Teenager, Annaka Miller from Gray Maine has been selected to join the 2023 AKC Junior Agility Team USA with her All-American dog, Cody. Her corgi, Shamu earned an alternate spot on the small dog team.
Annaka began training and showing dogs at the age of two. She has participated in dog shows and performance events all over the US and Canada. Annaka is a member of the Flyball Maineiacs, 4-H club Paws and Pals, United Dog Sports of Northern New England, Dirigo Working Dog Sports, GNG Softball and Ultimate frisbee.
Annaka and her dogs have trained with a variety of people across Maine. Currently they train with Jordyn Baker of Glorious Agility at Happy Tails in Portland and Mainely Agility in Raymond. She attended Boundless Junior Agility Camp in Pennsylvania. She is a versatile handler and also compete in a variety of other sports like Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Flyball, Agility, Conformation, Lure Coursing, Rally, and Trick Training. Thanks to the generosity of the southern Maine dog community Annaka has had the opportunity to work with a variety of dogs and breeds.
There is no such thing as dog agility at the Olympics. To the 24 junior handlers and their K-9 companions who have been selected to represent the USA at The Junior Open Agility World Championship (JOAWC) competition in England - this is just as spectacular! Training daily and traveling the world to compete at the highest level of dog agility takes mental and physical skills, commitment, dedication and heart.
This year the AKC Junior Agility Team USA has 24 juniors: four U15 and twenty U19 category handlers running 33 dogs: 4 All American dogs, 1 American Hairless Terrier, 1 Australian Shepherd, 1 Beagle, 11 Border Collies, 1 English Shepherd, 3 Golden Retrievers, 1 Havanese, 2 Miniature American Shepherds, 1 Miniature Schnauzer, 1 Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 1 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, 4 Shetland Sheepdogs and 1 Working Kelpie. This is the first time the Team has had an American Hairless Terrier, a Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen or a Working Kelpie!
The team consists of 23 females and one male. They represent 14 states across the United States of America including: California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Annaka is the first team member to be chosen from Maine.
FMI or fundraising contact Debby DuBay, Ret USAF Team Manager / Fundraiser ddlimoges@gmail.com