We have big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog!
AGILITY
Agility Grand Champion (AGCH)
AGCH MACH5 Zoey Woofta Crow MXB2 PAD MJB2 PJD MFB TQX MFPS T2B3 T2BP FCAT2 TKN owned by Anjie Crow of Hermitage, TN
Zoey, an Australian Cattle Dog/Russell Terrier mix, was 1 year old when she was spotted by Anjie on Petfinder in June 2014. “It was love at first sight,” Anjie said. “It felt like a bolt of lightning had hit me in the gut, and I knew I had to have her.”
Zoey, Anjie’s first agility dog, caught on very quickly. “She had no fear but lacked engagement. We worked on our relationship building, and while things improved, I came very close to quitting,” Anjie said. “I knew Zoey was capable, but the problem was me.” Anjie lacked knowledge and struggled with her handling, so she decided to become a student of the sport. She attended seminars and studied videos, podcasts, articles, books, online courses – and was diligent about practicing small sequences in her backyard with the tunnels, jumps, and weaves she purchased. She also studied other competitors she admired and was open to feedback from everyone.
Anjie’s belief in Zoey as well as much-improved handling skills kept them in the sport. Besides earning her AGCH title, the highlights of Zoey’s AKC agility career include competing at AKC Nationals, competing at the 2022 Agility Invitational as the #3 All-American Dog, being a finalist at the Westminster Agility Championship in 2022, and earning five MACHs. After earning her AGCH on Aug. 22, 2024, in Murfreesboro, TN, Zoey retired from AKC agility at almost 12 years old. “That final run in T2B was a bittersweet moment for me, but I left that ring knowing I was leaving with the best dog who took me on adventures I never dreamed possible,” Anjie said. “Zoey is that once-in-a-lifetime dog for me, and I’m so grateful to have her in my life.”
Master Agility Champion (MACH)
MACH Mattie ‘Mad Mats’ Algrim CD MXB MJS MFB TQX T2B2 BCAT CGC TKA owned by Aimee Algrim of Lansing, MI
Mattie, a 4-year-old mini-poodle mix, has transformed from a companion pet into a competitive dog athlete, thanks to her green handler Aimee Algrim and the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing. After finding a drop-in agility class at the club, Aimee and Mattie quickly signed up for class and built PVC jumps to practice in the backyard for what they thought would be “something fun to do in the winter to pass the time.” Mattie quickly excelled, showing enthusiasm through her excited “yips” while running. In two years, Mattie went from Novice A to earning her Master Agility Champion title at the Southern Michigan Weimaraner Club’s trial on July 20, 2024.
In addition to agility, Mattie competes in dock diving, flyball, Barn Hunt, and obedience. “We are very grateful to the Obedience Training Club of Greater Lansing for introducing us to these and other dog sports, sparking what we anticipate will be a lifelong passion for canine athletics,” she said.
Aimee and Mattie recently attended the 2024 North American Diving Dogs National Championship and took 10th place in the Master Lap Division. The duo plans to participate in the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship and aspires to make Invitationals in the future.
MACH Burke’s Tallulah MXB MJB owned by Shawna Burke of Helmetta, NJ
After months of scrolling through Petfinder, Shawna saw Tallulah’s photo and her face was so full of expression she immediately fell in love. She filled out an application that night and by Friday was heading to pick her up.
Agility was always something Shawna wanted to try so she started looking for trainers. “Tallulah is super smart and was getting everything quickly,” she said. They learned together and were able to build an incredible bond. “Shout out to GoDog Agility!”
Tallulah was the first dog she owned by herself and “Boy, was she trouble!” Agility was a great outlet for her energy and mind. As Shawna learned more about dog behavior through training, living with Tallulah at home got better.
Once Tallulah was old enough to compete, Shawna entered a trial. Tallulah ran out of the ring halfway through their very first run. It was a rocky road. She would stop on the dog walk to watch the dog competing in the next ring. They struggled to complete the weaves through many distractions at trials. But Shawna had so much faith in her and herself she kept getting out there and trying, “and boy was it worth it.” Tallulah got her MACH this year just after turning 5, something Shawna never dreamed they could achieve. “She is already halfway to MACH 2!”
Tallulah has been deemed “The Machine” by their friends. “I truly couldn’t have asked for a better Novice A dog and a better companion to have by my side,” Shawna said. “Outside of agility, Tallulah is my running and hiking partner and best friend.”
MACH Audi’s Fascinating Fredi RN MXS MJS OF T2B owned by Linda Spears of New Albany, IN
Fredi is named after Linda’s dad who was a disc jockey when she was a teenager. His radio name was Fascinating Freddy, but Linda shortened it to Fascinating “Fredi” to make it a little more feminine.
Fredi finished her MACH on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Agility Club of Southern Indiana trial in New Albany, IN. “She’s 7 years old, and we took our sweet time getting her MACH,” Linda said. Their commitment to agility hasn’t been just about titles, but also having a lot of fun, though they have certainly enjoyed the accomplishments along the way.
Fredi gets so excited about running that she can’t help barking from the start line through the last obstacle, and her 5-year-old half-brother encourages her, barking from his crate on the sideline the entire time she is running. When she’s not running, she is a clown and a lover.
