Joy in the Journey: Shelby Tilden and Moss

Highlights of a Team USA 2023 visit to the United Kingdom

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

Shelby Tilden of Corvallis, Ore., and her 5-year-old Border Collie, Moss, had quite the adventure when they traveled to the U.K. to compete for Team USA at the 2023 IFCS World Agility Championship. Among the non-event highlights of their trip were a beautiful seven-hour ferry crossing from The Netherlands to England and a grand tour of Belvoir Castle (Leicestershire, England).

On the ferry to England

“Since the ferry crossing was seven hours long, Moss and I got our own berth and had a relaxing time watching the ocean go by,” Shelby said. “We also ventured down to the dog area; Moss was a little confused as to why he couldn’t get to the water!”

After IFCS, Shelby and Moss stayed in the U.K. to compete in the 18-ring International Agility Festival. Before the event, they traveled with two other members of Team USA to visit Belvoir Castle and Tattershall Castle and had plenty of fun exploring the grounds.

At Tattershall

“Moss and I are excited to compete at IFCS in France this year!” Shelby said. “I can’t wait to put our skills to the test on those courses and see what interesting things we can find along the way. I’m also looking forward to meeting with a friend I made from the French team last year. We’re both from areas that are known for pinot noirs, so we’re going to catch up and exchange wine.”

Have you had some interesting adventures on your way to or from a trial or event? Share photos of your experience with a brief description by emailing news@usdaa.com for a chance to be featured in our year-long OVERview series! As thanks for sharing your stories, each competitor will be given a Purina^® Pro Plan^® plush kennel towel (while supplies last).