Meet Tails Up Agility Club

 Dogs: Ruby Roo and Wilhelmina May, mini American Shepherds; PDQ and Zippity, Beagles 

Brag: Teaching agility to hundreds of students, all ages, all different kinds of dogs, for nearly three decades

What I love about agility: I like watching my students succeed and learn to work as an agility team together with their dogs. That’s the reward for me.

What I love about TUAC: We support each other, cheer for each other. We’re family.

Dogs: My agility journey started with a Westie-Poodle mix named Roy Boy. I've also been fortunate enough to share my life with three Shelties — the first being Whisper, followed by Angel, and currently Nox and Katniss. I also used to run two Border Collies and another sheltie belonging to friends. 

Brag: My biggest achievement thus far in the agility world was the NATCH I got with Angel. It wasn't so much the award itself but what it symbolized. Angel was a rescue and thought the world was a very scary place in the beginning. It took years of training and socialization to build her confidence to the point that she was able to earn a NATCH; the better part of 12 years to be exact! I hope to earn many more big titles in my agility career, but that first one will always hold a special place in my heart. 

What I love about agility: I love SO much about agility. Besides the obvious aspect of getting to spend time with my dog, I enjoy the challenge of the sport. There's always something new to learn thanks to the various venues and new course trends being thrown at competitors all the time. I appreciate the friendships the sport creates and that it gives me a way to connect with like-minded people who love dogs just as much as I do. I like the competition and the thrill of an amazing run. There are just too many things to name that make agility such an important part of my life.

What I love about TUAC: TUAC is such a special group of people. Our club has so many wonderful people in it who truly care about others. I see it every time we have a trial, and everyone cheers for a team in the ring whether they are celebrating a fantastic run or struggling to get to the finish line. I see it when someone encourages another member who is having a rough day, on or off the agility field. I love to see people building each other up and supporting one another. In addition to the good hearts of our members, there are all kinds of talents that are put to good use to make our club fun! I also love how welcoming our group is to newcomers, and I am excited to see how our club continues to grow.  

 Dogs:  Shetland Sheepdogs Chelsea (rainbow bridge), Piper (rainbow bridge),

Darci, and Willow.

Brag: Piper NATCH 36, Versatility NATCH 36, All Around NATCH 26, Platinum NATCH

1, Triple Superior Versatility.

Highest number of NATCHs at that time (99).

Highest Scoring dog in NADAC at that time with Lifetime Points of 35,000.

2019 and 2021 NADAC Champs Grand Champion Mini Dogs.

In January 2020, at 9 years old, Piper Qualified to run in Starter Stakes (Distance

Division) at 2020 NADAC Champs, but Champs was cancelled due to COVID-19.

NADAC Top Ten Second Highest Scoring Sheltie and overall for 2015-2018.

NADAC Top Ten Highest Scoring Sheltie and Overall dog for 2019-2022.

Darci NATCH 23, Versatility NATCH 23, All Around NATCH 6, Platinum NATCH 9,

Triple Superior Versatility.

2019 NADAC Champs Grand Champion Pre-Elite Small Dogs at 2 years old.

In November 2022, at 5 years old, Darci qualified to run in Starter Stakes

(Distance Division) at 2023 NADAC Champs. Placed 4th, only 10 points behind 3rd,

running against border collies!

In November 2023, at 6 years old, Darci qualified to run in Silver Stakes (Bigger

Distance Division) at 2024 NADAC Champs. Placed 4th, only 40 points behind 3rd

running once again, against a class full of border collies! Placed 5th Overall!

NADAC Top Ten Second Highest Scoring Sheltie and Overall for 2019-2021.

NADAC Top Ten Highest Scoring Sheltie and Overall dog for 2022-2024. In

2024, also in Top Ten for Bonuses (Big Distance) in 5 of 8 classes!

Willow NATCH, Versatility NATCH, Triple Superior Versatility.

2024 NADAC Champs Grand Champion Mini Dogs at 2 years old.

In 2024 NADAC Top Ten for speed in Tunnelers!

What I love about agility: You meet all these people who love doing the same

thing you do, having fun with your dog. Everyone cheers for everyone. The tiniest

of successes are usually celebrated the biggest! There are no strangers in agility,

only friends you have yet to meet.

