The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue 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 information on how to apply, go to: AKC Title Recognition Program. Read on to meet 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:
600 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Supreme (THDS) title.
400 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD) title.
200 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Excellent (THDX) title.
100 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Advanced (THDA) title.
50 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog (THD) title.
10 visits to earn the AKC Therapy Dog Novice (THDN) title.
Congratulations to the All American Dogs who have earned the Therapy Dog Supreme title, having made 600 visits:
THDS (Therapy Dog Supreme)
Oliver Thomas II THDS CGCU TKI owned by David Thomas of Newnan, GA
Born on Feb. 27, 2019, in Ireland, Oliver is a dedicated and compassionate registered HOPE Animal-Assisted Canine Response Dog, on call to provide comfort and support 24/7. His gentle demeanor and extensive training make him an ideal companion for those in need of emotional and psychological support. His impressive list of certifications is a testament to his skills and dedication.
Oliver is well-equipped to handle a variety of situations. His specialized training includes certification from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, the R.E.A.D. program, the Animal-Assisted Crisis Response K-9 Team through HOPE American Association for Cancer Research, and the First Responders Therapy Dog Certification. Oliver also holds an Animal Actors Academie International certification, having completed Levels 1, 2, and 3. He was awarded the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
With more than 600 lifetime therapy dog visits and counting, Oliver has touched countless lives. He regularly visits organizations such as City of Hope Cancer Center, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Wellstar West GA Medical Center, Coweta 911 Call Center, and many others. His presence is a source of comfort in juvenile courts, fire rescues, schools, and senior living facilities.
Oliver recently completed a production for the USO, where he charmed the crew during his rest time. He has made numerous TV appearances and has been featured in several publications. Through his work, Oliver continues to bring joy, comfort, and hope to those he meets, proving that a dog truly can be man’s best friend.
Theodore Melendy THDS CGC owned by Colleen Melendy of La Porte, IN
Before the Covid pandemic, Colleen was active with her two older therapy dogs. When Teddy came along for his first visit, as a puppy, he took to the job right away.
When the pandemic hit, visits came to a halt and this is when Teddy earned his CGC. When visits resumed, he and Colleen visited schools, nursing homes, the library, the hospital, Best Friends 4-H club, and a canine 4-H club for special needs kids. Teddy was matched with a child, and together they learned obedience, agility, rally and more at Mutterly Love, where the 4-H club meets. The first year the pair won Reserve Grand Champion in obedience and agility at the Berrien County Youth Fair.
Teddy’s 600th visit was on July 15, 2024, at Mutterly Love.
Jade Newell THDS CGC owned by Brian & Paula Newell of Kennewick, WA
Brian and Paula rescued Jade, now 12 years old, and from the very moment they met she had their hearts. “She wants nothing more than to be loved and free to run and play,” Brian said. “Those gentle eyes will melt your heart making her the perfect therapy dog.”
After retiring Brian was looking for something to do with Jade. He found the Go Team Therapy Dogs of the Tri Cities. Jade quickly earned her CGC and started training with the team. She certified in May 2022 and began her journey meeting and greeting folks around town. She’s a natural, slowly approaching to greet people, then placing her head on their lap to ensure she gets her required petting or hug. She repeats this process for each person she meets.
She visits numerous nursing homes, libraries, elementary, middle and high schools, and colleges. She also makes visits to Alzheimer and memory care facilities, a cancer center, and various expos and trade shows where she sees hundreds of people. She makes regular monthly visits to hospitals and an airport.
When crisis situations arise, Jade and her team are quick to respond bringing comfort and compassion. Jade’s theme: “I will give you an hour to stop petting me!” Brian said.
Jade earned her AKC Therapy Dog Supreme status with her 600th visit to the Richland City Public Library on Dec. 18, 2025.
Lina Ballerina THDS CGC owned by Loren Sherman of Oro Valley, AZ
The Shermans adopted Lina when she was around 2 years old. She’d had seven puppies and been in three different foster homes.
Lina could not control herself back then; she barked and lunged at every person, dog, and bicycle she saw. She was very anxious and couldn’t go anywhere without behaving badly.
But hard work, good love, training, and time helped her to become much calmer. Loren took her with him everywhere, all the time, so she could get comfortable with herself, with other dogs, and with people. Now Lina is much more peaceful and enjoys being herself out in the world.
She has even learned lots of tricks that people love to see. Every day now, wherever she goes and whoever she meets, it’s a sweet new adventure. Loren and Lina passed the therapy dog test and as a result have met many wonderful people. Lina went from wild and uncivilized to dependable, kind, and loving.
