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:
Sgt Bo THDS CGC owned by Elizabeth Okert & Laura Wall of Hendersonville, TN
Sgt Bo is a decorated police therapy dog whose journey from stray to hero has inspired countless lives. Once wandering the streets alone, Bo was rescued and trained as a comfort dog, ultimately joining the Metro Nashville Police Department and completing more than 600 therapy visits. His milestone 600th visit was at The Covenant School, where he played and continues to play a vital role in the community’s healing after the tragic school shooting on March 2023. He was honored with the First Responder Therapy Dog PAWS Award from FHE (Florida House Experience) Health.
“Bo, like so many therapy dogs, means far more than just a friendly presence. To those he comforts, Bo represents safety, warmth, and unconditional support,” Elizabeth said. “His calm demeanor and nonjudgmental companionship create a sense of peace in environments that can often feel overwhelming like the schools we visited.
“He is loved by many people in the school communities in Nashville, as well as the Covenant Community where Sgt Bo has and always will show up for them. He was there from day one, and we plan to continue to be there for them.”
Daisy Mae Wirick THDS CGCA CGCU TKI owned by Casey Wirick of Portland, TX
Daisy Mae just turned 11 years old and is still going strong. Casey’s daughter found her on the side of the road when she was just 6 weeks old, and Casey began training her at 8 months. By the time she was 11 months old, her sweet temperament stood out. Casey then pursued her AKC Canine Good Citizen and completed certification with Go Team Therapy Dogs.
For the past 9 ½ years, Daisy and Casey have served their community as a Go Team Therapy Dog team. Daisy has brought endless smiles, comfort, and love to everyone from infants to the elderly. Children have read to her, done homework by her side, and even cried while holding her. Daisy visits libraries, hospitals, nursing homes, and works closely with the Juvenile Court. She’s also a familiar and welcome face at schools and colleges. She now has surpassed her Supreme Therapy Dog Title with AKC.
Daisy has left lasting impressions on countless hearts. “Her calm, loving presence has made a difference in so many lives, and I am beyond blessed to have her by my side,” Casey said. “She is my partner, my comfort, and my best friend. I truly don’t know what I’d do without her.”
Her 600th visit was to Nueces County Juvenile Court as a court companion. She helps de-stress the people in court as well as the children waiting to see the judge. “They said they have had fewer outbursts and fights due to dogs being there for comfort. It’s a great feeling.”
Charlie The Chug THDS CGC owned by Susan Tauber of West Bloomfield, MI
That Charlie even became a therapy dog is a story in itself. A rescue group found him wandering the streets of Detroit. Susan adopted him in May 2018. He was 2 years old. He loved his two Pug sisters and Susan right away but had his “rough spots.” Susan quickly enrolled him in obedience classes.
“He calmed down and became a wonderful pet,” Susan said. “I knew he’d be a good therapy dog.”
He passed his Alliance of Therapy Dog test in November 2019 and started making visits to various places, including libraries, a hospital, schools, memory care facilities and events. The more therapy dog work he did, the better he became.
In March 2020, Covid shut down all in-person visits. Susan and Charlie did Zoom therapy dog sessions through Pets Together and Pets on Call. Once restrictions were lifted, they returned to in-person work, thanks to help from ATD and Fur Angels.
“Charlie continues to grow as a therapy dog, even teaching himself to sit next to people so they can pet him and looking up at them with his big, beautiful smile,” Susan said proudly. “He gets excited when he sees me take out his black harness. He knows he’s going to work.”
Charlie is 9 years old. His animal family at home includes his adopted Pug sisters, Lydia and Pearl (also a therapy dog) and Zaydie the cat. “This former stray is enjoying life. He deserves it after bringing so much joy and comfort to others!” Charlie earned his AKC Therapy Dog Supreme title on May 18, 2025, after finishing a library Read to a Dog program.
Prince Mickey Defitz THDS CGC owned by John Turner of Hudson, FL
On June 12, 2025, Mickey reached a tremendous milestone: his 800th therapy visit. For more than 11 years, Mickey has faithfully served as a therapy dog with Project PUP, bringing warmth, comfort, and healing to thousands through his gentle nature and calm presence.
In the past two years, Mickey expanded his mission as a certified disaster relief dog with HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. He has responded to major wildfires in California, provided emotional support after devastating hurricanes, and been present at communities affected by school shootings, offering quiet strength in moments of unimaginable pain.
