A Graceful Path to a Peaceful Retirement

Veterans Showcase allows aging dogs to continue in the sport.

When Karen Gloor noticed her agility partner, Squirrel, having trouble at the Performance height in 2025, she transitioned the now-12-year-old mixed breed to the Veterans Showcase so Squirrel could keep enjoying the sport they love.

The duo has played agility together since Squirrel was 8 months old, and Karen is forever grateful for the chance to keep her running until she chooses not to, rather than ending her career abruptly.

“I am very pleased with our transition because I still have a very happy dog at the end of each run!” Karen said. “Squirrel is a mix of Border Collie, Border Terrier, Jack Russell, Belgian Malinois and a LOT of sass. Her dad is from the Blue Cedar lines, which are well known for their great work ethic (which she shares). Moving to Veterans allowed her to keep channeling that drive and enjoying the sport at a level that is comfortable for her.

“I think you really need to know your dog, not only physically but mentally,” she added. “As a judge, I see far too many older dogs running solely for their owners, not for themselves. Veterans is the perfect avenue for them to keep playing. Without Veterans, people may continue to run their dogs at a level they just can’t handle anymore; with Veterans, dogs can still enjoy the game while jumping heights better suited to their physical ability.

“I am very careful to keep an eye on Squirrel to ensure that her body is capable and her mind is willing. When one or both of those are in jeopardy, we will retire. Until then, we have a graceful path to a peaceful retirement!”