She’s also a best friend to Linda’s 16-pound special needs dog, who shares her crate at agility trials when she’s not running. Fredi jumped 24-inches up to the time she got her MACH but has since dropped to Preferred 20-inches and is on her way to a PACH, still barking the whole way. “We have a lot of people to thank for the success we’ve had, and we continue to learn and bask in their encouragement.”
MACH Chase’s Doodle Bug MXB MJB MXF T2B CGC owned by Audrey Chase of Pomfret Center, CT
Doodle is Audrey’s “down-for-anything” best friend that she can’t imagine her life without. Adopted during her senior year of college at 4 ½ months old as a companion (Audrey was a bit nervous about living alone), a basic obedience class and a trainer with years of experience introduced her and Doodle to the wonderful world of dog sports. They started with obedience and moved onto tricks, agility, and tracking.
With the support of many amazing people, Doodle and Audrey earned their MACH title on Aug. 18, 2024, at the Eastern English Springer Spaniel Club trial at AK9C in Amherst, NH.
Doodle is Audrey’s first dog and her Novice A dog. “He is the dog who I’m experiencing my 20s with, the dog who’s teaching me what unconditional love is. Doodle is a mixed-breed dog, and I wouldn’t change a thing about him (except maybe his tendency to hog the bed),” she said.
MACH Ou Dream’s Best Of Both Worlds MXB MJB OF owned by Donna J Housley of Riverton, UT
Kymera’s name is a play on the mythical hybrid creature composed of multiple animals, perceived as wildly imaginative, implausible, and dazzling.
“She is an accidental mix of a field-line Golden Retriever and working Border Collie, a perfect blend of biddability and talent,” Donna said. Ky has become not only Donna’s talented agility partner, but she also excels at scent work, disc dog, and dock diving and is a delightful, well-rounded companion whose favorite activity is learning new things.
Ky’s biggest accomplishment was competing at the 2023 AKC National Agility Championship in Tulsa, OK, where she won the 20-inch ISC class. By the end of 2023, Ky had earned 19 QQs, but she suddenly began to show signs of struggling with jumping. After a trip to the ophthalmologist, Donna learned that her congenital cataract had progressed such that she was virtually blind in one eye and had impaired vision in the other eye. Ky underwent cataract surgery in March 2024, and was cleared to compete again in late spring, running faster than ever!
She earned her Master Agility Championship title in August 2024 at the Intermountain Kennel Club Trial in Sandy, UT. “She’s always been a champion in my heart, but she has truly proven to be, as her registered name implies, ‘The Best of Both Worlds.’”
MACH Kasey 2x MXB MJB NF BCAT ACT2 ACT2J CGC TKN owned by Shelley Webster of Trenton, NJ
Shelley adopted Kasey from a shelter on April 15, 2018, when she was about 5 months old. Their veterinarian refers to her as a “brown dog,” probably mostly hound. She is a very good, happy dog and enjoys hiking, camping, agility, being around people and lying on Shelley’s lap.
On Sept. 1, 2024, she received her MACH at the Bayshore Companion Dog Club in Tinton Falls, NJ. “This is quite an accomplishment for us as her ‘houndy’ desire to sniff around everything made it a challenge to keep her focused,” Shelley said. “But she has proven that she can do it, and I couldn’t be prouder. She is a sweet and wonderful companion. I love her dearly.”
MACH Maine Light’s Schooner MXB MJB MFB TQX T2B2 SWE SCM SIM SHDA CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Lara Schindler & Geoffrey Louis of San Diego, CA
Schooner, now 3 ½ years old, was 8 weeks old when Lara adopted him. They bonded immediately on their cross-country flight from Portland, ME, to San Diego, CA.
“He is silly, sweet, intuitive, and an absolute joy to be around,” Lara said. She wasn’t looking for an agility dog, but after watching him jump on and off the furniture, bound up and down the steps, and fearlessly explore anything elevated, she knew he would love the sport. He learned quickly, and they started trialing when he was 15 months old.
Schooner earned his MACH on Sept. 1, 2024, at a trial in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to agility, Schooner enjoys AKC Scent Work, dock diving, chasing squirrels, and running wild at the beach.
MACH Dinah Might MXB MJB XF owned by Elana Rosenberg of Louisville, KY
Dinah completed her MACH on Sept. 8, 2024, at a trial hosted by Agility Canines of Southern Indiana in New Albany, IN. She is 6 years old and was adopted from a shelter in Arkansas by Elana as a 6-months-old puppy. She has worked hard to overcome many environmental fears and always finishes her agility runs with a big smile and a wagging tail.
In addition to achieving her MACH this year, Dinah qualified for the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship. She enjoys competing in Barn Hunt and has her Master’s level title in that sport. She also enjoys dabbling in scent work, playing with her canine sister, and hunting squirrels.
MACH Sawyer’s Wonderful Life MXB MJS MXF T2B ACT2 CGC TKI owned by Amy Ondeyka of Collingswood, NJ
This team’s story began when Amy was searching for an adoptable Corgi mix, which Sawyer was listed as. Amy adopted him sight unseen, and as soon as he entered her backyard, she could see that he was certainly not a Corgi.
Amy quickly learned that this mostly-herding-dog needed a job. She had seen agility on TV and thought it looked fun, so she bought a set of equipment online and they both loved it. Training officially started when Sawyer was 1 ½ years old, and they have had the help of some fantastic trainers and friends. Their journey together has included injuries, limited training time due to Amy’s occupation, and a lengthy teeter boot camp.
