ADCH MACH2 Nel EAC (Border Collie)

Nel

Photo by Tien Tran Photography

In June 1996 Kathy adopted Nel, a 3-year-old Border Collie who was very good with children, but was considered too sensitive for herding. Nel spent the first three years of her life on a hobby farm in Oregon.

Nel quickly became a talented Agility performer who was well known for her graceful jumping style. The team had successfully competed in both AKC and USDAA Agility, attaining the USDAA ADCH in October 2001, the AKC MACH in November 2001 and her MACH-2 in November 2002. Nel was a finalist in the USDAA Grand Prix of Dog Agility in 2000 and had qualified for the AKC Nationals every year she had competed.

Nel performed in demonstrations for schools and other charity functions where she impressed the audience with her combination of sweetness and athletic ability. However, what really impressed the audience was when she played soccer. An avid soccer player, Nel had wowed people from age 4 to 84 with her abilities. Kathy laughs as she tells how this was one skill that Nel came to her already knowing and it was part of her fun personality. When she was younger we used to play before competing.

Nel was a very sensitive dog... at one demonstration the audience were shouting "Go doggie, Go!" Nel thought they were saying "No!" so she stopped in her tracks. At one trial thunder struck as Nel was on the seesaw. She literally leapt out of her skin and off the seesaw, but only incurred a refusal. She managed to quickly redo the obstacle, race on with the course and still qualify for the Grand Prix. Kathy's experience proved very useful when bringing out the best in Nel.