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Action Photos by Mark Gose

The morning of the Agility trial started out pretty muggy. It was one of those days when you just knew it was going to be hotter than Hades in August. And knowing that the trial didn't start until 1:00 P.M., the hottest part of the day, would've sent shivers up your spine had it not been so hot!

The Judge, Mr. Nelson Fletcher, selected some very interesting courses for the competitors. I'm sure that more than one of us hoped he would give us a "Boxer Course" to run. You know the type. Straight, no turns, three jumps with a six foot chain link fence on either side to keep us on course. Nonetheless, they were fun courses to run for both the dogs and their handlers.

Aside from the heat, it was a very pleasant afternoon. I was very surprised at the number of "Conformation" people who turned out for the trial. I'm not sure about everyone else, but it made me feel good that these people would take time from their other activities to show an interest in our Agility Boxers. I think the spectators enjoyed watching the Boxers do Agility. I can't count the number of "Wow!’s" that I heard.

The Boxers and their handlers did an excellent job. Considering how few Boxers actually compete in Agility, it was a great showing. I believe that the percentage of qualifiers was not much different than it would have been at an all-breed trial. There was quite a bit of experience represented there. Almost intimidating to a newbie like me. The likes of Ella DuPree, Tracy Hendrickson, Ileana Nadal, and others. Boy - what a show they gave everyone!

This Agility trail was probably the best run, least stressful one I've EVER competed in. My hat’s off to all those who put this trial together and made it the great showcase that it was for our wonderful Boxers.

Agility is a sport that was invented for Boxers. It takes advantage of all the things that boxers love to do. Like run (the whole course), jump (so many jumps!), climb (the A-frame) and explore (the tunnels and sometimes everything else!). I hope that as people learn how much Boxers love Agility, the entry will grow each year.