Mickey has also made a lasting impact in pediatric hospitals and among children with autism. His ability to connect with young people has made him a beloved companion and an essential part of countless healing journeys.
“Through every tail wag and every visit, Mickey demonstrates the incredible power of the human-animal bond. He is a shining example of how unconditional love, loyalty, and compassion can bring light to even the darkest days,” John said.
Sadie Kaufman Fotis THDS CGC owned by Ruth Kaufman Fotis of Old Bridge, NJ
Sadie was adopted from New Beginnings Rescue in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Foster mom Katie wrote in Sadie’s bio that she was the happiest puppy, tail wagging as soon as she sees a human; her favorite things are snuggling and treats; and she lives to please. “She was all that, and more,” Ruth said. “How could I keep her to myself?”
Ruth signed up for a therapy class with Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs. “She didn’t need a class – she was a natural. Okay, sitting as someone approached excitedly, we had to work on that, but to be honest, in real life, people love her enthusiastic approach.” For the test, she sat still and earned a perfect score of 100.
The team was certified in July 2019. They go to several libraries for their Read-to-Dogs programs. “One boy brought a book from home that he was already reading and asked if it was too scary for Sadie and if he should start from the beginning,” Ruth said.
They also visit six elementary and four high schools, Rutgers Cancer Institute, Bayshore Medical Center, Senior Living Residences with Grace Services, Preferred Care, Roosevelt Care Center and Old Bridge’s Silver Lining Senior Center. They visit a private home where a young man gets to read, feed treats, and walk with Sadie. If they’re both in the mood, they play fetch or frisbee. There are one-time events: Liquid Church’s annual special needs prom and New Jersey’s Tears Foundation’s annual Rock & Walk for children. All this has added up to 600 visits and a Therapy Dog Supreme award on June 23, 2025, six years after they started.
Mac Espel THDS CGCA CGCU TKN owned by Steven Espel of Palenville, NY
K-9 Mac has been a dedicated therapy and working dog since March 28, 2022, serving with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office in New York alongside his handler, SRO (School Resource Officer) Deputy Espel. Known for his calm demeanor and strong connection with children, Mac has become a beloved presence in the community.
On June 16, 2025, Mac earned his AKC Therapy Dog title for completing 600 visits, a milestone achieved during his workday at the Cairo-Durham Elementary School. His presence brought joy and comfort to students and staff alike, as he has done every day at the school and throughout public events in Greene County.
“Mac’s work has gone beyond just visits – he helps bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. His steady, gentle nature provides emotional support, builds trust, and promotes safety awareness,” Espel said.
In addition to our community outreach, Mac has played a vital role assisting law enforcement operations, having contributed to the de-escalation of more than 47 critical incidents. His calming presence and therapeutic impacts continue to make a tangible difference in high-stress situations.
Koda Bear Woodman THDS CGC owned by Ginger Woodman of Godfrey, IL
Born December 1, 2020, Koda trained at Got Your Six Support Dogs in Maryville, IL, and graduated from the 10-week therapy class in March 2023. Just 27 months later, on June 25, 2025, he celebrated his 600th visit at Charter Senior Living of Godfrey. But the real achievement is the countless lives he has touched.
Koda’s impact is felt across the community. In February 2025, he received the Godfrey Good Neighbor Award for making a difference with residents in schools, nursing homes, senior communities, and homes for the developmentally disabled. Even his chauffeur/secretary was recognized.
“At OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, nurses say Wednesdays are the best day of the week because Koda and his friend bring joy to all. He even has his own treat drawer in the gift shop,” Ginger said.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. After completing obedience training and earning his CGC in 2021 Ginger was diagnosed with cancer and couldn’t pursue therapy work for a year. Instead they learned many tricks like “saying prayers” and “solving math problems,” which later enriched Koda’s visits as he is frequently asked to perform.
