Joyce Zmek - 1997 - Pioneer of Dog Agility & 2015 - Meritorious Service

Joyce Zmek has earned Pioneer of Dog Agility and Meritorious Hall of Fame recognition for her support throughout USDAA® history. From Shreveport, she was instrumental in establishment of Pawprints Agility Club and traveled extensively to aid in production of USDAA events from New Orleans to Lexington, Kentucky. She also served as chief production supervisor for the Grand Prix and Cynosport® World Games.

The first winner of the Grand Prix of Dog Agility® is known as the “chuter” for being seen as a ring steward straightening the chute on the collapsed tunnel in the Grand Prix championship finals through its first twenty years.

She and Ruth Van Keuren worked together on the original USDAA Junior Handler Program Committee and was instrumental in the design, launch and support of the Program, which later was adopted by 4-H in a number of states.