What I love about TUAC: Tails Up Agility Club (starting with Family Dog Club)

has opened up a great big new world to me and my dogs. Everyone is very

welcoming and supportive. I love having local trials, because face it, always

traveling does get old! TUAC is full of good people who are always willing to help

you out.

 Dogs: Boston Terriers Abbey (rainbow bridge), Casey, Darby and Brodie.  

Brag:  Abbey was my first agility dog.  She always won the “big bone” at Basic Class.  Best little distance dog ever earning two NATCHs and her Versatility and All Around NATCHs at age 13.  

Casey, my tiny superhero would jump the moon if I asked her to.  She’s earned multiple Championships in AKC and UKI, placed at Westminster numerous times and at 12 can still lay down a 12-foot jump off a dock.

Darby has earned an AKC Agility Grand Championship and has taken me places I never would have dreamed of.  Reserve Grand Champion at NADAC Champs at 2 years old, Bad Dog’s fastest Boston Terrier four years running, two-time Westminster finalist, and #1 Boston Terrier at Invitationals 2021.  Championships in NADAC, AKC, and UKI and a strong contender at multiple Team USA tryout events.  

What I love about agility:  I love the bond and connection agility has built between my dogs and me.  It has transformed me from a person with dogs into a true dog person.  Seeing those “lightbulb” moments in training is worth every second spent.  Sure, I love the adrenaline rush of competing at big events, but I also love celebrating every run like we just won a championship.  In the end, I just love spending time with my dogs, and they don’t care if it is training in the backyard or competing on national television.  

What do I love about TUAC:  TUAC (and Family Dog Club) was my gateway to the world of competitive agility.  It’s the reason I now run a team of three incredible Bostons and the reason for so many of the amazing friendships I have made over the last decade. 

 Dogs: Romeo, Checkers and Doozie, Japanese chins; Whiffie, Shitzu mix rescue. I also have Lulu, Romeo’s mama, a non-agility dog. Four chins are at rainbow bridge: Keke, Merlin, Butter and Chester.

Brag: Honestly every time my dogs takes one obstacle, it’s magical to me. Romeo holds AKC Master titles in Standard and Jumpers and was the top agility Japanese chin in the nation in 2023 and 2024. He's got several Elite titles in NADAC and I love one of them is Elite Tunnelers.

What I love about agility: Pretty much everything. I love class. I love trialing. I love the critical thinking piece. When I’m doing it, nothing else matters. I’m present in the moment with my dogs and friends around me. I’m not looking at a phone or a computer screen. I’m in the moment and enjoying all of it. What started out as one class on a cold November night turned into a life-altering experience and passion.

What I love about TUAC: I always think, ‘These are my people.’ I love the support. I enjoy cheering for them and capturing their moments in photos. It’s a special group of people that I’m lucky to call my friends.

 Dogs: River, Pembroke Welsh Corgi; Fillion, Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Brag: PWC - Kaled's Hello Sweetie NA NAJ AXP AJP NF XFP TKI ; Fillion - PWC - Wendt Worth Captain Tightpants (no agility honors); Nacho - mixed breed - no agility. River is finally playing agility with me consistently. We went through a drought for 5 years where we couldn't even finish a course, much less Q, but now we only have one or two E's during a trial and have been collecting titles again. Fillion is starting his agility career and loving it.

What I love about agility: Playing with my dogs and watching them learn and have fun.

What I love about TUAC: Talking to and learning from other agility people.

 Dog: Torch, Australian Shepherd

Brag: Torch is a singer and has a favorite song. Torch has come a very long way since day 1 . He is now an avid weaver. He has earned his Novice Versatility, Outstanding Elite Tunnelers, Elite Weavers, Grounders, Gamblers titles. He has also earned Outstanding Novice regular. He just recently earned 1,000 lifetime ponts.

What I love about agility: Getting to do something fun that Torch and I enjoy even though it can be ridiculously frustrating at times for both of us

What I love about TUAC: The camaraderie. Everyone cheers for each other and helps troubleshoot issues. 

Dog: Sofie, Red Cattle Dog/Dachshund mix

Brag: Sofie aka Super Sofie has Elite titles in NADAC.

