Caitlin Varhalla

My name is Caitlin Varhalla, and I will be an incoming freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire this Fall. Shetland Sheepdogs have always been a part of my family. I have participated in the AKC Junior Handler program since I was 10 years old. Chime is my nine year old Shetland Sheepdog. She came into my life at the age of four-months-old. We started training in Conformation and earned our Novice Junior Showmanship title. During that time, I also trained in Agility. We entered our first agility show when Chime was one-year-old and finished all six titles in a year. The Dog World has opened up a whole new world for me and has given me numerous opportunities. Over the past ten years, I have met many people, who share my passion and interest that I will remain in contact throughout my life.

Earning the Master Agility Championship title with Chime on February 1, 2009 is the achievement I am most proud of. All of our hard work, time and effort paid off. Chime and I earned this title together as a team. I couldn't have done it without her. This achievement is special to me because I trained and showed her exclusively. Over the past years, we have competed together in three Nationals. We placed 5th out of 150 teams in one of our classes at the 2007 Agility Nationals.

I am proud to be a 2010 AKC Junior Scholarship recipient. It shows the dedication and love I have for this sport. My plan in the future is to become an AKC Agility Judge. Being a Judge will allow me to share my knowledge with others and be involved in the Agility program as it continues to develop.

The Junior Handler program has taught me the true meaning of having and showing a dog. I learned there is so much more to it than showing in the ring. My most memorable times were the countless hours spent in preparing and training for that special moment in the ring. These experiences helped create a unique bond between Chime and I. My advice to the future Junior Handlers would be is to keep on learning, enjoy the moment and to never give up.