Her 600th visit was at the VA Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025 – 21 months after her certification.
Jetton’s Joy THDS CGCA owned by Cheryl Jetton of Forney, TX
At the beginning of Covid, the thought of training a therapy dog became a reality for Cheryl. She had recently acquired a puppy and moved to Forney, TX, where the family had a much larger yard for training a dog. They named their sweet new girl “Joy.”
Cheryl had the time, so she trained Joy every day. When she felt Joy was ready to be tested, she couldn’t find anyone to test her as Covid rolled on. She learned on the neighborhood Facebook page about Love on a Leash. Cheryl knew some of the team members, and she reached out. The chapter leaders responded quickly and before she knew it, Joy had passed her evaluation. She was then observed for 10 visits. She scored well and went on to pass the CGC and CGCA tests.
When Joy’s paperwork arrived, they began work with senior citizens. Cheryl bought a harness with a message that said, “Bringing Joy, Please Pet Me!” to let everyone know that she was there to cheer up anyone who needed a little love from a gentle giant.
At first Joy wasn’t always received as enthusiastically as Cheryl thought she would be. Some employees and residents were a little afraid of her size. As they visited day after day and week after week, they slowly chipped away with some, but the dog lovers were always thrilled to see her. A question Cheryl hears every week is “How much does she weigh?” “Joy is a 140-pound dog with an even larger heart,” Cheryl said.
Now Joy is approaching her fourth year of service. She has made more than 700 visits, and in January 2025, she earned the title of Therapy Dog Supreme. “I am so happy to be a part of the American Kennel Club and Love on a Leash!” Cheryl said. “This work has truly taught me, over the years, as I have seen lives transform. A dog can’t change everything, but she can truly be a friend.”
Sadie Sandstrom THDS CGCA CGCU owned by Jane & Greg Sandstrom of Colorado Springs, CO
On Jan. 28, 2025, Sadie completed her 600th visit as a therapy dog, comforting patients and staff at UCHealth Memorial North Hospital in Colorado Springs. Her journey began on Feb. 20, 2018, when she joined the Sandstroms as a 2-month-old rescue puppy.
Jane’s father introduced her to the healing power of therapy dogs when he was hospitalized years ago. A visiting therapy dog made a lasting impact on him, and she never forgot how much it helped during his illness.
When Sadie was 4 months old, she began training with Jane. They attended weekly classes and regularly visited stores for socialization and bonding. “After 10 months of training, we earned our CGC title. I say ‘we’ because it was a team effort,” Jane said.
In June 2019, at 18 months old, Sadie and Jane auditioned for the Go Team Therapy Dogs with their 20-hour weekend training and were thrilled to be invited to join. Since then, they have visited schools, colleges, hospitals, assisted living and memory care communities, cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, behavioral health facilities, halfway homes, fire and police stations, the Colorado Springs Airport, and workplaces looking to help employees de-stress.
Sadie lights up with excitement when she sees the red shirts Jane wears for visits, as she knows it means they are off to “see people.” During visits, she radiates calmness and displays impeccable manners. “Taking Sadie into the community brings me so much joy. She has a special way of lifting spirits, and I feel privileged to share her love and comfort with so many.”
Laird’s Stanley THDS CGC TKI owned by Lisa Laird of Orange City, IA
Seven-year-old Stanley has shared smiles, snuggles, and stories with children since he was 9 months old. He and Lisa are a certified therapy team with Paws for Friendship Inc. Stanley was the visiting “Reading Dog” at countless schools and libraries from 2018-2024, and he has helped in after-school programs, disaster relief programs, and on college campuses.
Currently, he is focusing on pet therapy for hospice, visiting patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice facilities. In addition to his volunteer therapy work, Stanley has done some acting. He traveled all over the Midwest with Lisa as a cast member in her ventriloquism programs for schools, libraries, and nursing homes. He has “helped” Lisa write many books for children, which they loved reading to him during his visits to schools and libraries. In 2022, he played the part of Toto in a high school production of The Wizard of Oz and is in rehearsals for the same role in the community theatre presentation of The Wizard of Oz in Orange City, IA, during the annual Tulip Festival in May. Even though Stanley is not officially providing therapy at rehearsals, his presence brings smiles and helps relieve stress for the cast members and directors.
Stanley’s favorite part of therapy dog work is receiving snuggles from the children and adults he visits, although treats and the occasional serving of whipped cream are also appreciated. He received his title on Feb. 24, 2025, in a private ceremony at home followed by a celebratory serving of whipped cream.
