Page 44 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

Sport

…Terri Collins, Collinswood Aussies

I live in Auburn, Massachusetts and became interested in Agility when my brother told me he
was doing an agility Demonstration so I went to watch. At the time I still had Rottweilers (not a
breed typically associated with Agility), but it looked like so much fun I decided to try it out with
one of my older, smaller girls. In a word, I was hooked! I found that it gave my girl a new lease on
life, and the years seemed to melt away while we were involved in the sport. Unfortunately, her
eyesight became an issue, and for her safety, I ended her formal agility career.

My love for agility led me to the wonderful world of Australian Shepherds and I've never looked
back.

My first Aussie "Razz" AKC CH MACH5 Agile Collinswood Razzmatazz CD MXG2 MJS2 MXF,
ASCA CH ATCH, USDAA ADCH. I got him as an 8-week-old puppy in early 2001... my heart &
soul boy who could do almost anything. I wanted a dog who I could show in conformation as
well as excel in Agility, and I definitely hit the jackpot with Razz!

My second Aussie "Deuce" MBIS MBISS CH Vinelake Collinswood Yablon OA OAJ NAP
NJP ASCA CH - my heart girl. Multiple Best in Show winner, National speciality winner,
multiple breed speciality winner and the first Australian shepherd to win the herding group at
Westminster. We didn't have as much time together to train agility but she loved it as much as
I did so between having litters and showing in conformation, we managed to accomplish a few
titles along her amazing career.

My third Aussie "Wizard" AKC/ASCA CH Vinelake Collinswood Oz OA AXJ lived up to his name
by siring multiple breed Champions all over the world... some of whom were his "magical"
offspring. Wizard taught me patience in agility... He would often leave me on course to go visit
the ring crew and once even jumped on the score table looking for treats!

Deuce daughter "Una" GCHS CH Collinswood One In A Million AX MXJ XF - Una and Wizard
blessed me with one of my most talented Agility dogs, "Keeva" MACH CH Collinswood Crimson
Keeva MXB MJS MXF T2B2 who has in turn given us some of the most promising sport dogs of
our breeding program, along with some breed champions. Over the years, I have continued to
train and trial my dogs in agility. I'm convinced it's helped to keep me in better physical condition
as well as mentally sharp (well, most of the time!). Likewise, for my teammates. Correct structure
and conditioning are key in keeping them fit and healthy so they can enjoy agility to the fullest
extent.

In a nutshell, Agility is a sport that truly deepens the bond between dog and handler. There is
nothing like playing as a team with your dog, and this sport is a fun experience for both! Whether
you do agility simply for enjoyment or are a serious competitor, it's important to remember that
it's the journey, the fun, the incredible teamwork that make this sport so enjoyable.

Cheers and Happy training, Terri Collins. Photo by Connie Kattell.

44 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024