What I love about agility:  I love the strategic aspect of agility.  There are always many ways to tackle a course, and many factors go into determining your plan, including how you and your dog are feeling at the moment.  Oh, and nothing ever goes to plan!

What I love about TUAC:  The people, of course. Everyone is positive and super supportive.

Dogs: My agility teammates have been Katie, Diego and now Finn, all Shelties.

Brag: Finn has earned a NATCH, All-Around NATCH, and placed third at NADAC Championships in 2017 and 2021. I have gradually learned how to build courses and am now an SP2 NADAC Judge (judge in training).

What I love about agility: I fell in love with agility at the young age of 4 when my family met Rita at a Canine Carnival event. I love the feeling of being in sync with your dog and fully understanding one another. Agility teaches you to be compassionate and patient while you learn how to be the best teammate for your dog.

What I love about TUAC: Tails Up Agility is home. It’s where I began to trial, course build and judge. TUAC has connected with me with so many caring friends who celebrate each other's wins.

 Dog: Jesse James, mixed breed and Hoax, (Mudi)

Agility Brag: Jesse is my first agility dog, so we have a lot to learn and grow into. He recently earned his NADAC Elite Versatility Title.

What I love about agility: This really is a team sport - you and your dog have to work together at every turn. It is strategic and ever evolving. The community can be incredible, and you will never need to worry about planning out your weekends again!

What I love about TUAC: I couldn’t ask for a better first club to be a part of! TUAC has been incredibly welcoming and friendly, and so supportive of new people getting into agility. I am so excited to be a part of a group that is so fun, hardworking, and kind.

Dogs: My first agility dog Malolo (meaning flying fish) and her non-agility brother Jack, a fellow Island Dog

Brag: Bringing home Malolo’s first Novice title ribbon—not just for us, but for someone who believed in her long before I did. Handing that ribbon to her rescuer in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico felt like closing a beautiful circle. It was my way of saying thank you to a woman who pours her heart into saving Satos, giving dogs like Malolo—and people like me— the opportunity to prove that broken paths can still lead somewhere beautiful.  

What I love about agility: Agility grounds me. It reminds me to be fully present—to celebrate the moment, no matter the outcome. It’s about having a plan, and then a backup, and another after that. It reminds me that success isn’t linear—it’s shaped by how we recover, redirect, and keep moving with intention. Every single time I step into the ring with my dog, it’s a gift. No ribbon or score could ever measure the joy of simply sharing that experience with her.

What I love about TUAC: Community makes everything better. 

Dogs: Jazzie, Yorkie mix and Winnie, Sheltie.

Brag: My biggest brag 

When we started our very first trial run, it began to pour. ...   I thought, “What did I get myself into”.   As Winnie and I ran in the rain, she still listened and stayed connected.  At that point, in the rain….   I was hooked!  We didn’t qualify on that run, but I was just as proud of her as if we had!  We connected well and even took home a title by the end of the weekend!    Winnie and I had so much fun.  I can’t wait to share these experiences with Jazzie next!  

Why I love agility: 

Agility is not about the obstacles or the courses you run but about how beautiful the relationship between your dog and you is.

It’s crazy how sometimes we spend so much time thinking how to fix something — instead of realizing that the dog is never wrong.

They’re not ignoring us.

They’re showing us.

Where we’re disconnected.

Where we’re rushing.

Where we’re pushing too hard, or holding back too much.

They respond to our energy, not our expectations.

And sometimes, when they “refuse to work,” they’re actually working harder than ever — holding a mirror up to us, quietly saying:

“Come back to yourself. Then I’ll meet you there”

And that’s when everything changes.

Not because they learned a new trick — but because we remembered who we are.

Because we chose presence over scores.

Connection over control.

Love over pressure.

And when it’s no longer about getting it perfect, but about sharing something real…

That’s when the magic happens. 

What I love about TUAC: I love Tails Up  because everyone in the club is so helpful to each other.  Pitching in whenever and wherever they are needed.  Everyone answered all of my many, many questions and if they didn’t know, they helped me find someone that could help me.   Everyone cheers for each other and encourages you along the way.  The club is truly like family!  I was so very nervous but by the time it was my turn to run, I was more excited than nervous and that was largely due to talking with the members of this club!