Sawyer, best known as Soy Sauce, is a spicy character who loves to entertain the crowd with his antics. He has made the Bad Dog Agility breed Power 10 list multiple times for 16-inch All American Dogs. “All that speed and spiciness translated to a lot of difficulty getting QQs,” Amy said. “With our agility family watching, we finally achieved that 20th QQ on Sept. 15, 2024, at the Horse Park of NJ. The first MACH ever with your Novice A dog is such a special one!”
While Sawyer may not have been the dog Amy was looking for at the time, he was the dog she needed. “We have had so much fun on this agility journey and have made some lifelong friends along the way. Cheers to many more years of fun with my rescue Novice A dog who is a ‘bit of a handful,’ my spicy Soy Sauce.”
MACH Scout Lc Speed Demon RN MXB MJB MXF T2B FCAT CGC TKE owned by Kim Ecker of Makanda, IL
Scout, a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd mix, is handled by Kim’s 17-year-old daughter, Lauren. Lauren says that he is the “perfect Novice A dog” who was easy to train in the sport, picking almost everything up very quickly. This year, they grew much closer as a team and achieving his MACH was something Lauren wanted to do ever since she found out what it was. She has been competing in agility with Scout for a little over three years and accomplishing his MACH as a junior handler means a great deal to her.
On top of achieving their MACH last year, Scout and Lauren qualified and competed at their first AKC National Agility Championship in Perry, Georgia, and represented team USA at the Junior Open Agility World Championship last summer in Belgium where they placed sixth cumulatively over approximately 80 dogs. “I am so proud of what Scout ,and I have accomplished so far in our career and I can’t wait to see what we do next,” Lauren said.
On Sept. 28, at Greater St. Louis Agility Club in Glenn Carbon, MO, Scout earned his MACH. “Finishing the run needed for his last double Q is something I will never forget,” she said. When he crossed the last jump, she looked over at her mom, then to the scribe table to make sure they actually got it. They then ran the course backwards as the crowd cheered. “I could hardly see as I was crying tears of joy. Scout wasn’t quite sure why we left the ring with a 5 foot bar and 3 foot long ribbon, but he had fun playing his favorite game.”
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned their MACH titles:
- MACH My Lucky Penny CD RN MXB MJB MXF T2B2 owned by Megan Donley of New Hartford, NY
- MACH Chasin’ Tout Mi Corazon MXB MJB MXF TQX T2B FCAT TKP owned by Jason & Melissa Meier of Germantown, WI
- MACH Boster’s Casey MXB MJS CGCA CGCU owned by Linda Boster & Donna Boster of Staten Island, NY
- MACH Millie Lite MXB MJB OF owned by Alexandria Schreppel of Charlotte, NC
- MACH Splashback’s Lil Effen Chilled MXS MJB MFB T2B SWN SCNE owned by Aida Peterson of Pinckney, MI
- MACH Rayn’s Race The Dream MXB MJB XF T2B TKI owned by Kristina Hanson of Topeka, KS
- MACH Benzonatate Harms RM3 RAE2 MXB MJB SCN SIN SEN owned by Amee Harms of Eldridge, IA
- MACH Revd Up Sudden Movement MXB MJB XF owned by Suzanne Rider of Lutz, FL
- MACH Rayn’s Everything’s Better With Butter MXB MJB MXF T2B DCAT owned by Courtney Moore & Debbie Moore of Leander, TX
- MACH Baloo Scrappy Doo Resq MXB MJB OF owned by Kim Keen of Madison, WI
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their names:
- AGCH MACH12 Theodore Teddy Hill MXG3 PDS MJC3 PJS MFG TQX T2B6 owned by Priscilla Hill-Wampler & Jon Wampler of Newark, DE
- AGCH MACH4 Rosie La Bella MXG2 PDS MJG2 PJS MFG TQX T2B5 owned by Leslie Lava of Tiburon, CA
- MACH4 Ann Perkins MXC PDS MJC PJS MFB TQX T2B5 CGC TKN owned by Chiaki Ito of Wilmington, NC
- MACH3 Charlotte Of Skyway MXG PAD MJC PJD MFB TQX T2B4 CA owned by Suzanne Loerch of Conway, AR
- MACH3 Trippett’s Twist Of Fate CD BN RE MXG MJC MFB TQX T2B SWE SCM SBM RATM CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Lisa Trippett of Denton, MD
- MACH3 Kiah Warrick MXG MJG MXF T2B4 CGC TKA FITB owned by Cynthia Warrick of Littleton, CO
- MACH3 Jazmine Blue Johnson MXG MJC owned by Jodi Johnson of Franklin, PA
- MACH3 Newman’s Amber MXC MJS2 XF owned by Tracy Newman of Elkhorn, WI
- MACH3 Pepper Of Pine Ridge MXC MJG MFB TQX T2B3 owned by Lila Bates of Panama City, FL
- MACH3 Fiona The Parti Girl MXC MJB2 owned by Lydia Langley of Lynchburg, VA
- MACH3 Gorman’s Athena MXG PAD MJG PJD MFB TQX T2B4 owned by Diane Fairfax Gorman of St. Paul, MN
- MACH2 Champy 805 MXB2 MJC MXF CGC TKA owned by Leslie Wilk of Camarillo, CA
- MACH2 She-Ra Princess Of Power II CD BN RN MXS MJG MXF TQX CGC TKA owned by Pauline Baudoux of Hemlock, MI
- MACH2 Winston Wells MXS PAD MJS PJD MFS TQX T2B3 owned by Jeffrey & Kristen Wells of San Antonio, TX
- MACH2 Sweet Paisley “Let’s Go Crazy” MXS MJB2 MXF T2B4 CGC TKN owned by Deborah Wachter of Santa Ana, CA
- MACH2 Lily Pinto RI FDC MXS MJS NF T2B FCAT ACT2 SCN THDN CGC TKA owned by Vicky Pinto of Kingsport, TN
