I was a shy and quiet kid who studied dog books all the time. I was commonly called “the dog dictionary” by family and friends. When I was 14 years old I purchased my first dog of my own. As soon as I saw his baby picture on that little blue blanket. I knew he was mine. He was my heart from day 1. I worked and saved to be able to buy him myself. My dream Border Collie! I knew about dog sports from all my studying and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. At 15 I walked into my first agility class… and left crying because my dog was so reactive aggressive and they said we couldn’t keep taking the class. Luckily, another trainer there took me in. She let me take her obedience classes, helped teach him how to behave, and taught us agility foundations. I cried many more times but eventually we were able to control his reactions and we became a team.

We then took classes with two other trainers who showed us so much more. In 2008 I competed in agility with a dog I was told never would because he was “too reactive”. If not for those trainers who supported and helped me along, I never would have made it. Even still, those same trainers still tell me today that in all their years of teaching they didn’t see someone more motivated. So many people would have given up. I told them I would have given up if they didn’t believe in us like they did.

I am now 31 years old and Skye passed away 3 years ago. He was with me for a wonderful 14 years. In that time, he went from being labeled as “never able to compete” to competing in Masters AKC Agility, Frisbee, Dock Diving, and more. He also led me to my next border collie, and my next, and my next. I am now loved by 3 other border collies and a papillon. All who have benefited from what that little naughty Skye taught me at 14 years old. My passion now is to share this same joy with others. To show them that even the worst dog can become the best dog. I also have a passion for those junior handlers. The kids who want to learn and enjoy their dogs. Who just need some help and encouragement. They are the future of our sport and deserve the same attention as the adults. I can’t wait to help bring this to West Michigan through West Michigan Dog Sports! We need a place to be able to uplift, teach, and help each other through these wonderful dogs!