08/01/2026
Reflecting, and summoning my 20 seconds of insane courage...
This weekend, Link steps into the ring just 0.5 points away from earning his Sapphire Grand Champion title.
Achieving this isn't just a title, or a scavenger hunt - it is the culmination of effort, relationship and grind that dreams are made of. It's the kind of achievement that only comes from showing up, again and again, even when no one is watching.
What truly makes this journey, for me, is the contribution this incredible Collie has made in the world - through the Collie Connections Program by day, aloft his presence in the ring, mirrors that for which he gives back to the youth who are learning, growing and discovering their full potential.
Link's greatest legacy isn't found in the show ring.
During the week, he's a Collie Ambassador for the Collie Connections program, helping young people discover confidence, communication, resilience, and connection - essential employability skills that elevate our next generation of leaders. Then, on the weekends, he is "ALL IN" quietly reminding me how vital these qualities are for our youth - demonstrating patience, consistency, trust, and perseverance. The same qualities that youth need to thrive today, and tomorrow, are the very qualities that create excellence in the ring.
Link is currently ranked once again among the UKC Top Ten Collies, per the most recent update, and is also nationally ranked within the Herding Group. Those accomplishments make me proud, but they will never define him. His greatest achievement is, and always will be the impact he makes on our future generation!
Here's to one more weekend, one more opportunity, and believing that extraordinary things happen when preparation meets courage.
This is why I UKC.
💙 Wish us luck.