- MACH2 Forever Brave Heart MXG MJS MFB TQX T2B3 CGC TKI owned by Louise Hinckley of Shirley, MA
- MACH2 Kailani’s Sky’s The Limit MXS MJS MXF T2B BCAT owned by Melanie Harris of Aurora, CO
- MACH2 Doodle Myah UD BN RE MXS MJS MXF TQX ACT2 CGC TKA owned by Bonnie Rykiel of Naples, FL
Preferred Agility Champion (PACH)
PACH Ella Holscher MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XFP owned by Courtney Holscher DVM of Battlefield, MO
Nine-year-old Ella Holscher achieved her PACH on July 6, 2024, at the Springfield Dog Training Club trial in Springfield, MO. Ella was found running in the road as a stray in Chattanooga, TN, in July 2016 at about 9 months old, and has blossomed into an incredible companion and agility dog. Her nickname is “Perfect Yellow Dog.” She has competed successfully at many national events, making multiple finals.
Ella loves agility, especially tunnels, and gets comments at every trial she and Courtney attend about her speed, enthusiasm, and joy.
“Outside of agility, Ella comes to work every day at a veterinary clinic and takes her jobs of chief morale builder, chair sleeper, and snack eater very seriously,” Courtney said. She has also worked as a dog professor for the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and is well-loved by both the students and instructors. Her other hobbies include hiking, searching for critters, snuggling under blankets, and playing with her Miniature American Shepherd sister Dahlia.
PACH Ruby’s Ruff N Redy MXP4 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PJDP PAX XFP T2BP3 owned by Tammy Cederstam of Hood River, OR
Born in September 2021, the smallest of a litter of 13 pups, Ruby was rescued by HUNAH (Herd You Needed a Home), and Tammy was the first one to apply for the little redhead.
At 4 months old, Ruby and Tammy attended their first foundation agility camp, and the two were immediately hooked. Lessons followed and when Ruby was 15 months old, they entered their first trial, earning two qualifying scores.
“It has been such a fun sport to learn together. Ruby loves the game of agility and takes is seriously. She is eager to please and a handler’s dream partner!” Tammy said.
The team qualified and attended Nationals in 2024 in Perry, GA, and on Aug. 2, 2024, Ruby earned her first PACH at the German Shepherd Dog Club of Oregon.
“Agility has become a huge part of our lives; we have made some amazing friends through the agility community!” Photo by Flora Steffan
PACH Garfield’s Odie BN MXP5 MXPS MJP9 MJPG PAX MFPG TQXP T2BP BCAT owned by Edward Railsback of Solon, IA
Ed’s older dog was retired from agility and he hoped that Odie, who he got as a puppy in fall 2018, would fill the void of no longer having a dog that was able to compete in agility. Odie and the senior dog did not get along for about a month, but one day Ed walked into the living room to find the dogs playing as if they were best friends.
“When we played ball outside, Odie was much faster than the older dog but would always bring the ball back and give it to him,” Ed said.
Being a “wild child,” Odie had obedience and rally classes before dipping her toes in agility. The hope was that she would jump in the 20-inch class, but she ended up measuring at 22 5/8 inches, putting her in the 24-inch class. Not wanting her to jump 24, Ed decided to start her agility career in Preferred.
She has not disappointed, attending the AKC National Agility Championship in 2022 and taking first place in JWW. Ed is in his 80’s and has found handling a fast dog to be a challenge, but “Odie has a way of making it look easy,” Ed said. “She goes up to the line, stretches, preparing herself for business, and then sits waiting to be released. She’s fast and consistent, and any mistakes that occur are always my fault.”
A couch potato at home, she turns on the burners when she gets in the agility ring. She also enjoys long walks, dock diving and Fast CAT. The team can’t wait to compete in the March NAC in Tulsa. Odie earned her PACH on Oct. 28, 2024, at the Quad City Dog Center in Davenport, IA.
“Odie loves everyone she meets, canine and human. She is a great partner and family member.”
MACH PACH Kier’s Calamity Jane RN MXB MJS MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX XF MFP T2B T2BP CGC TKI owned by Laura & Richard Kier of Chattaroy, WA
Laura and Richard adopted CJ from a shelter as a pup, and she was active and eager to learn right from the start. They had been involved with their local agility and dog sports community for a few years with their other dogs, so CJ started puppy classes right away. Over the next couple of years, they learned together and started trialing, and now they go as often as they can.
“Agility trials are our happy place, despite the inevitable dry spells and challenges!” Laura said.
CJ received her MACH in September 2022, and her PACH on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Spokane Dog Training Club trial in Spokane, WA. This year they are very excited to be going to the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship.