Congratulations also to these dogs on earning the THDS title:
- Happy Of Roachtown THDS CGCA TKI owned by Fred Kampmann of Millstadt, IL
- Selina THDS CGCA owned by Tony Luther of Troy, IL
- Sir Ringo Starr THDS TKN owned by Janette Luttenberger of Rochester, MI
Barn Hunt
RATCH
- Torque Wrench Burns CA FCAT2 RATCH owned by Annie Burns of Rio Rancho, NM
- Nella Terhaar FCAT RATCH CZ8B CGC TKE VHMA VSWI FITG owned by Stephanie Terhaar of Denver, CO
RATCHX
Congratulations to these dogs who have added more RATCH titles to their names:
- Mcdonald’s Preston CD BN RM FDC CAA SWAE SWE THD RATCHX CZ8B CGCA TKI FTN owned by Joanne McDonald of Lexington, SC
- Pete Bull RI RATCHX CGC owned by Patricia & James Paternoster of Oswego, NY
- Ouachita Miles To Go Blues CD BN RI CA RATCHX CGCA TKP owned by Shayna Sessler of Little Rock, AR
RATCHX2
- A True Token Of Royalty RE FDC NA OAJ BCAT SIN SEN SBN RATCHX2 CZ8P DS DJ HDN CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Tiffany Flores TIFFANY FLORES of North Las Vegas, NV
CZ8B
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT4 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATM CZ8S DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG FTN owned by Kimberly Dickson and Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
- Through The Brook FDC DCAT CZ8B DSX2 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITB owned by Alexis Vega of Enfield, CT
- Tate Adamski RI CAA FCAT4 ACT2 ACT2J SWN SCA SEA SBA RATN CZ8B CGCA CGCU TKI ATT BN-V VHMA VSWB FITG owned by Nicole Petroski of Runnemede, NJ
- MACH Menmy Shades Of Magic RI FDC MXB MJB MXF T2B DCAT ACT1 ACT2J SWN SENE RATS CZ8B CGCA CGCU TKA VHMP VSWI FITG FTA owned by Heather Venkat of Surprise, AZ
- To-Yarrow Is A New Day RN DCAT RATS CZ8B CGC TKA ATT VHMA FITG owned by Alexa Efstathiou of Claremont, NH
CZ8G
- Bradley’s Daisy CD PCD BN RE FDC NA NAJ MXP3 MXPB MJP2 MFP T2BP2 CAX2 FCAT11 SWAE SWM SCME SIME SHDME RATO CZ8G DS DJX2 HDN CGCA CGCU STR TKI ATT VHMA FITG FTI owned by Alison & Kevin Bradley of Fayetteville, AR
CZ8P
- Follow Your Arrow RATCH CZ8P owned by Kelly Pollard of of Whitehorse, YT
- A True Token Of Royalty RE FDC NA OAJ BCAT SIN SEN SBN RATCHX2 CZ8P DS DJ HDN CGCA CGCU TKP owned by Tiffany Flores TIFFANY FLORES of North Las Vegas, NV
CZ8S
- RACH Marshall’s Dakota CD RM4 RAE2 RC OA OAJ XF RATCH CZ8S DN CGC TKN owned by Michele Marshall of Las Cruces, NM
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT4 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATM CZ8S DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG FTN owned by Kimberly Dickson and Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
RATM
- Honey Badger Don’T Care RI FDC AXP AJP OFP CAX2 FCAT4 ACT2 ACT2J FDCH RATM CZ8S DSA DJA HDSA CGCA CGCU TKA ATT VHMA VSWB FITG FTN owned by Kimberly Dickson and Jesse Blanchard of Stanfordville, NY
RATN
- Mr. Vinny RI CAA FCAT2 THDS RATN CGC TKI FITS owned by Erin Miller of Waverly, WV
- Eleanor Smelleanor RATN DM TKA owned by Alexandra Janikova & Nicholas Petrangelo of Las Vegas, NV
- Plutonium Laser CA DCAT FM RATN DS CGC owned by Erin Cunningham of Clarkton, NC
- Scraps Mcgee SCN SBN RATN owned by Mindy Kay Begley of Omaha, NE
- Daisy Thur DCAT THDN RATN CGC TKN FITG owned by Carissa Thur of Watkins, CO
- Great Value Borber Cobbie NAP NJP CA DCAT RATN TKI owned by Haley Justice of Centre Hall, PA
- Theodore Hubert Von Flufer The Third RATN TKI owned by Sarah Cravens & Alexnder Lee of Brooklyn, NY
- Antonio ! ACT2 ACT2J RATO CGC owned by Janet Kornely of Whitelaw, WI
- Vincent Van Coolie RATN DM DS CGC owned by Janice-Lee Henrickson of Adair, OK
