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 UpDog Challenge disc organization. For more information on how to apply for AKC recognition of these titles, go to: AKC Title Recognition Program. 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!
Omri Cadenhead THDD CGC TKE owned by Karen Cadenhead of Tomball, TX
Omri is a Miniature Schnauzer/American Staffordshire Terrier mix Karen adopted from a shelter when he was just 3 months old. He proved very early on that he was born to be a therapy dog.
“Everywhere we go, he makes a beeline toward people, regardless of what else is going on in his environment,” Karen said.
“He has an uncanny ability to tell if someone needs his attention. Once, when we were walking at the park, he suddenly veered off the path and went directly up to a woman who was sitting on a bench by the pond. We began talking as she petted Omri, and she eventually told me that she had been having a really rough week, and this was exactly what she needed.”
Omri started making therapy visits when he was just 7 months old, and he was scheduled to make his 400th visit on his fifth birthday in March 2020, when everything shut down due to COVID. Although it was a difficult wait, the team made good use of their time, learning new tricks to take along when Omri would finally be able to get back to his job.
During the summer of 2020, he earned all five AKC Trick Dog titles and was more anxious than ever to get to work and share them with people. Finally, on May 5, he was able to make his 400th visit at an independent living community for seniors (Embark at Willowbrook Park) and earn his Therapy Dog Distinguished title.
“This little dog absolutely lives for his job, and he has no plans to retire any time soon! As long as there are people to visit, Omri will be there with a big grin on his face, loving on and entertaining people with all the new tricks that he now knows,” Karen said.
Rusty H THDD CGCA CGCU owned by Andrea Hering of Sicklerville, NJ
Rusty was rescued by Andrea Hering in 2009. He had been hit by a car and found at the side of the road by a good Samaritan who took him to a vet’s office. Once Rusty was fully recovered he was transported to New Jersey where Andrea adopted him sight unseen.
“Rusty was a once in a lifetime dog, perfect from day one. I recognized this and knew he was destined to be a therapy dog,” Andrea said.
In 2010, Rusty became a registered therapy dog and shortly after Andrea became a therapy dog tester/observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Rusty truly loved his work; he even had a signature ‘booty shake.’ Andrea saw the comfort Rusty provided individuals and co-founded an organization called Crisis Response Canines. Rusty worked in the community and traveled the country with Andrea to provide emotional support to first responders, communities, and individuals experiencing intense traumatic emotions in the aftermath of critical events.
Two of Rusty’s larger deployments were Southerland Springs, TX, and Parkland, FL. “To watch Rusty work was amazing – he knew exactly how to approach people and politely get them to pet him. I watched a woman engage Rusty during a church service in Southerland Springs. She bent down to his level, buried her face into him, and held onto him. He melted back into her until she was ready to let him go – he then gently licked the tears from her eyes. For the rest of the service, he would nudge her hand with his nose to remind her he was still there, and she would look down and smile.
“I was blessed to be on the other end of Rusty’s leash. He passed away suddenly on Feb. 16, 2021. While he is no longer physically here his spirit lives on through all the K9’s serving on the Crisis Response Canines team,” Andrea said. This title was submitted after his passing to honor his dedication to his work.
Stella Fischer THDD owned by Elizabeth Fischer of Sebring, FL
Early in life, Stella was abandoned and found in a fairly malnourished state. The now 4-year-old Weimaraner mix was rescued by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Paws and Stripes Program where she received basic obedience training.
In 2018 she was adopted by her handler, Elizabeth Fischer, and began her service as a therapy dog with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office in Sebring, FL. The team is assigned to the Special Victims Unit where Stella is utilized to assist victims and traumatized witnesses. While Stella helps individuals of all ages, she predominantly works with child abuse and child sexual abuse victims. Stella accompanies children to their forensic interviews, medical exams, and through the judicial process including court room accompaniment.
When not actively involved in a case, Fischer and Stella spend much of their time out in the community visiting schools, attending community events, and providing presentations. This past school year they even started a “Reading Buddy” program, partnering with schools where children who are struggling can practice reading to Stella and the agency’s other therapy dog, Trey.