CJ just turned 10, and when she isn’t trialing and training, she likes to skijor and bike, join Laura and Richard on their outdoor adventures, and have happy down time at home. “She’s my constant companion, and I couldn’t ask for a better agility partner and friend,” Laura said.
PACH Lilo Kinard OA OAJ MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX owned by Traci Kinard of Anderson, SC
Lilo joined the Kinard family about 12 years ago with her brother and sister as fosters from the local Humane Society. Lilo’s siblings were placed “but she was a foster failure we simply could not let go,” Traci said. She started agility when she was about 9 years old and took to it like she was born to jump. “She loves everything about sport: the obstacles, the challenges, the rewards, spending time with me and traveling with our pack.” Lilo earned her PACH on August 11, 2024, in Concord NC at the Greater Monroe Kennel Club Trial.
PACH Taylor Lynn MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB PAX NFP BCAT owned by Sheila Snider of Springfield, OH
Taylor Lynn is 7 years old and was born and raised in Springfield. Sheila calls her a small dog with a big personality who absolutely loves agility. Taylor Lynn earned her PACH on Aug. 11, 2024. “That sounds like it took a long time,” said Sheila, “but I was learning myself and Taylor Lynn had to train me.”
They struggled with the table, but Taylor Lynn conquered that obstacle.
They have dabbled in Fast CAT, coursing, rally, disc, flyball, and plan to start scent work in 2025. Taylor Lynn is a great camper and hiker as she doesn’t react to other dogs and humans. She also is an expert swimmer who can dive, use a boogie board, and her favorite: piggyback on someone in the pool.
“A dog that is not taught limits is limitless!” Sheila said.
PACH Triple F RE MJP5 MJPS PAX XFP T2BP CGC TKA owned by Kayla Feeney of Lima, NY
Gable is Kayla’s Novice A dog. He was a rescue who joined Kayla’s family as a foster dog when he was 6 months old. It took only a day for Kayla to decide they would be signing adoption papers making him officially part of the family. His registered name of “Triple F” is a play on the words “Foster Fail” as he is the “Feeney’s Foster Fail.”
Kayla and Gable didn’t start training agility until he was about 2 years old with the intent to just bond, increase Gable’s overall confidence, and keep his brain busy because he proved to love learning. He is also a very sensitive dog and despite years of classes and trialing in primarily JWW classes, he didn’t get over his ‘teeter fear’ until he was about 5 ½ years old. Once he began teetering, he went from Novice Standard to a PACH title in less than eight months! Just three months after that he placed second in the 2024 Northeast Agility Championship in West Springfield, MA. He is also attending his first NAC this year in Tulsa, OK.
Gable has been an “incredible first dog” for Kayla by being as patient with her as she is with him so that they can both learn and grow as a team in this new sport that has become their favorite game together. Outside of agility, Gable enjoys working on trick dog titles, rally, hiking in the Adirondacks, and going on trail rides with Kayla and her horses.
Gable earned his PACH on Aug. 24, 2024, at Premier Dog Sports and Event Center with the Western Lakes Training Club in Lancaster, NY.
MACH PACH Lady Wishbone Parkman MXB MJS MXP3 MXPB MJPB PAX MFB TQX MFPB TQXP T2B3 T2BP CGC TKN owned by Valerie Parkman of Fort Worth, TX
Wishbone is a 6-year-old Aussie mix. “She is the ideal companion in and out of the ring,” Valerie said.
Whether they are competing, training, traveling, walking, visiting friends, running errands, or chilling, they are happy to be together. “Wishbone is a phenomenal friend. We are living our sweet spot in life.”
They started competition agility training as Novice A on March 17, 2022. They never dreamed that in less than a year after receiving their first MACH, they would have the honor of receiving their first PACH in 12 trials. When Valerie moved Wishbone to Preferred on Dec. 29, 2023, she was jumping for joy. “I am honored to share a life with this devoted girl.”
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the PACH title:
- MACH2 PACH Ava Sophia Santana MXS MJS MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF MFP TQXP CGC TKI owned by Brooke & Juan Santana of Mascoutah, IL
- MACH PACH Sophie Williamson RN MXS MJB MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XF CGC TKN owned by Mary Jo Williamson of Lock Haven, PA
- MACH2 PACH Tuncil’s Murphy MXC MJG MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX MXF TQX MFP T2B2 BCAT owned by Barbara & Mike Tuncil of Belleville, IL
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more PACH titles to their names:
- PACH3 Rowan Song OA OAJ MXP10 MXPC MJP10 MJPC PAX3 BCAT ACT1 owned by Lee Sutherland of North Ridge, OH
- PACH3 Mr Gustavo MXP10 MXPC MJP11 MJPC PAX3 MFPB TQXP T2BP3 CGC TKN owned by Cathy Bisset of Merrimack, NH
- AGCH MACH3 PACH2 Resq’s Dopamine Rush BN RN MXG PAD MJC PJD MXP5 MXPS MJP5 MJPS PAX2 MFS TQX MFP T2B3 T2BP DCAT SWM ONYX RATCH CGCA TKN owned by Rosemary Strasser & Miguel Ordorica of Omaha, NE
- MACH3 PACH2 Abbey Bear Kothur MXC PAD MJC PJD MXP5 MXPS MJP5 MJPS PAX2 MFB TQX MFPB TQXP T2B2 owned by Sri Kothur of Tallahassee, FL
- AGCH MACH PACH7 Paige MXB MJB MXP19 MXPG2 PDBP2 MJP17 MJPG2 PJCP PAX7 MXF TQX MFPC TQXP T2B2 T2BP7 CGC TKA owned by Flora Steffan of Ridgefield, WA
- AGCH MACH6 PACH2 Nostroveya’s Gemma MXG2 PDS MJB3 PJD MXP5 MXPS MJP10 MJPC PAX2 MFG TQX T2B4 owned by Sharen Hyde of Crystal River, FL
Coursing Ability – CAT
One of the easiest ways to get involved in the world of dog sports is with a Coursing Ability Test (CAT). Designed specifically for newcomers, each dog chases after an artificial lure on either a 300- or 600-yard-long course and must finish in less 1 ½ minutes and 2 minutes, respectively.
