Husband and Wife Share Cynosport Podium

Agility is a family affair for Lisa and Terry Pertile.

Dec 6, 2023

By: Cheyenne Lord

Running agility has been a family affair for Lisa and Terry Pertile of Blaine, Minn., for over 20 years. Lisa started training for the sport in 2003 after importing Mellie, a drop-eared Papillon (Phalene) from Sweden. After she began competing in 2005, Terry realized they wouldn’t see each other as much on the weekends she was trialing. He began his own journey with one of Mellie’s sons, Ace, in 2007.

“Early on, we learned that it was challenging to accept each other’s critique or coaching, so we left that to our agility instructor to preserve marital harmony,” Lisa said. “Terry started competing with Ace in 2009, but that didn’t cause any marital rifts. We were always very supportive partners, rooting for each other and our dogs at trials.”

Terry Pertile and Kazzie - Cynosport 2023 hps

Terry Pertile and Kazzie - Cynosport 2023 (GreatDanePhotos)

The Pertiles went on to earn multiple championships with Mellie, Ace and the other Papillons who were later imported or bred under their “Alasera” kennel name. One of their favorite shared memories was placing 14th with Mellie and her granddaughter, Katie, at the 2015 Cynosport® Team Relay Finals in Murfreesboro as the 8” Two-Dog Team “Family Affair.”

Now 60 years old and retired from their careers, both Terry and Lisa are grateful for the additional time to train, compete and travel with their dogs. They returned to Murfreesboro this year for the Cynosport® Dog Agility World Games Presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. Terry’s 6-year-old Danish Papillon, Kazzie, and Lisa’s 4-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Charlotte, shared the podium in the 4” Performance Strategic Games.

Lisa Pertile and Charlotte - Cynosport 2023 500

Lisa Pertile and Charlotte - Cynosport 2023 (GreatDanePhotos)

“Kazzie has made the podium multiple times, including at the 2021 Cynosport Games, but this year was Charlotte’s first big event,” Lisa said. “It was a pleasant surprise to have both dogs make the podium with Kazzie first and Charlotte third! Additionally, we earned 15th place overall in the Team Relay with our friends Skye Priesz and Enzo under ‘Herd You Loud and Clear.’ We were absolutely thrilled.”

Lisa and Terry look forward to making more treasured memories in the sport they deeply love.