His 600th visit was to a hospice patient for the Orange City Home Health and Hospice organization for which he and Lisa are doing volunteer work.
Saoirse THDS CGC owned by Cynthia Pledger of North Fort Myers, FL
In March 2021, 3-year-old Sally went home with Cynthia from the Caloosa Humane Society as a medical foster. After just a few weeks, Cynthia realized that Saoirse was home. Saoirse (Sur-Shuh) is an Irish girl’s name that means freedom. She had found her forever home and love.
After three major surgeries over six months – a tummy tuck, a burn scar revision, and a chewed up plastic bowl removed from her stomach – Saoirse “blossomed into the sweetest and most patient girl,” Cynthia said.
In December 2021, Saoirse became Cynthia’s seventh and best therapy dog. They are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and they volunteer with Beesley’s Paw Prints, a United Way Collaborative. They regularly visit the VA Hospital, The Atrium assisted living facility, Children’s Advocacy Center, Bayshore Elementary, North Fort Myers Library, O.I.L.E., Hope Clubhouse, Valerie’s House, and the Lee County Courthouse.
O.I.L.E. (Organization International de Latinos en el Exterior) is Saoirse’s favorite place to visit. It is a place that helps women build self-esteem and heal their souls. She and Cynthia volunteer two days a week at their after-school program. On Feb. 18, 2025, they celebrated Saoirse’s 600th visit with cupcakes and goodie bags for her favorite kids at O.I.L.E.
Together, Saoirse and Cynthia have tested/observed more than 125 teams for the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Saoirse is also a blood donor, when needed, at the Caloosa Humane Society Veterinary Clinic.
“As proud as I am of Saoirse’s therapy work, I am most proud of her for being an ambassador for rescue dogs,” Cynthia said. “Saoirse and I are looking forward to many more visits. Therapy dogs make a difference everywhere they go.”
Trowbridge’s Miss Tilly THDS CGC owned by Katherine & Marla Trowbridge of Trenton, UT
Miss Tilly worked at North Cache Middle School, which has more than 1,100 children ages 12-14, in Richmond, UT. The school was looking for ways to boost morale and agreed to let Marla, a science teacher at the school, get a dog.
Miss Tilly started spending time at school in September 2019 when she was 8 weeks old and grew up with the students. She helped kids through the grief of a student’s suicide and relieved stress during threats of harm to the school. She brought positive energy and enthusiasm to everyone she interacted with.
Tilly would occasionally leave her bed to go sit by a student. More often than not, the student was having a hard day, and she knew it. Students would come into the classroom before school, at lunch times, and after school to say hello to Tilly and pet her. She would often be in the commons during passing times and have five intense minutes of pets and high activity as students moved from one class to another.
Last year, for the first time, Marla bought ink pads that were safe for animals, and Miss Tilly “signed” yearbooks with a paw print. She was fantastic at doing this, and the kids were elated.
Sadly, not long after submitting Tilly’s paperwork for Therapy Dog Supreme, she became seriously ill. Marla and Katherine made the difficult decision to let her go. Her impact at the school was significant. Flowers were brought, paintings made and notes about how much she was loved were received. Tilly’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her students who all were given her unconditional love.
Mr. Vinny RI CAA FCAT2 THDS RATN CGC TKI FITB owned by Erin Miller of Waverly, WV
Vinny, about 11 years old, is a rescue who was found running up to cars on an extremely busy highway on one of the coldest days of the year in February 2014. During his initial vet exam, it was discovered that he had a previously broken rib that had already begun to heal, his fur was matted, and he was underweight. The local humane society posted his information on their site on the off chance that he had an owner looking for him. After his stray hold was up, Erin’s family jumped at the opportunity to adopt him.
Erin knew immediately that there was something special about Vinny, and he passed his therapy dog test after only one obedience class training. Over the following months, there were times he acted out of character and would initiate a bed visit without being asked or prompted. This was strange as Vinny was always on his best behavior when “working.” Erin started paying attention and asking questions when he would present himself in such a manner. “Every time my little friend behaved this way, the person was either terminally ill or had just lost someone close to them. Without fail, Vinny was picking up on their extreme grief and doing what he could to console them,” Erin said. Over the years, Vinny’s uncanny ability and love of people have been utilized by hospital staff countless times. Erin has learned that Vinny truly does know best so she no longer questions his behaviors; she simply holds the leash and watches him work his magic.
While Erin will never know the circumstances that led Vinny to her family, it is in the past. “He now spends his life bringing comfort and joy to those in need, and I could not be more proud to share my life with such an amazing friend,” she said.
