In the image, Nova the three-year-old border collie is seen charging across the competition floor, ears back and mouth open baring her teeth.
Agility competitions are increasingly popular in the U.S. with roots going back to the Crufts Dog Show in the U.K. On August 11, 1994, the American Kennel Club launched the first licensed agility trial in Houston, Texas, at the Astro World Series of Dogs Shows with 192 dogs from 58 breeds across the U.S and Canada.
Newsweek spoke to Quinn about her unique photos. “I believe it’s the biggest, if not the biggest national agility event in the U.S,” she said. “I think it’s the only one that draws out international teams from Mexico, Canada and various countries in Europe that travel cross country and oversees to compete.”
She went on to explain that Nova was talented enough to make it to the finals in one event. “Nova competes a couple times a year at local trials, and this was our second time competing at the U.S. Open. It’s a hobby for us and we just play to have fun, so my expectations weren’t super high, but she did pretty well! In the finals Nova unfortunately took an off-course obstacle at the end which meant we were eliminated. It’s always a rush to run with her anyways and making to finals was a great feeling! She obviously loves to play agility, and her expressions when running display that perfectly.
“The dogs don’t understand competition, they just like to play with us. Nova already feels like she’s won every time we step to the start line together, and I’ll always let her believe that no matter what happens.”
Reddit users were delighted with the image.
“That the face of being 100% invested in the moment and task at hand,” reebekilyllaeri said.
And chunkypenguion1991 wrote, “Focus and intensity in a small fluffy package. Could not have come out better.”
“Hahahahaha That’s spectacular! Happy pupper!” olddragonfaerie said.
BabbleAli posted: “I can’t stop laughing! Thank you for sharing your amazing athlete with us. LMAO.”
