Xanadu – The Sheltie Who Started It All

My journey with dogs began with Xanadu, my first dog—a Shetland Sheepdog whose intelligence, devotion, and enthusiasm set the foundation for everything that followed. She was, without a doubt, the most obedient, eager to please, and devoted dog I’ve ever had. No matter what challenge I presented her with, she would tackle it with enthusiasm and determination. 

Xanadu was the ultimate partner, excelling in Agility, Rally, Herding, Barn Hunt, Drill Team, Nose Work, and Tracking. She never backed down from a challenge, always willing to try something new with unwavering focus and excitement. She thrived in competition, participating in both NADAC and AKC venues, where she particularly shined in Agility and Nose Work. Her ability to navigate an agility course with speed and precision was truly impressive, and her keen nose made her a natural in scent-based sports. 

But even the best dogs have their unforgettable moments, and Xanadu’s first significant out-of-town trial was one for the books. She executed every challenge with grace and confidence, nearly perfect in her performance—until the very end. Just as I thought we had nailed it, she suddenly came down with a serious case of the Zoomies. 

With her head and tail held high, she raced around the ring in pure joy, as if she knew exactly how flawless her performance had been. The crowd erupted in laughter and cheers, thoroughly entertained by her spontaneous celebration. Meanwhile, I scrambled to regain control, which took twice as long as the run itself. When she finally came back to me, the audience applauded as if she had just won the entire event. 

Of course, we were disqualified for that run, but it hardly mattered. The rest of the weekend, she was exceptional, proving her skill and dedication. She even won the Novice High in Trial Award, a testament to her incredible talent. As if to cement her legacy, she later went on to earn her Nose Work Title One, further demonstrating her ability to excel in whatever she put her mind to. 

However, Xanadu’s abilities went beyond the competition ring. In addition to her dog sport prowess, she developed a life-changing skill—detecting hypoglycemia, a serious medical condition with varied consequences. Without any formal training, she began alerting me when my mom’s blood sugar levels dropped, a skill required of diabetic service dogs. Her natural ability to sense and respond to these changes showed just how deeply she was in tune with her surroundings.. It was yet another testament to her intelligence, intuition, and unwavering devotion. 

Beyond her talents, Xanadu and I had something that made our partnership even more special—we were always dressed in pink together. Whether it was a competition, a training session, or simply a day out, we matched in our signature color. Pink became our symbol, a reflection of our bond, our teamwork, and the joy we found in working together.

Xanadu set the bar high for every dog that came after her. She was the one who taught me the thrill of dog sports, the power of teamwork, and the unbreakable connection between a handler and their dog. She was more than just my first dog—she was the beginning of an incredible journey.