CAX – Coursing Ability Excellent
Rey Harsley CAX FCAT6 FITG owned by Kimberly Harsley of Fort Mill, SC
Kimberly adopted Rey when she was approximately 3 months old from a local rescue organization. “Her ‘gotcha’ day is March 27, 2021, and she was the best birthday present ever! I knew from the moment I saw her, and she picked me, that she was going to be a special girl,” Kimberly said.
She immediately saw Rey’s speed and love for running and chasing things, so she investigated dog sports. Rey’s first Fast CAT event was on March 19, 2022, when she was 14 months old, and she loved it instantly. Within a couple of weeks, she hit her top speed of 28.1 mph and was already getting a reputation within the community as “crazy Rey Rey.”
She earned her FCAT title on Nov. 5, 2022, and recently obtained her FCAT7 title on Nov. 10, 2024, in Union, SC, at an event sponsored by the Palmetto Obedience & Piedmont Collie Club.
Rey passed her first CABT race on Oct. 22, 2022, with flying colors. The lure operator told Kimberly that she was one of the fastest dogs he had ever seen, including sighthounds, run the course. Kimberly has tried other sports with Rey, such as agility, flyball, and scent work, but she absolutely loves to run.
Rey obtained her CAX title on Sept. 21, in Concord, NC, at the Dalmatian Club of the Piedmont event. “Her excitement for racing starts from the second we arrive at an event as she barks and jumps in exultation when she sees the white plastic ‘bunny,’ ” Kimberly said. “I can’t wait to see how many CABT and FastCAT titles she will earn in her lifetime!”
Congratulations also to these dogs for earning the CAX title:
- The Peerless Wing And Rifle Shot RN FDC CAX DCAT CGC owned by Elizabeth Dee of Reading, MA
- Aggiebwaggy CAX FCAT2 CGC owned by Angela Youkers of Gwynn Oak, MD
Congratulations to this dog who has added another CAX titles to his name:
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RN FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT3 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATS DS DJA HDS CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITS owned by Kimberly Dickson & Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
FastCAT
AKC ranks the fastest dogs of each breed in Fast CAT. Congratulations to the top five fastest All American Dogs in each height division! The speed shown is an average of the dog’s three top speeds for the season up to Jan. 16, 2025:
18-inch or Greater
| Rank | Dog Name | MPH |
| 1 | Plantagenet Rose | 35.95 |
| 2 | Buckminster DCAT | 34.70 |
| 3 | Maida DCAT | 34.13 |
| 4 | Saluq’s Athena CA FCAT5 | 33.31 |
| 5 | Binks Bonks Brand DCAT | 33.09 |
12-inch up to 18-inch
| Rank | Dog Name | MPH |
| 1 | Sincity’s Polyjuice Potion FDC CAX FCAT2 ONYX RATS CZ8B DE DM HDM CGCA CGCU TKA VHMA FITG | 31.34 |
| 2 | This Girl Is On Fire MX MXJ MJB OF CA FCAT4 RATN | 31.28 |
| 3 | Another Punch BCAT | 31.25 |
| 4 | Mvto’s Sweet Kiwi CA BCAT CGCA CGCU TKA | 31.20 |
| 5 | Black Ink FCAT7 | 31.04 |
Below 12 inches
| Rank | Dog Name | MPH |
| 1 | Bruno Bridges FCAT | 27.46 |
| 2 | Lang’s Lily Ann RI BCAT CGCA FITB | 26.72 |
| 3 | Lainey Bug BCAT | 26.13 |
| 4 | Jumpin’ Like A Catfish On A Pole AX OAJ MXP MJP CA FCAT20 ACT2 | 25.87 |
| 5 | Miss Brindi Brindle FCAT10 FITB | 25.57 |
RALLY
Rally Champion (RACH)
Congratulations to this dog adding another RACH title to his name:
- RACH2 Luke Skywalk CD RM6 RAE4 MX MXB MXJ MJB MXF T2B FCAT2 DS DJ CGCA CGCU TKA VHMA FITB FTN owned by Amanda, Levi, and Johathan Olson of Otsego, MN
Congratulations to these dogs on their first RACH titles:
RACH Allie’s Haven’s D.J. Gator CD BN RM3 RAE2 FDC AXP AJP XFP T2BP ACT2 CGC TKE FITG FTN owned by Kathleen Field & Daniel Field of Fort Worth, TX
DJ found himself in a south Texas shelter where volunteer Robin Hamilton from Allie’s Haven Rescue in Fort Worth pulled him and took him in as her foster dog.