- Bella C. RATN CGCA owned by Janice-Lee Henrickson of Adair, OK
- Isabel Grace Loehle CA BCAT RATN CGC TKN FITS owned by Miranda Loehle of St. Simons Is, GA
- Rebellion’s You Can Calls Me Flower FDC RATN CGC owned by Brittany L. Ryan of Augusta, GA
- Apollo Dog Of The Sun Underfoot RATN TKN FITB owned by Jessica Anderton of Grants Pass, OR
- Percy Crouch RATN FITB owned by Tomacine M. Crouch of Madison Heights, VA
- Lady Tessa Of The Preserve SCN SIN SEN RATN CGC FITB owned by Kerry Evers of Wakefield, RI
- Carleton’s Tabby DCAT RATN CGC TKN FITG owned by Lindsay & Frank Carleton of Pueblo West, CO
- Cell Block Tango RATN CGC owned by JoJo Knecht of Sanatoga, PA
RATO
- Ima Floppy Muppet CD PCD BN RA FDC NA NAJ OF CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SWN THDA RATO DMA DSA AJ DDS 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
- Ragland’s Breanna SWN SCA SEA RATO CGC TKI owned by Mary Ragland of Warrensburg, MO
- Roo B Doo RN RATS CGCA CGCU TKE ATT VHMA VSWB FITG FTR owned by Azzy Moretti of South Ogden, UT
- Sir Hugo-Licious Of Country Mill NA NAJ NF ACT1J RATO CGCA TKN owned by Heather Jewett of West Jordan, UT
- Antonio ! ACT2 ACT2J RATO CGC owned by Janet Kornely of Whitelaw, WI
RATS
- Roo B Doo RN RATS CGCA CGCU TKE ATT VHMA VSWB FITG FTR owned by Azzy Moretti of South Ogden, UT
- MACH Menmy Shades Of Magic RI FDC MXB MJB MXF T2B DCAT ACT1 ACT2J SWN SENE RATS CZ8B CGCA CGCU TKA VHMP VSWI FITG FTA owned by Heather Venkat of Surprise, AZ
- PACH Fourwheeling Graham CD PCD BN RE MXP3 MXPB MJP6 MJPS PAX OFP SWM THD RATS CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Jackie & Clint Potter of Crooks, SD
- To-Yarrow Is A New Day RN DCAT RATS CZ8B CGC TKA ATT VHMA FITG owned by Alexa Efstathiou of Claremont, NH
- Radiant Rosalyn’s Royal Reign BCAT RATS CGC VHMA owned by Teayia Nolan of Broken Bow, OK
UpDog Challenge – Disc Dog
DDU – Disc Dog Unobtanium
Jordan’s Canis Major Sothis Fidelis DDU owned by Merrill Anne Jordan of Oakton, VA
Quinn achieved his Disc Dog Unobtanium title in Leesburg, Virginia, on March 22, 2025. His journey began with humble origins. He was born in a rural Virginia shelter and adopted from Fairfax County Animal Shelter as an 8-week-old puppy.
“Quinn captured the heart of every person he met. He was the embodiment of joy, radiating happiness both on and off the field,” Merrill said.
Over the course of his career, he participated in many sports, including agility, dock diving, rally obedience, and disc. While he enjoyed them all, he had a particular passion for dock diving and disc. Quinn earned his Dock Senior (DS) title on May 23, 2023, and was on his way to achieving Dock Master (DM). But more than the titles, Quinn’s greatest joy was being with his owner, Merrill Jordan. No matter where he was, he always looked for her. That deep bond made him a once-in-a-lifetime “heart dog.” Quinn also shared a deep bond with his other primary handler, Doug Kurucz (both on and off the field) and they enjoyed many successes together the past two years.
Quinn was remarkably resilient. After being diagnosed with hip dysplasia and undergoing a total hip replacement (THR), he made a full recovery and returned to dog sports with renewed joy, energy, and freedom from pain. It was during this triumphant comeback that he earned his DDU, completing his Unobtanium UPs in both Time Warp and Four Way Play with his home club, NOVA Dog Sports.
Quinn passed away suddenly on June 1, 2025, leaving an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who loved him. Even amid the sadness, his legacy shines brightly—a legacy of love, joy, and the privilege of celebrating his achievements through his DDU.
