My name is Katie Carignan and I'm 18 years old. I have been accepted to Berry College in Rome, Georgia as an Animal Science major with intentions of becoming a vet one day. I've been competing in dog agility for the last eight years and have loved every second of it!

Nine years ago last January I attended my first agility trial. It was an AKC trial in Newnan, Georgia. I was immediately caught and addicted by this amazing sport. One year later, I competed in my very first AKC show with my two year old Border Collie, Raven, at the same venue. It was freezing cold and the Novice JWW course looked very difficult. Raven and I went out and got second place and a Q! I was so excited and there was no turning back.

From that day forward, I was hooked. After that, Raven, my dad, and I traveled all over the southeastern United States. Raven and I competed 2 or 3 weekends out of every month. It was a blast! We earned all the way up to our MX and MXJ titles. While in Rome, I will continue growing in my love for agility by assisting with agility classes in the area. I hope to be able to continue to compete, even after I go to college. I don't want to lose these amazing experiences with my family, friends, and most importantly, my dogs. I want to thank the AKC for their scholarship which will help me continue to realize my passion for canines and deepen that in learning to help them even more!