Kathleen had been looking for another competition dog since her Labrador Retriever, Jenny, was nearing retirement. She and Daniel met DJ and found him to be very sweet and their other dogs loved him. Initially, it didn’t seem like DJ would be a good working dog, but he qualified in his first obedience trial and has been qualifying ever since. He now has 75 titles in three venues for obedience, rally, agility, Trick Dog, Fetch, Fit Dog, and Farm Dog. “He has qualified for AKC Rally Nationals three times, and we will go in 2025,” Kathleen said. “He can do anything!”
DJ earned his RACH on Sept. 14, 2024, at the Dallas Fort Worth Labrador Retriever Club Specialty Show in Denton, TX.
RACH Azzi RM4 RAE3 RC AX AXJ THDA CGC owned by Barbara Zinakorjian of Santa Maria, CA
Barbara acquired Azzie at 8 months in 2021. They began with pet therapy, then started showing in rally and agility in 2022. He’s earned a total of 21 titles, 10 in 2024.
“Azzi has excelled at everything he does, but most importantly he is extremely happy and always willing!” Barbara said. “I feel so lucky to be his partner.”
Congratulations also to these dogs for earning the RACH title:
- RACH Streetdog Named Desire At Lrb RM2 RAE2 RC THDN CGCA TKA owned by Traci & David Bitler of Harrod, OH
- RACH Confetti Le Royaume Du Refuge RM3 RAE2 CA DCAT SWN SCM SBE SIA RATCH CGC FTR owned by Kristen Lee of Renton, WA
- RACH Rabbit Daws-Uhr RM2 RAE2 NSD CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Danielle Daws & Shayne Uhr of Greer, SC
OBEDIENCE
UD
Congratulations to these dogs on earning the UD title:
- Quick Draw McGraw UD BN CGC owned by Barb Hustings of Maplewood, MN
- Colt XIV UD RE AX AXJ NF owned by Valery Stevens of Buckeye, AZ
UDX2
Congratulations to this dog for adding another UDX to her name:
- Abby Sax UDX2 OM3 BN OA OAJ THDN CGCA CGCU TKE owned by Shirley & Ronald Sax of Eagan, MN
SCENT WORK
Congratulations to these dogs for earning their Scent Work Detective titles:
Tiarnan Flynn BCAT SWD SWEE SWM SCME SEME SBME CGC TKN FTI owned by Brigidanne Flynn of Castleton, NY
Tiarnan was adopted at 16 months of age from Save a Lab rescue in Rhode Island just prior to the COVID lockdown. He was an owner-surrender and had not had any training, including crate training. “He was a wild thing but so smart and cute,” Brigidanne said.
Having a young energetic curious puppy with little to no formal training and limited resources at the time, Brigidanne had to find activities other than basic obedience to train him in. She had started scent work with her senior Labrador, just to keep him still active and engaged. So, she decided to give it a go with Tiarnan, along with some basic agility and rally training. It turned out Tiarnan loved scent work more than anything else.
They took some online classes and after the pandemic, Tiarnan was eager to go. Brigidanne was not, so they took a few hands-on classes for practice and experience. In addition to scent work, he has done dock diving, Fast CAT, and Barn Hunt and obtained his CGC, Trick Dog Novice and Fetch titles. They tried tracking and Flyball and some agility lessons. Now that they are at the end of this chapter in their AKC Scent Work journey, they plan to just sniff for fun at trials while practicing agility and rally and do some dock jumping from time to time.
Congratulations also to these dogs on earning their SWD titles:
- Norah Shaner RN BCAT SWD SWME CGCA CGCU TKI owned by McKenzie Shaner of Boise, ID
- My Doodle Joey SWD SWM CGC TKA owned by Liza Alldredge of Claremont, CA
Congratulations also to this dog for earning her SWD title:
TRACKING
TD
Cinders Lovejoy TD TDU SWA TKI owned by Chuck & Carol Lovejoy of North Pole, AK
Cinders was born in mid-June 2020 in Fort Yukon, a small village on the Yukon River in Alaska. She was rescued and delivered to Golden Retriever Rescue in Fairbanks.. Nobody really knows her heritage or how many different breeds influenced her appearance. She looks like a black Labrador Retriever but has a lot of shepherd in her too. Some have even said they can see some husky in her. It seems her shepherd personality is dominant.
She was adopted by Chuck and Carol Lovejoy in September 2020 when she was about 3 months old. They try very hard to teach her new things. She is not always very interested but loves using her nose, so they thought it would be a good idea to try scent work and tracking training to see how she’d do.
“She loved it!” Chuck said. “We spent several summers trying to teach her to track. She was trying to teach me that I should just trust her.”
After five attempts to certify, they were finally set to enter a tracking trial. It was held on Aug. 11, 2024, near the Moose Creek Dam in the area the US Army Corps of Engineers set aside for flood waters from the Chena River near North Pole. Cinders and Chuck had the last draw position and ended up with the first track. “I was very nervous,” Chuck said. “But after a rough start due to some nice critter smells, we made it to the glove. Success!”
TRICK DOG
Trick Dog Elite Performer (TKE)
Zovakingfast RATN DMA DS TKE FITG owned by Catherine Weiss of Grundy Center, IA
Zova is a smart and energetic Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Border Collie mix born in February 2023. Catherine began training tricks with her to overcome her aversion to being touched, turning it into a rewarding experience that helped her build confidence.
