After putting my keeshound down, I realized I was missing a faithful and loyal companion (not to mention the enthusiastic greetings when I came in the door). In January 2003, my tri-colored sheltie, Dante, came into my life. He loves to travel (absolutely hates being left behind) and goes with me wherever I go. Scroll down to see/read more. Photo copyright Nancie Bozza.
In September 2003, Dante and I began agility training at the Golden Rule School for Dogs and began competing in September 2004. Here we're relaxing between runs. Photo copyright Barbara Bennett.
FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY, is one of our favorite competition sites. Here's Dante competing in October 2006 Photo copyright Barry Rosen.
FDR Park is beautiful in the fall. This is Dante wearing his jester collar. Photo copyright Nancie Bozza.
Another favorite place to compete is at New Hope Farms in Port Jervis, NY (it's one of the few indoor trial sites). Here's a rare picture of the two of us completing a successful run. Photo copyright M. Nicole Fischer.
In December 2007, after a year of injuries and loss of confidence, we finished Dante's Excellent A standard (agility) and jumpers with weaves titles. Now we start earning points for our Masters Agility Champion (MACh) title. Photo copyright M. Nicole Fischer.
In January 2009, Dante and I were tested for therapy dog status. We passed with flying colors and will begin visiting the Merry Heart nursing facility shortly.
In 2009, Dante started showing signs of anxiety when going to the groomer. His symptoms included shaking, teeth chattering, drooling, and freezing in place. However, in the middle of the night, he went into a full blown grand mal seizure. I held him and tried to comfort him but you could tell nothing was registering. After things calmed down, he looked at me as if to say "What the heck was that?" I took him to the vet and she placed him on seizure meds (potassium bromide).
He has been on the meds for two years and is doing really well on them. The only difference is that the meds make him more mouthy (barks at everything) and makes him "think" he is hungry. Needless to say, he is no longer doing agility but has begun a new career in rally. In December 2010, he earned his Level 1(A) rally title and in January, he earned his Level 2(A) rally title and Highest Score in Trial 2 honors. We are on a roll with something he absolutely loves!
After putting my keeshound down, I realized I was missing a faithful and loyal companion (not to mention the enthusiastic greetings when I came in the door). In January 2003, my tri-colored sheltie, Dante, came into my life. He loves to travel (absolutely hates being left behind) and goes with me wherever I go. Scroll down to see/read more. Photo copyright Nancie Bozza. 
In September 2003, Dante and I began agility training at the 
FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY, is one of our favorite competition sites. Here's Dante competing in October 2006 Photo copyright 
FDR Park is beautiful in the fall. This is Dante wearing his jester collar. Photo copyright Nancie Bozza.
Another favorite place to compete is at New Hope Farms in Port Jervis, NY (it's one of the few indoor trial sites). Here's a rare picture of the two of us completing a successful run. Photo copyright 
In December 2007, after a year of injuries and loss of confidence, we finished Dante's Excellent A standard (agility) and jumpers with weaves titles. Now we start earning points for our Masters Agility Champion (MACh) title. Photo copyright 
In 2009, Dante started showing signs of anxiety when going to the groomer. His symptoms included shaking, teeth chattering, drooling, and freezing in place. However, in the middle of the night, he went into a full blown grand mal seizure. I held him and tried to comfort him but you could tell nothing was registering. After things calmed down, he looked at me as if to say "What the heck was that?" I took him to the vet and she placed him on seizure meds (potassium bromide). 