Stella is a certified therapy dog through United K9’s and has more than 600 documented deployments. On July 12, she earned the Distinguished Therapy Dog Title. The team is honored to achieve this title and motivated to continue building their program, Elizabeth said.
Liberty Of Concord Police Department THDD CGCA TKN owned by the Concord Police Department & Lenny O’Keefe of Concord, NH
Liberty is a 3-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever rescue who began her work as a Police Comfort Dog about two years ago. She is the State of New Hampshire’s first police comfort dog in service for the Concord Police Department.
Today, there are about a dozen police departments across New Hampshire that have followed Liberty’s lead in starting a Comfort Dog program.
Liberty is a valuable asset to the Concord Police Department. Her function is to provide comfort to victims and witnesses who have experienced a traumatic event. Liberty provides aid and comfort for people during times of crisis and assists individuals, groups and communities impacted by violence, tragedy, or traumatic events. Liberty goes to work at least five days a week and is standing at the door each day with a wagging tail, as she loves to go to the police station where she greets her fellow employees.
A trained Comfort Dog is a valuable tool in fostering dialog and communications between the department and the community that we serve, Lenny said. Liberty is utilized by the department in its community policing initiatives and internally with department members and other first responders.
It was important to the department that our program have credibility and our goal was to get Liberty as much training to help her with her job, Lenny said.
She received her AKC Canine Good Citizen in June 2019, and her therapy dog certification from Alliance of Therapy Dogs in October 2019. She continued her training and received her Trick Dog Novice, Canine Good Citizen Urban, and her Community Canine Good Citizen.
“When we were told that the AKC would recognize her work as a Police Comfort Dog, we applied and received her AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog Title,” Lenny said.
Liberty’s jobs include nursing home and school visits; sitting with children who are being interviewed during police investigations; comforting families during times of despair; and sitting in the library quietly while a child reads out loud to her.
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the THDD:
- Jack Winter THDD CGC owned by Judy Winter of Ludington, MI
- Sophie’s Comet II CA BCAT THDD CGC TKE ATT owned by Karen Profenna of New City, NY
- Cali Cranston Police Dept. THDD CGCA owned by Michael D. Iacone of Cranston, RI
- Barron’s Goldenboy Zack THDD owned by Ronald Carnes of Olathe, KS
BARN HUNT
RATCH (Barn Hunt Champion)
Boone Of The Big House CDX BN RM RATCH CGC TKE owned by Sandra M. Muench of Plant City, FL
Sandra adopted Boone in November 2016 from a rescue organization.
She learned about Barn Hunt while competing in a rally trial at the Florida State Fair Grounds in 2019. From his first Barn Hunt class at Das Hund Haus in Lakeland, FL, Boone had only one goal: to find the rats as fast as possible! Sometimes that even meant rearranging the bales of hay and making new tunnels. He consistently places in his height division and is often High in Trial.
“Boone may have turned 6 years old at the end of September, but he remains an energetic puppy at heart and a very enthusiastic competitor in Barn Hunt,” Sandra said.
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed Boone’s dash to his RATCH. Once back in the ring he earned his Championship on March 14 at the Dog Training Club of Tampa trial. Boone also loves competing in the Crazy8’s class of Barn Hunt and is close to obtaining the Crazy8’s Platinum level.
“Boone enjoys drafting and carting and I hope to find a draft trial that is not too far away. In addition, we will be starting Scent Work soon. Thank you, AKC! I appreciate the support and recognition AKC gives to canine partners through their Canine Partners program.”