Vinny achieved his THDS title for over 600 lifetime visits at Memorial Health System in Marietta, Ohio.
Countryside’s Ellie TD AX AXJ MXP MJP OF FCAT SWE SCME SIM SEM THDS CGC Cabell West of Richmond, VA
A few weeks ago, 10-year-old Ellie and Cabell were walking around a mall in Richmond, VA. Cabell heard a woman calling, “Ellie!” He turned around and did not recognize her. She continued calling to Ellie. Cabell finally stopped and asked her if she was calling to his dog.
When she answered yes, he asked her how she knew Ellie. She told him that when she woke up from a coma at Virginia Commonwealth Medical Center, her first memory was of Ellie lying in bed with her. This is just one of many memorable moments that Cabell has had with Ellie as a therapy dog.
Ellie has earned AKC titles in agility, scent work, Fast CAT, tracking, and of course therapy dog. What does Ellie enjoy the most? “Unequivocally, her therapy work!” Cabell said. At all her training classes and trials, she is more interested in greeting all the competitors. At the hospital, her favorite part is visiting patients in hospice. Alzheimer’s patients in nursing homes just smile when they see Ellie. For many of these patients, Ellie brings back happy memories of when they owned a dog. Ellie helps calm the members of Virginia Commonwealth University Woman’s Lacrosse team, so they can concentrate on their game.
Ellie was a rescue dog. As a puppy she ate all the bushes at her first owner’s home as well as the sprinkler system. She was 1 year old when she came to the Wests’ home. In three months, she had earned her CGC title. Ellie’s therapy career started that day. She earned her THDS on March 17, 2025.
Congratulations also to these dogs who have earned the THDS title:
- Dixie Of The Wichitas THDS CGC TKI owned by Cecily Ingalls of Lawton, OK
- Finn Millner THDS CGCA CGCU owned by Chad Millner of Port Clinton, OH
- Bonne Prince Harry III THDS owned by Laura Palmer of Madison, NJ
Barn Hunt
RATCH
White Oak’s Just Call Me Spencer RA BCAT ACT1 ACT1J SCN SEN SBN RATCH CGC FITS FTN owned by Roger Lagesse of Hampton, VA
Spencer is a 2 ½ year old English Shepherd who resides in Hampton, VA, with Jeanne and Roger and their other English Shepherd, 8-year-old Violet. Spencer was acquired from White Oak English Shepherds in Apex, NC, in October 2022 at 10 weeks of age. He started competing in Barn Hunt in March 2023, and completed his Barn Hunt Master Title in March 2024, going on to finish his Champion title (RATCH) on Nov. 8, 2024, at Merrimac Dog Training Club in Hampton, VA.
Of the 10 qualifying runs need for the RATCH, seven were designated Elite Master Runs, meaning that out of the possible 4 ½ minutes allowed, Spencer completed his runs in under 2 ½ minutes.
For the year 2024 in Barn Hunt, Spencer is listed as the fastest Master level English Shepherd and the fifth fastest Master level dog in Virginia. He loves Fast CAT, rally, and scent work and is training for future agility competition.
Photography credit KOACH Photography
RACH Marshall’s Dakota CD RM4 RAE2 RC OA OAJ XF RATCH DN CGC TKN owned by Michele Marshall of Las Cruces, NM
Fourteen-year-old Dakota loves to be active and has participated in dog sports most of her life. Agility was her first sport, and she earned the nickname “The Black Tornado” because she enjoyed making up her own course and running wild. She also competed briefly in dock diving and obedience, but Michele and Dakota switched their focus to rally until she earned her RACH in June 2023.
Their introduction to Barn Hunt was a fun trial in March 2023. Neither of them knew anything about being in a barn yard or what rat hunting was about. Dakota was 12 years old, and Michele wanted to find a dog sport she could enjoy at her age. Dakota fell in love with Barn Hunt when she realized roles were reversed, and she became the team leader in this new game. Her updated nickname is “The happy Black Tornado,” and she has earned the judges’ “Most Memorable” run for showing so much enthusiasm while hunting rats. She often comes out looking more golden than black from all of the straw she brings out of the barnyard after her run is over and leaving no fluff pile unturned.
Their bond grew as they became a stronger team together. Dakota’s skill level and “tells” when she found a rat kept improving and less than two years later, Jan. 24, 2025, at the Barndoleros of Las Cruces winter trial, they earned a RATCH. This is the second sport that she earned a championship in, and she is now more than halfway to earning her RATCHX title.