Photo by Michelle Dawkins of Island Paws Photography
North American Diving Dogs (NADD)
DM (Dock Master)
DM – Dock Master
- Zero Intel DM CGC TKN owned by Ashley Ghegan of Temple, TX
ASA – Air Retrieve Senior Advanced
- Sno-Kist Cairoglyphics BCAT DJ DN ASA HDN CGC STR TKN ATT FITB owned by Stephanie Sheaffer & Brittney Barber of Anchorage, AK
DEA – Dock Elite Advanced
- Seaspray’s Aoife Of True Blue CD DEX DMA HDJ CGC TKN FTI owned by Susan Hansell & Peggy McElroy of Winter Haven, FL
DEX – Dock Elite Excellent
- Seaspray’s Aoife Of True Blue CD DEX DMA HDJ CGC TKN FTI owned by Susan Hansell & Peggy McElroy of Winter Haven, FL
DEX9
- Juno Deems RN DP DEX9 AS HDJX3 owned by Pam Deems & Aaron Trunk of Scottsdale, AZ
DJ – Dock Junior
- Ripple Effect DJ TKN owned by Rory Potter of Glenbeulah, WI
- Lady Kanela FDC BCAT DJ CGCA CGCU TKA owned by Marina Karageorgiou of Arlington, MA
- Tuatha De Danann’s Brigid DJ CGC TKN FITB owned by Maureen & Thomas Hammond of Hamburg, NY
DMA – Dock Master Advanced
- Jane Smith DMA CGC TKN owned by Aaron Smith of Beaverton, OR
- Ima Floppy Muppet CD PCD BN RA FDC NA NAJ OF CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SWN THDA RATO DMA DSA AJ DDS DDBE CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITG owned by Maggie Nipper of Jacksonville, FL
DN – Dock Novice
- Eikant Be Stopped FCAT DN CGCA TKI ATT FITG FTI owned by Kortnee Valdivieso of Cibolo, TX
- Flowers On The Mountains DN CGC TKN owned by Hannah Tellier of Missoula, MT
DS – Dock Senior
- Nyx Shelby BN RN BCAT ACT1 ACT1J DS CGCA CGCU STR TKI owned by Vanessa & Toben Shelby of Anchorage, AK
- Rosette Roo-Tastic! DS owned by Kathleen Murphy of Pacifica, CA
- Thea Ruby BCAT DS CGCA CGCU TKA VHMA VHMP owned by Marina Karageorgiou of Arlington, MA
- Kitana’s Buggin Out DS owned by Ellie Wiener of Brunswick, ME
- Little Stakey DS owned by Katie Robinson of Chelmsford, MA
- Interstate Rhodekill BCAT DS owned by Sydney Burchett of Phoenix, AZ
DSA – Dock Senior Advanced
- Murphy Mcsweeney DM DSA CGC owned by Brian McSweeney & Katie Robinson of Dracut, MA
- Ima Floppy Muppet CD PCD BN RA FDC NA NAJ OF CA FCAT ACT2 ACT2J SWN THDA RATO DMA DSA AJ DDS DDBE CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITG owned by Maggie Nipper of Jacksonville, FL
DSX2 – Dock Senior Excellent 2
- Through The Brook FDC DCAT CZ8B DSX2 CGCA CGCU TKA ATT FITB owned by Alexis Vega of Enfield, CT
HDEX – Hydro Dash Elite Excellent
- Adios BCAT DEX DM HDEX CGC TKN owned by Christie Hiles of Dublin, OH
HDJ – Hydro Dash Junior
- Seaspray’s Aoife Of True Blue CD DEX DMA HDJ CGC TKN FTI owned by Susan Hansell & Peggy McElroy of Winter Haven, FL
HDN – Hydro Dash Novice
- Vera Lee BCAT DN HDN owned by Lori S Hatton of Lexington, KY
North American Flyball Association
FDCh – Flyball Dog Champion
- Hidden Lake Paislee Mirzai ACT1 ACT2J FDCH CGC TKI FTN owned by Sharon Mirzai of St. Augustine, FL
FM – Flyball Master
- J Ringo Son Of Zappa BCAT SWAE SWE SCEE SBEE SHDNE SCM SBM SHDA FM CGC FITG owned by Mindy Trombley of Albuquerque, NM
- Plutonium Laser CA DCAT FM RATN DS CGC owned by Erin Cunningham of Clarkton, NC