European Open: July 26-28, 2013

Team USAOn July 20^th, Roo! and I flew to Belgium to participate in our first international agility competition, held in a small town about an hour outside of Brussels.   The European Open (EO) is one of the largest and most competitive agility events in the World.  Nearly 800 of the fastest and most talented agility dogs from over thirty-three countries were represented this year. 

Roo! and I were selected to represent the United States as part of the American Kennel Club’s team of 32 dogs and handlers (8 small, 8 medium and 16 large dogs). The team was chosen based on their performance at the International Team Try-outs competition held in May 2013 and their competition history for the entire year.  

A unique feature of the EO, is that the competition is open to both mixed and purebred dogs, regardless of pedigree, unlike the FCI World Championships.  Out of 800 dogs at the show, there were only 44 mixed breed dogs.  Roo!, along with Kelly Maier’s Tucker, were the first mixed breed dogs to be selected to represent the US.    

Photo by Carrie Elks DeYoungRoo! ran really well, as if she were competing at a local Bay area trial.  She was fast, focused and excited to get into the ring.  We had some good runs, but unfortunately, in such a competitive field, we did not make it into the final round.  European courses are tough and far more technical than what we encounter at U.S. competitions.  Even if you run clean, your team has to be absolutely flawless to do well at this event. 

It was an amazing experience to share with my all-American rescue dog.  She’s come such a long way!  If you had told me a year ago that I would be traveling to Belgium to represent the United States at the European Open, I would have laughed.

Stacey and Roo! at Opening Ceremonies