Follow Your Arrow RATCH CZ8P owned by Kelly Pollard of Whitehorse, YT, Canada
Arrow came to Kelly and her husband in 2019, just after they lost their daughter Rebecca to Type 1 Diabetes complications. Their new puppy had an arrowhead shape on her forehead, and they named her Arrow after the Kacey Musgraves song “Follow your Arrow,” their daughter’s favorite song, about remaining true to oneself and not worrying about what others may think. “We like to think that our daughter played a part in sending Arrow to us to help with our profound sadness,” Kelly said.
Kelly started taking Arrow to puppy classes as a way to find purpose and direction in the midst of her overwhelming grief. Arrow and she have worked and titled together as a team in various sports such as agility, scent work, rally, Barn Hunt and trick dog.
Arrow’s favorite sport is Barn Hunt, which isn’t surprising, given that she is a Jack Russell Terrier. There were no Barn Hunt classes offered where they live in the Yukon Territory, Canada, at the time so in 2022, Kelly read the Barn Hunt Association rules thoroughly and entered Arrow in her first trial in Mead, CO. She took to the sport naturally, and they were both immediately hooked. They have travelled to trials in 10 different locations across Canada and the United States. Arrow earned her RATCH on Sept. 27, 2024, in Maryville, IL. Kelly has started a Barn Hunt club in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and they will be holding their first sanctioned trial in June 2025, where Arrow and she hope to earn her RATCHX.
“The relationship between my dog and me has flourished, thanks to the activities we enjoy,” Kelly said. “Arrow has this uncanny ability to communicate with me that is so different from what I have ever experienced.”
Congratulations also to this dog for earning the RATCH title:
- On Target Just A Smidge RN NA NAP NJP NF NFP SWN SCA SEA RATCH CZ8P CGC FTI owned by Debbie Russ of Wilmington, NC
RATCHX
- Oreo Vanderhoof FCAT THDX RATCHX CZ8P CGC ATT owned by Lisa & Ken Vanderhoof of Denville, NJ
- McDonald’s Preston CD BN RM FDC CAA SWAE SWE THD RATCHX CZ8B CGCA TKI FTN owned by Joanne McDonald of Lexington, SC
- Kipbomb’s Little Miss Violet RM FDC OAP AJP OFP FCAT SWM SIEE RATCHX11 CZ8P3 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITS FTN owned by Jeanne & Roger Lagesse of Hampton, VA
- Marsee Grayce RE SWNE SWE SCAE SIAE SEAE SHDAE SCM SHDE RATCHX20 CGCA TKN ATT owned by Deborah Ungles of Dallas, TX
CZ8B
- MACH Versadogs Dream Catcher BN RA MXB MJB MFS TQX T2B CAX ACT2 RATCHX CZ8B TKP owned by Cheryl Matthews of Bloomingdale, NJ
- Nella Terhaar DCAT RATM CZ8B CGC TKE VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Stephanie Terhaar of Englewood, CO
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT3 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATS CZ8B DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Kimberly Dickson & Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
CZ8G
- Shake Your Tayl RATS CZ8G CGC TKI owned by Jill Hallam-Miller & William Miller of Duncannon, PA
CZ8P
- On Target Just A Smidge RN NA NAP NJP NF NFP SWN SCA SEA RATCH CZ8P CGC FTI owned by Debbie Russ of Wilmington, NC
- Follow Your Arrow RATCH CZ8P owned by Kelly Pollard of Whitehorse, YT
CZ8P3
- Kipbomb’s Little Miss Violet RM FDC OAP AJP OFP FCAT SWM SIEE RATCHX11 CZ8P3 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITS FTN owned by Jeanne & Roger Lagesse of Hampton, VA
RATM
- A Girl Is Arya Stark Of Winterfell RE FDC DCAT SWN SIA SEA RATM DN CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Sarah Jackson of Rapid City, SD
- Jack Lasater RE FDC MXP2 MXPB MJP3 MJPB NFP ACT1 ACT1J SWN RATM TKN owned by Veronica Lasater of Bayfield, CO
- Amazing Maisie CD BN RE CAA DCAT SWA SCE SEE RATM CGC TKI owned by Jenny Davis of Weaverville, NC
