World Agility Championships
World Team in Italy: Day One

September 20: Submitted by Sharon Anderson, AKC Agility Director/World Team Captain

The AKC/USA World Agility Team has arrived in Italy right on time and all handlers and dogs are in great shape. The two departure destinations of Atlanta and New York afforded great co-operations from Delta and dogs were walked and watered and carefully loaded. After a two hour bus ride thru beautiful country side to reach Desenzano and the three different hotels all the 87 Americans are settled in.

The World Team is staying at the hotel that accepted dogs, Plaza Garni. It is located overlooking beautiful Lake Gardia with a white sand beach. This top tourist attraction boasts many Italians walking their dogs for their stroll along the walkways. The first team meeting was held by Coach, Dan Dege and the practice schedule laid out and michrochips read to make sure all would pass the vet. Inspection given by the Italian Kennel Club.

The Italian Kennel Club was called and notified that there would be a change in the small team running order due to a car accident had by a team member. The new team member will be Kimberly Sisak and Phoebe, Papillion, replacing Katie O'Day in the Individual competition. Kim was originally the alternate. This change occurred in the last 48 hours before departure.