I have been involved in obedience since 1978, first with my pet, German Shepherd Dog Niko, who introduced me to the sport of obedience, and then with the numerous Border Collies that have followed. All my dogs have achieved obedience titles ranging from Niko’s CD to the OTCh U-OCH of my beloved and still greatly missed Spot. In recent years, we have also enjoyed adding agility and tracking titles, and this year my Trip had the opportunity to add herding titles as well.

I was persuaded to become a UKC obedience judge in 1988 and once I realized how much I enjoyed it, became an AKC judge in 1992. For me, meeting and encouraging new handlers in obedience is as rewarding an aspect of judging as enjoying the teamwork of the experienced pair. Obedience is a great sport, allowing for both those competing only for titles and those seeking an OTCh. and beyond.

This year brings changes in my household with the loss of both 15 year old Pomeranian U-CDX Spinner CD, NA and one of my two cats, 13 year old Rhinehart. They are greatly missed. Current residents 9 year old Border Collie, U-CD Banner CD, RN OA, NAJ, Border Collie U-CD Skye’s Trip, CDX, VCD1, PT, STDs, and “the boss” cat Emma have joined me is welcoming Siamese rescue Mia, and the newest addition, Border Collie pup Skye’s Dice into our home.

Photo of Kathy Griner and her Border Collie Trip, The Dog's Camp, 2005

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