Agility

Thursday and Friday March 16-17

The Douglas County Fairgrounds is a premier sight for many Lawrence events and competitions. Located about 10 minutes from the host hotel, this facility is a favorite for Agility in our area. This space is so popular that most trials there fill completely. The excellent features include: a large indoor heated arena on packed dirt, spacious concrete areas for crating, clean indoor restrooms, and delicious concessions.

We are very fortunate to have Keith Harold for our agility judge. Penny Winegartner and Linda Cole have graciously voluteered to be our Agility Chairs. With their expertise, we can expect a superbly run 2 day trial! Bonnie Craig is doing agility trophies and she'll do a great job with awards for our competitors.

Keith Harold

Photo by Mickey Rabeneck

Keith writes:

"I first started being involved with dogs at the age of 15. It was a very very long time ago. I showed in juniors and had a Basenji. In 1988 I bought my first Border Terrier and have owned and loved them ever since.

In 1990 I heard about a new sport called agility. I thought I would try it as a diversion for something other than the conformation and obedience I was doing. That year my Border Maggie was the 4th Border in the history of the breed to get an agility title. Back then, if you had two or three titles on a dog, that was really something!

Over the years, I have been blessed to have had multiple dogs in the top ten of the breed in agility and conformation. I have had three Best in Shows (Breeder/Owner handled). I have pointed the way for my girl (Summer) to get a Master Agility Championship or a MACH. I have titled dogs in Breed, obedience, Earth Dog, and Agility.

In 1999, as a natural transition to the sport, I started designing courses and judging. I have become almost obsessed in learning more and more about the ability of the dog to play this game with their handler. As a judge, I have the best seat in the house as dogs run my courses... I can't think how it could be any better. See you down the road..."

Keith Harold
AKC Agility Judge

Stay tuned for more information and photos as things progress.

Map to the Fairgrounds