- Nella Terhaar DCAT RATM CZ8B CGC TKE VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Stephanie Terhaar of Englewood, CO
RATN
- Chaka Khan RI CA BCAT RATN CGC TKI owned by Isabella O’Brien of Lexington, KY
- One Particular Harbor Of Moss Creek RI BCAT SWA RATN CGCA CGCU TKI FITB owned by Lisa D Privett of Lonoke, AR
- Mandy Lu RM2 RAE2 NA BCAT ACT1 ACT1J RATN CGC TKA ATT FITB owned by Greta Kasten of Hanover, NM
- Snookie X FDC ACT1 SWN SCA SIA SEA SHDN RATN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT VHMA FITS owned by Kimberly Sue Dykstra of New Berlin, IL
- Dykstra’s Scout Elizabeth FCAT RATN TKN FITS owned by Kimberly Sue Dykstra of New Berlin, IL
- Allegewi FDC RATO CGC owned by Kelly & William Stolp of Greensburg, PA
- Ima Floppy Muppet PCD RI FDC NA NAJ OF CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SCN THDA RATO DM DS AJ DDBE CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITG owned by Maggie Nipper of Jacksonville, FL
- Tucker The Fierce Squirrel Hunter RE OAP OJP NFP BCAT SCN SEN THD RATN CGCA CGCU TKE ATT VHMA FITB owned by Cammie Klein of Novato, CA
- Otis of-Alpine BN RA NA NAJ BCAT RATN CGC TKA owned by Amy Seelig of Southbridge, MA
- Puggle Power ACT1J RATN TKN FITB owned by Marissa Quarles of Lincoln, RI
- Whoville’s Good Grace THDN RATN CGC owned by Robyn Struz of Bordentown, NJ
- Pixel Perfectt DCAT RATN CGC FITB owned by Linda L. Perry-Horst of Leola, PA
- Sugar Extra Spice NAP NJP BCAT SWA SIE RATN owned by Crystal McLane of West Fargo, ND
- Karige Farm Niigaanii CD BN RA FDC ACT1J RATN CGC TKI FTN owned by Karen Gengler of Reedsville, WI
- Allie’s Atlas RN BCAT RATN DDS CGCA CGCU TKI VHMA owned by Allison Meier of of Huntsville, AL
- Newzew As You Wish PCD RI BCAT RATN owned by Dianna & J. Steven Thurston of Marshall, TX
- Madame Merlot Of Gumtree RATN TKN FTN owned by Rhianna Moehrke & Tarita Tennison of Vacaville, CA
- Lazlo Rowlf’s Whisper From Our Angel RATN CGC TKN owned by Colleen Woods, Mel Woods, & John Woods, Jr. of Sewickley, PA
- Sir Hugo-Licious Of Country Mill ACT1J RATN CGCA TKN owned by Heather Jewett of West Jordan, UT
- Hatfield’s Big Yellow Taxi RATN owned by Kristi Hatfield of Scottsdale, AZ
- Ris’n like a Phoenix from the Ashes CA BCAT RATN ATT owned by Carolina G. Muller of Tavares, FL
- Sweet Aya Patience NA NAJ THDA RATN CGCA CGCU owned by Denise Raskett of North Brookfield, MA
- Franki Knight RATN CGCA CGCU TKN owned by Christine Knight of North Cape May, NJ
- Riley Titan Greenhill FCAT5 ACT2J RATN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT FITG FTN owned by Cassandra Greenhill of Oak Forest, IL
- Sadie Probst Shea RATN owned by Maddie Shea of Minneapolis, MN
- Mr. Vinny RI CAA FCAT2 THDS RATN CGC TKI FITB owned by Erin Miller of Waverly, WV
- Eleanor Smelleanor RATN DM owned by Alexandra Janikova & Nicholas Petrangelo of Las Vegas, NV
RATO
- Ruby Rae BCAT RATO CGC owned by Alyssa Pew of Cohoes, NY
- Dykstra’s Milo Of Lebeau FDC NAP NJP NFP SWN THDN RATO CGCA CGCU TKP ATT VHMA FITS owned by Kimberly Dykstra of New Berlin, IL
- Allegewi FDC RATO CGC owned by Kelly & William Stolp of Greensburg, PA
- To-Yarrow Is A New Day DCAT RATO CGC TKA VHMA FITS owned by Alexa Efstathiou of Claremont, NH
- Siren Cascadia RATO CGC TKI FITS owned by Amanda Sparks & Emily Rosser of Palmer, AK
- Kimmark’s Just Like My Woofi FCAT3 RATO TKN owned by Heidi Benson of Westerly, RI
- Renehan’s Francisco RI FDC FCAT2 RATO CGC TKI ATT FITB owned by Colleen O ’Renehan of Finksburg, MD
- PACH Fourwheeling Graham CD PCD BN RE MXP3 MXPB MJP6 MJPS PAX OFP SWE SCM SEM SBM THD RATO CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Jackie & Clint Potter of Black Hawk, SD
- PACH Luna Venkat RE FDC MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX XFP T2BP BCAT SWE SIM SHDN THDN RATO CGCA CGCU TKE ATT BN-V VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Heather Venkat Surprise, AZ