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more RATCH titles to their names:
RATCHX (Barn Hunt Master Champion)
- Mulcahy’s Hang On Little Tomato FCAT4 RATCHX CZ8S CGC TKN owned by Lisa Miller of Bethesda, MD
- Sierra-Echo Swan Cloud RATCHX2 CZ8B CGC owned by Rebecca Rice and Jay Brykczynski of Pensacola, FL
RATM (Master Barn Hunt)
- Sketch Of Hacienda De La Hound BN THDN RATM CZ8P CGCA TKP owned by Grace Granatelli of Scottsdale, AZ
RATN (Novice Barn Hunt)
- Lkc’s Young Scrappy And Hungry CA BCAT SCN SIN SEN RATN TKE VHMA owned by Laura Cole of Austin, TX
- Willow Isle Walkin’ After Midnight BCAT RATN CGC TKN owned by Lisa Miller of Bethesda, MD
- Ember Tepool DCAT RATN CGC TKI owned by Anita Tepool of Indianapolis, IN
- A True Token Of Royalty RATN TKA owned by Tiffany Flores of North Las Vegas, NV
- It’s All About The Lincolns Baby RATN TKN owned by Liz Alford of Little Elm, TX
- Lucky Cricket CD PCDX RAE MX MXJ XF T2B RATN CGC TKN owned by Elizabeth Ann Jansen of Albuquerque, NM
- Piper Riley DCAT SWN RATO DS DJX CGCA TKN owned by Carla Jenkins of Lawrenceville, GA
- Cember Ree Jones RATN owned by Tina Jones of Newport News, VA
- In Todd We Trust RN RATN CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Kaleigh Morgan Gallant of Dallas, TX
- Sadie Sue Princess Diva RN RATN CGC owned by Janell Simpson of Lynnwood, WA
- Mmb’s Wayward Son RN CA FCAT2 RATN CGC owned by Taylor Lima and Michael Stephens of Enfield, CT
- Armstrong’s Lucy DCAT RATN CGCA CGCU TKN owned by Cassandra Armstrong of Longwood, FL
- Ozark Jack Daniel’s BN RATN CGC TKN owned by Dawn Christenson and Roberta Christenson of Sun Prairie, WI
- Klover Leigh RN NA NAJ RATN CGC TKP owned by Tiffany Sylveter of Gillette, WY
- Pop Goes The Weasel RATN CGC TKN owned by Tiffany Sylveter of Gillette, WY
- Team Shepinois Plus 1 Laelaps RATN CGC owned by Tatum Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
RATO (Open Barn Hunt)
- Hatfield’s Rocket Man SCN SIN RATO DM CGC TKN owned by Kristi Hatfield of Scottsdale, AZ
- Miss Penny Blossom RN MX MXJ XF RATO CGC TKA owned by Elizabeth Erin Alford of Little Elm, TX
- Oliver Fluffy Bottom Ibarra RN FDC CA ACT1 RATO CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Jessica and Christian Ibarra of Garland, TX
- Ldr’s Pretty Little Liar RATO owned by Sabyl Myers Broset of Livermore, CA
NADD – NORTH AMERICAN DIVING DOGS
DEA (Dock Elite Advanced)
- Syn DEA AM CGC TKN owned by Tatum Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DJ (Dock Junior)
- Sam’s Honey Pie RN DJ owned by Alisa O’Neal and Lisa O’Neal of Jacksonville, FL
- Isabelle The Sparkle Princess NJP DJ owned by Emily Manes of Conway, AR
- Morris’ Peppermint Patty DJ DN CGC TKI owned by Edith Morris of Nolanville, TX
- Bradley’s Daisy RI FDC NAP NJP NFP CAA DCAT SCN SBN RATO CZ8B DJ DN CGCA CGCU TKI ATT VHMA owned by Alison & Kevin Bradley of Fayetteville, AR
- RACH Luke Skywalk CD RM3 RAE2 OA OAJ NF BCAT DJ CGC TKA owned by Amanda, Levi, and Jonathan Olson of Otsego, MN
- Silly Willie Wonka From Honka Tonka NA NAJ OF DJ TKN owned by Kristie Siegel-Gonzalez of Caseyville, IL
- Topanga Nicole Mccoy DS DJ CGCA TKN owned by Jennifer & Jeremy McCoy of Hutchins, TX
