Highway Rescue Excels in Dog Agility

“Dreadlocked” dog brings charm and skill to the ring.

This article was originally published in the June 2024 OVERview digital magazine.

In February 2015, Alanna Lowry was on her way home from work when she saw a small dog trotting down the opposite sidewalk of a busy six-lane road. With a Good Samaritan’s help, she managed to turn around in rush hour traffic and catch the young stray. A veterinarian in Jacksonville, Florida, Alanna noticed several things after bringing the dog home: She had no means of identification, was lactating, and suffered from head trauma, fleas and a bladder infection.

“While my initial thoughts were to place her in a nice pet home, I started wondering if she should stay with me as she recovered from everything,” Alanna said. “We became very attached to each other right away. I had never had a small dog before, and her ridiculous appearance added to her charm and appeal. She sports a dreadlocked coat unlike any other dog!”

Alanna named the nine-inch-tall mixed breed Nessie and began teaching her to offer behaviors. When Nessie realized trying new things was a fun, easy way to earn food, their training and relationship quickly blossomed. Nessie also joined Alanna and her Border Collie when they went to shows; undaunted by the environment, she entered her first trial just six months after joining Alanna’s household.

“Nessie is most known for her very unique look, and we fondly refer to her as a Creature or a Spanish Moss Terrier,” Alanna said. “Two DNA tests have suggested she is mainly Dachshund and Maltese. She is charming, friendly, a little sassy, and keeps all the big dogs in the house in line. And while she is fiercely devoted to her mom, she has a very large fan club."

Alanna has competed in the sport since 1993, running a Basenji, Golden Retriever, Ibizan Hound and several Border Collies as well as Nessie. Because of Nessie’s size, Alanna trained her with good distance skills from the beginning. Their close bond and consistency have paid off in spades, earning them a Titanium Lifetime Achievement Award and Platinum ADCH and PDCH titles.

“Nessie has been an extremely fun agility partner,” Alanna said. “We also won the Cynosport 4” Performance Steeplechase last year, which was just amazing. I’ve had the thrill of a lifetime working with my little street girlie!”