- MACH Menmy Shades Of Magic RI FDC MXB MJB MXF T2B BCAT ACT1 ACT2J SWN SENE RATO CGCA CGCU TKA VHMP VSWI FITG FTI owned by Heather Venkat Surprise, AZ
- Athena Knowles BN RE FDC CAX FCAT5 ACT1 ACT2J RATO DE DMA DDP DDSE CGCA CGCU TKE ATT BN-V2 CD-V VHMA VSWE FITG FTR owned by Kelly Knowles of Leesburg, VA
- MACH Mattie ‘Mad Mats’ Algrim CD MXB MJS MFB TQX T2B2 BCAT RATO DMX CGC TKA owned by Aimee Algrim of Lansing, MI
- Ima Floppy Muppet PCD RI FDC NA NAJ OF CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SCN THDA RATO DM DS AJ DDBE CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITG owned by Maggie Nipper of Jacksonville, FL
- Storm Rueckert RN SWM RATO CGC TKA ATT FITB FTN owned by Claudia Rueckert of Reno, NV
RATS
- Ruby Rue Johns RATS DM CGC TKI owned by Samantha & Thomas Johns of of Durango, CO
- Nella Terhaar DCAT RATM CZ8B CGC TKE VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Stephanie Terhaar of Englewood, CO
- Shake Your Tayl RATS CZ8G CGC TKI owned by Jill Hallam-Miller & William Miller of Duncannon, PA
- Princess Flower BN RI FDC AXP MJP MFP DCAT SWN SIA RATS DSA DJ CGCA CGCU TKI ATT FITS FTI owned by Kimberly Christen of West Jefferson, OH
- RACH Ozymandias Rags To Riches CD RM4 RAE2 RC2 AX MXJ MXP3 MXPB MJP5 MJPS PJDP MXF T2B BCAT RATS CGCA TKP owned by Kelly Halloran of Somerset, NJ
UpDog Challenge – Disc Dog
Disc Dog Unobtanium Elite (DDUE)
Bandade Travis DDUE owned by James Tang of Frederick, MD
Travis achieved his DDUE on Dec. 3, 2022, in Middle Island, NY. Sadly, he passed away suddenly on Dec. 13, 2024, at the age of 17 ½ years.
Travis was found as a stray in Sugar Land, TX, and rescued by Bandade Animal Rescue, where he spent a year being treated for heartworm. He was then sent to Connecticut where James first met and subsequently adopted him. Travis loved playing disc so much that he was still playing just days before his passing, thanks to UpDog allowing rollers.
He was known for sprinting out so hard to catch the disc that you could feel the ground rumble only to slowly trot back to the throwing line, sometimes deciding to find some shade to lie down in instead.
Despite not being the most competitive dog, he had a few notable achievements, including placing eighth in Time Warp at UpDif 2016 and holding the highest average ranking for Far Out in the 2020 season.
North American Diving Dogs (NADD)
DM (Dock Master)
Ruby Rue Johns RATS DM CGC TKI owned by Samantha & Thomas Johns of Durango, CO
Ruby was adopted by Samantha and Thomas from their local humane society at just 11 weeks old, and it quickly became clear to them she was extraordinary. Her sharp mind and intense toy drive made her the perfect first sport dog for their family. “She is an All American Dog with endless drive and brains to match,” Samantha said.
Training became Ruby’s favorite activity. She was so eager to work that Samantha and Thomas could barely keep up. By 6 months old, she was already earning advanced trick titles and had begun scent work, always craving more. There are multiple water breeds in her mix, which inspired Samantha and Thomas to introduce swimming early, laying the foundation for dock diving.
“The 2024 NADD season was a blast,” Samantha said. Ruby earned her Dock Master title on June 8, 2024, at CoolWag in Bentonville, AR. That day, she also achieved a new personal best of 22’3”.
She went on to place first in Distance and second in Air Retrieve at the 2024 Southwest Regionals in her respective divisions.
It didn’t come without work — they practiced at their local lake more than 80 times that season, during Colorado’s short swim season.
Ruby has also become the unofficial lifeguard at the lake. She swims out to anyone who swims underwater, convinced they need rescuing. While Ruby is the only dog the Johns compete with in dock diving, swimming together has become a favorite family pastime.
