Citydoggers Go to AKC National Agility Championships

Three Citydoggers traveled to Sunbury, OH the last weekend of March, 2007 for the 2007 AKC Agility National Championships.  Kristin Kaldahl and her dog Aslan competed at the event, and Kris Butler and Nancy Graham went as spectators.

Aslan, a five year old sheltie, competed in five rounds at Nationals.  The first two rounds were in the State Team Tournament.  Aslan ran clean in both rounds, allowing him to finish as the highest dog in the Southern Region.  In the State Team Tournament, he competed in the 14" ISC class, where he also came in 16th in the Nation..

Aslan also qualified in two out of three rounds at Nationals on Saturday and Sunday in the 12" division.  He knocked a bar in Round 2 but ran clean. in Rounds 1 and 3.  In spite of the mistake, they came in 64th out of a class of 233 dogs at Nationals.

"It was an incredible experience," said Kaldahl.  "If anyone qualifies for Nationals, they must go.  The atmosphere was super-charged, and the quality of dogs and handlers was astounding."

Butler and Graham not only spent their time watching and learning from some of the top handlers in the country, they also helped Kristin as "Handler's Handlers" doing everything from carrying gear to walking dogs.  Kaldahl's aunt, Mary Miller, also attended, working diligently as chauffeur and "Handler's Handler."

"I can't wait until next year," said Kaldahl.  "I'm hooked on Nationals now."