- Anni’s Hiding In Plain Sight DJ CGC TKI owned by Ann M Yeager of Avon Park, FL
- Tesla Santeria DJ CGC TKA owned by Alexis Hawkins of Chesapeake, VA
- Toni’s Ain’T She Perdy? DJ owned by Arielle Mayer of Ronkonkoma, NY
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RN FDC NJP CAX DCAT ACT2 ACT2J DJ CGCA CGCU TKA VHMA VSWB owned by Kimberly Dickson and Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
DJA (Dock Junior Advanced)
- Ocean The Brave DJA owned by Heather M. Lowe of Elway, GA
- Third Times A Charm DJA CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Brittany Angone of Sierra Vista, AZ
- Mrd Loyal Bailey DJA CGC TKN owned by Michelle Duke of Marshall, TX
DJX (Dock Junior Excellent)
- Tilden’s Theia BCAT SIN SEN SBN DJX AJ HDS CGC TKA owned by Ashley Tilden of Puposky, MN
DM (Dock Master)
- Hatfield’s Rocket Man SCN SIN RATO DM CGC TKN owned by Kristi Hatfield of Scottsdale, AZ
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DM DSX TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
- Julia VII CAA DCAT DM DSA CGCA TKN owned by Kerstin Thompson of DeSoto, TX
- Apollo The Wondering Eye DM DS owned by William Porter of Perris, CA
- Ingram’s Daisy DM DS owned by Randall Ingram of Boise, ID
- Bubba Max Mccoy CA DM DS owned by Jennifer and Jeremy McCoy of Hutchins, TX
- Flyin Fish BCAT DM DS owned by Michelle Delaney of Naples, FL
DMA (Dock Master Advanced)
- Syn BCAT RATN DEA DMA AMA CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Tatum Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DMX (Dock Master Excellent)
- Eko BCAT RATO DE DMX AMA CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Tatum Trivyzas of Syracuse, UT
DN (Dock Novice)
- Morris’ Peppermint Patty DJ DN CGC TKI owned by Edith Morris of Nolanville, TX
DP (Dock Premier)
- Hutson’s Clear The Way DP DEA owned by Christy Lynne Hutson of Moyock, NC
DS (Dock Senior)
- Port Dawg’s Blue Lightning Sweetpea SWN DS DJ owned by Randy and Margaret Hardtner of Lebanon, IL
- Julia VII CAA DCAT DM DSA CGCA TKN owned by Kerstin Thompson of DeSoto, TX
- Apollo The Wondering Eye DM DS owned by William Porter of Perris, CA
- Hutson’s What’s That Noise DS owned by Christy Lynne Hutson of Moyock, NC
- Ain’T Your Average Ren’Egade DS DJ TKA VHMA owned by Debora Penton of Killeen, TX
- Princess Riley Sassy Pants DS VHMA owned by Shannon Quinn of Waxahachie, TX
- Topanga Nicole Mccoy DS DJ CGCA TKN owned by owned by Jennifer and Jeremy McCoy of Hutchins, TX
- Bubba Max Mccoy CA DM DS by owned by Jennifer and Jeremy McCoy of Hutchins, TX
- Flyin Fish BCAT DM DS owned by Michelle Delaney of Naples, FL
DSA (Dock Senior Advanced)
- Julia VII CAA DCAT DM DSA CGCA TKN owned by Kerstin Thompson of DeSoto, TX
DSX (Dock Senior Excellent)
- Houdini’s Historic Hypernym RATO DM DSX TKN owned by Linda Gregg of Minden, LA
Hydrodash
HDJ (Hydrodash Junior)
- Matzke’s Kronk RM OA OAJ XF ACT2 RATO DSA AJ HDJ CGC TKA owned by Roger Matzke of Penndel, PA
HDN (Hydrodash Novice)
- Juno Deems DE DMA HDN owned by Pam Deems and Aaron Trunk of Scottsdale, AZ
Search and Rescue
SAR-W (Search and Rescue – Wilderness)
Collins’ Sadie SAR-W owned by James and Hannah Collins of Puyallup, WA