Congratulations also to these dogs who earned the DM title:
- Savvy III DCAT DM DS TKN FITS FTI owned by Sonja Lisa Twiford of Broad Run, VA
- Eleanor Smelleanor RATN DM owned by Alexandra Janikova & Nicholas Petrangelo of Las Vegas, NV
DJ – Dock Junior
- Patchy Fog Farm’s Ollie DCAT DJ DN FITS FTI owned by Sonja Twiford of Broad Run, VA
- Glass’s Snowey Kit FCAT3 ACT2 ACT2J DS DJ FITG owned by Karen Glass of Shepherdsville, KY
- Every Day Farm Firefly DJ DN CGCA STR TKI VHMA VHMP FITS owned by Kathryn Danno of Gilbert, AZ
DJA
- Johnnie On The Rocks DS DJA TKN owned by Samantha & Natalie Coiner of Murfreesboro, TN
DMA
- Alabama’s Finest Phenix CAX FCAT2 SWE SCM RATM DMA owned by Maren Waldner of Canton, CT
DMX
- MACH Mattie ‘Mad Mats’ Algrim CD MXB MJS MFB TQX T2B2 BCAT RATO DMX CGC TKA owned by Aimee Algrim of Lansing, MI
DN
- Every Day Farm Firefly DJ DN CGCA STR TKI VHMA VHMP FITS owned by Kathryn Danno of Gilbert, AZ
- Patchy Fog Farm’s Ollie DCAT DJ DN FITS FTI owned by Sonja Twiford of Broad Run, VA
- A Girl Is Arya Stark Of Winterfell RE FDC DCAT SWN SIA SEA RATM DN CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Sarah Jackson of Rapid City, SD
- Red Queen Of Screams CA BCAT DN CGC owned by Lyndsey Wagner of Canton, GA
DNX
- Isabella Rose Francesca BCAT THDA DNX CGCA CGCU TKI FITS FTN owned by April & Cary Hudson of Nolanville, TX
DS
- Savvy III DCAT DM DS TKN FITS FTI owned by Sonja Twiford of Broad Run, VA
- Johnnie On The Rocks DS DJA TKN owned by Samantha & Natalie Coiner of Murfreesboro, TN
- Oliver Pierce DS DJ TKN owned by Jesse Pierce of Huntersville, NC
- Stinson Of Eenp’s Sunny CA BCAT DS CGCA TKE FITS owned by Bethany Spencer of Cullowhee, NC
- Twinkle Toes Tila RA FDC BCAT DS DJ CGC TKI ATT FITB owned by Erin Heiden of Tarpon Springs, FL
DSA
- Third Times A Charm FCAT DSA DJX CGCA CGCU TKA FITS FTN owned by Brittany Angone of Sierra Vista, AZ
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT3 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATS CZ8B DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Kimberly Dickson & Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
- Ruger Wittels BCAT DSA HDS FITS owned by Angela Miller of Wallkill, NY
DSX
- Cinotto Manning’s Athena NAP OJP OFP BCAT SWA SCM SEE SHDN DSX DN TKN owned by Vicki Cinotto & Brian Manning of Freeburg, IL
- Max Of Moores Mill BCAT DSX DJ CGC TKN owned by Lynn Bruns of Waleska, GA
- Rain On Little Main FCAT5 DSX4 FITS owned by Mary Billingsley & Charlotte Mills of Spotsylvania, VA
HDJX3
- Juno Deems RN DP DEX7 AS HDJX3 owned by Pam Deems & Aaron Trunk of Scottsdale, AZ
HDS
- Ruger Wittels BCAT DSA HDS FITS owned by Angela Miller of Wallkill, NY
HDSA
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT3 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATS CZ8B DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Kimberly Dickson & Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
North American Flyball Association (NAFA)
ONYX
Paws On Fire Nitro BCAT SWN SHDN ONYX FITS owned by Mindy Trombley of Albuquerque, NM
Nitro is a little All American Dog who loves to play Flyball! He is 4 years old and has been competing in NAFA sanctioned flyball tournaments in several states for the last two and a half years. He earned 20,000 points, achieving his ONYX title on Aug. 31, 2024, in Denver, CO, at the Rocky Mountain High Tournament hosted by Altitude Flyball Club.
He continues to compete in other sports, such as dock diving, disc and scent work, but flyball is by far his favorite. In 2025, he will compete in flyball in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California and Indianapolis. “We are honored to be recognized by The American Kennel Club for his flyball achievement,” Mindy said.
FM (Flyball Master)
- J Ringo Son Of Zappa BCAT SWAE SWE SCEE SHDNE SCM SHDA FM CGC FITG owned by Mindy Trombley of Albuquerque, NM