What started as a simple training exercise quickly grew into a passion for tricks. Zova thrives on challenges, learning complex moves that keep her mind sharp and her body active. In addition to trick training, she also competes in Barn Hunt, UpDog Disc events, dock diving, and Fast CAT, showing off her versatility and drive.
On July 11, 2024, at the KLIMB Classic in Maquoketa, IA, Zova earned her Elite Performer Trick Dog title. This accomplishment highlights her hard work, determination, and the bond she shares with her handler. It’s a proud moment for their team and a celebration of Zova’s love for learning and performing.
Johnny Cash The Flash DCAT TKE owned by Leslie Fields of Fairplay, CO
Cash began his life with Leslie in a puppy class that led to a class in agility foundations. He is always curious, wanting to know what everything is and if he can play with it. Besides tricks, he also enjoys Fast CAT and participates in the AKC Agility League.
Keeping Cash busy was a challenge for Leslie as living in the Colorado Rockies makes it difficult to get to classes in the winter. Trick training can be done indoors “regardless of the weather, and it’s perfect for Cash as he loves solving puzzles,” Leslie said.
He loves playing tricks on Leslie too. His favorite game is to hide toys and stare intently at the hidden objects waiting for her to find them. It might be a disc buried in the laundry basket or a bone tucked into a cabinet. He also enjoyed putting balls into the toilet until Leslie put a stop to that. They spend time each day creating new tricks, perfecting old ones, and adding distance for extra flair. Leslie is learning to dance so they can show off Cash’s coolest moves.
Cash raced through all of his trick titles in less than a year and earned his Elite Performer title on July 18, 2024, by video submission, performing at home in Colorado. He also earned an Outstanding Performance award in the 2024 AKC National Trick Dog competition.
Molly B Good NA NAJ AXP OJP OFP CAA BCAT TKE owned by Mark Ganzeveld of Cedar Rapids, IA
On June 4, 2021, Mark got an email that his application for a little dog rescued in Oklahoma was approved. “Her foster family told us Molly was a clever girl and wow, they weren’t kidding,” Mark said.
He enrolled her in puppy agility to burn off extra energy and that was when they started trick training. They did not crate dogs in the waiting area during class, so Mark began teaching her tricks to keep busy while waiting.
One night during their lessons someone came in selling their services in dog training and gave all the puppies a trick evaluation. Molly knew most of the tricks but that night she earned their minimum title performing two she had never encountered. That was when Mark knew he had a trick dog. He got online and found the AKC Trick Dog checklists.
Molly zoomed through the levels. Before he knew it, they were doing Performer level tricks and Molly was still eager to keep learning. “One night I came home from work, and she had pulled out pieces of our latest trick. She was waiting for me to get home so we could practice,” Mark said.
Earning a TKE title was not a goal he had originally dreamed of reaching but Molly sure made it a whole lot of fun. Their sights are now on the Virtual Trick Dog competition so they are not done yet!
Molly’s TKE performance was recorded at Prairie View Elementary, and her title was awarded on July 29, 2024.
Toby Rusconi TKE owned by Devon Dominique Rusconi of Atascadero, CA
Toby is a charming mix of cattle dog, husky, and shepherd, adopted in 2019 at 12 weeks old from Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, CA. He was Devon’s first puppy.
At 2 years old, Toby started his adventure in obedience and agility training at Canine Academy in Atascadero. While he shined in obedience, agility turned out to be a bit more challenging for him. Recognizing that he wasn’t the most athletic pup, Devon decided to switch things up and try a tricks class with their trainer, Lisa, who quickly became a best friend.
To their delight, Toby was a natural. At 100 pounds, some tricks were quite challenging, but he tackled them at his own pace—moving slowly yet confidently as he climbed into the little wagon, squeezed into suitcases, and gave it his all.
His favorite tricks included grabbing a toy from the mailbox, wiping his paws on the mat, and ringing a bell with his paw. Although he took his time with each trick, his enthusiasm was contagious, and “going to school” became one of their favorite weekly rituals.
After a year, Devon noticed Toby’s hair thinning around his face and concluded it to be the result of food allergies. The vet suggested carrots as a temporary solution, and while managing his allergies was a bit tricky, his love for food helped them through it. For the past two years, he has enjoyed carrots and hypoallergenic treats as his rewards and earned both his Advanced and Performer titles—all thanks to his determination.
Congratulations also to these dogs on earning the TKE:
- Grizzlee TKE owned by Nicole Komen of Federal Way, WA
- Leia Bean CA DCAT TKE owned by Erin Kephart of Sykesville, MD
- Nella Terhaar BCAT RATO CGC TKE VHMA FITG owned by Stephanie Terhaar of Englewood, CO
- Bentley And The Jets FDC BCAT CGCA TKE owned by Leslie Shealy-Smith & Dillon Smith of Spartanburg, SC
- RACH Ot’s Underwater Adventure UD BN GO RM2 RAE2 AX AXJ XF T2B SCN SIN SEN THDN CGC TKE owned by Kat Brown of Landrum, SC
- Jyniffer CGCA TKE FITB owned by Cathryn Martin & Mitchell Goodin of Dearborn, MI