, is 2 ½ years old and was adopted from Rebecca’s Paws & Claws.
“Rescued at just 4 weeks of age, with his 12 littermates, J-Bird is strong willed and has a zest for life. With a little extra TLC from his foster mom, he pulled through,” Lynn said.
Lynn describes Jagger as a high-drive, high-energy dog who loves to keep his mind and body busy through scent work, agility, protection work and dock diving.
Lynn and Hooman entered him in his first NADD event, hoping he wouldn’t get stage fright and would take home his novice title. He surprised everyone by earning his Master title in distance. A month later, he earned his Elite title with a personal best of 26’3”.
“This little country boy from Alabama is now a big city boy in Boston where he lives with his Dutch Shepherd brother. He’s working with Canine New England in Boston to perfect his form and learn about injury prevention. He hopes to expand his skills and participate in Air Retrieve and Hydro Dash in the 2021 season,” Lynn said.
Congratulations also to these dogs for earning their Dock Elite titles:
- Marli Hanard NA DE owned by Lisa Hanard of Phoenix, AZ
- Fdf’s Sound The Alarm DE CGC TKN owned by Allison Menendez of Myakka City, FL
- Scholtes’ Wolfe DE owned by Judith Scholtes of Houston, TX
- Eko BCAT RATO DE DMA AM TKN owned by Tatum Renee Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DEA (Dock Elite Advanced)
- Syn DEA AM CGC TKN owned by Tatum Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DJ (Dock Junior)
- Crux’s Second Amendment RI DJ owned by Ashley Brown of Eureka, MO
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DSA DJ TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
- Thompson’s Nikki BN DJ CGC TKN owned by Alisha Olson of Keller, TX
- M&S Hungry Like The Wolf DJ owned by Simi Singh-Smith of San Diego, CA
- Dr. Harleen Quinzel Of Arkham Asylum FDC ACT2 DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Morgan K. Motrenec of Bristow, VA
- Severus The Great FDC DM DS CGC owned by Mariah and Leland Waltrip of Goucester, VA
- Luna Jae Zurn-White DJowned by CHRISTINE ZURN of Greenwood, LA and JASON WHITEof Zwolle, LA
- Chercar Goddess Of Fire “Pele” DJ CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Dawn Wung of Clarkston, MI
- Llanelli Lady In Black DJ DN owned by NanciEllyn Lazarowitz of Fremont, MI
- Fuzzybutts Faster Then A 500 FDC CA BCAT ACT1 DJ CGCA TKP owned by Ashley Barron and Carol Guth of Adamstown, MD
- Paco El Taco Grande DJowned by McKenzie Harvey of Oakdale, MN
- MACH Galveston Calder A Lil Bit Of Texas RN MXS MJS MFB T2B2 DJ TKNowned by Sherrie and Earl Calder of Fayetteville, AR
- Ruby Doo of Pyle Mountain Road DS DJ owned by Lisa Manlove of McAlester, OK
- Third Times A Charm DJ CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Brittany Angone of Sierra Vista, CA
- Mrd Loyal Bailey DJ owned by Michelle Duke of Marshall, TX
DJA (Dock Junior Advanced)
- Goose XII BN RE OAP OJP SWE SCM SIM SEM DS DJA CGC TKN owned by Sarah Gardner of South Chesterfield, VA
DM (Dock Master)
- Hounddog Kirby SIN SBN DM TKN owned by Rachel Stroud of Athens, GA
- I Came In Like A Wrecking Ball SEN DM TKN owned by Jillian Vogel of Bradenton, FL
- Flying Dogs Res Q Buddy DM owned by MARK A FARRELL of Omaha, NE
- Goodlab’s Strider Prince Aragorn BCAT DM AM owned by Sandy Godson of Little Elm, TX
- Jlj’s Mollie DM DS owned by Jennifer Jones of Diana, TX
- Johnny Cash The Man In Black NA NAP NJP NF NFP CA BCAT SCN SEN SBN SHDN RATN DM DS AN CGC TKN owned by Heather and Lori Signs of El Cajon, CA
- Emma Written In The Stars Mecklenburg ACT1 RATO DM DJ DDB CGC TKN owned by Roberta Mecklenburg of Elk Grove Village, IL
- Offspring Eat Your Heart Out ONYX DM DS owned by Benjamin Hill of Asheboro, NC
- Severus The Great FDC DM DS CGC owned by Mariah and Leland Waltrip of Goucester, VA
- Puddle Duck Foxtrot DM owned by Vanessa Ogint and Jason Tucker of Charlotte, NC
DMA (Dock Master Advanced)
- Eko BCAT RATO DE DMA AM TKN owned by Tatum Renee Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DMX (Dock Master Excellent)
- Rothschild’s Murphy DE DMX AM owned by Paula Rothschild of Roswell, GA
- OnTarget‘s Rock The Casbah OA NAJ ONYX RATCH DMX CGC owned by Penny Leigh and Dale McElrath of Graham, NC
DN (Dock Novice)
- Mugu’s Misssing Link DN owned by Andrea Fahringer of St. Marys, GA
- Rose Of Earl DNowned by Heather Santella of Gravette, AR
- Bradley’s Daisy RN RATO DN CGC TKI owned by ALISON BRADLEY/KEVIN BRADLEY of Fayetteville, AR
- Ryker Phoenix Schneider DN CGC TKI owned by Stephanie Schneider of Canonsburg, PA
- Topanga Nicole McCoy DN CGCA TKN owned by Jennifer and Michael McCoy of Hutchins, TX
DS (Dock Senior)
- Rudy Rehagen DS CGC TKN owned by Tamiko Rehagen of Mattawan, MI
- Offspring Eat Your Heart Out ONYX DM DS owned by Benjamin Hill of Asheboro, NC
- Colt’s Ruger 45 DS CGC owned by Jim and Kelley Norred of Tallahassee, FL
- Severus The Great FDC DM DS CGC owned by Mariah and Leland Waltrip of Goucester, VA
- (Avalon) Use The Force MX MXJ DS TKP owned by Kimberly Shinn of Hannibal, MO
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DSA DJ TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
- Juno Deems DSowned by Pam Deems and Aaron Trunk of Scottsdale, AZ
- Harleen Quinzel Of Arkham Asylum FDC ACT2 DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKI ATT owned by Morgan Montrenec of Bristow, VA
- Bora Eye Of The Storm DS owned by Lauren Dankovich of Swartz Creek, MI
- Sparks II BCAT DS CGC TKN owned by Gayle Morton of Tallahassee, FL
- Jlj’s Mollie DM DS owned by Jennifer Jones of Diana, TX
- Richard’s Dog Smudge DS owned by Paula M Thomason of Fayetteville, NC
- Maui Hanai Ilio DS TKN owned by Cassandra Swift of Ogden, UT
- Rain On Little Main DS owned by Mary Susan Billingsley/Charlotte Mills of Spotsylvania, VA
- Sei Kein Salat DS ATT owned by Jessica Ingles of Mount Pleasant, WI
- The Hound Of Westeros DS owned by Amy Sue Looby of Dahlonega, GA
- Zelva Dokken DS owned by Brooke Lunee of Tucscon, AZ
- Ruby Doo Of Pyle Mountain Road DS DJowned by Lisa Manlove of McAlester, OK
- Merlin James Of Longshore DS TKN owned by Michaela Gardner of Decatur, GA
DSA (Dock Senior Advanced)
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DSA DJ TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
HDS (Hydro Dash)
- Tilden’s Theia DJ HDS CGC TKA owned by Ashley Tilden of Puposky, MN
NORTH AMERICAN FLYBALL ASSOCIATION
FDCh (Flyball Dog Champion)
Missie RN FM owned by Kathy Schultz of Carson City, NV
Missie is a 6-year-old All American Dog, adopted from a rescue in Modesto, Calif., in May 2015.
“We met her and instantly fell in love with her,” Kathy said. “She had no confidence and didn’t like to be held or touched by anyone other than myself. We really had to work hard to increase her confidence, so we began with flyball, herding and a beginner training class.”
Thanks to her trainers, after three years of hard work, patience and perseverance, they were able to get her running flyball in the lanes.
Missie earned her first flyball title in February 2018 and her Flyball Dog Champion on July 21, 2018. She has also competed in rally and earned her Novice Rally title on Aug. 17, 2018. “She really loves flyball the best and continues to earn more titles.” Her most recent title is Flyball Master and Missie now has more than 9000 points.
