Words from the Winners at Cynosport 2024

Catch up with some of this year’s champions.

Originally published in the December 2024 OVERview digital magazine.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in the 2024 Cynosport^® World Games Presented by Purina^® Pro Plan^®! It was an exciting, fun-filled weekend with many great events. Catch up below with some of this year’s champions.

Tim Buck | Oak View, California

Tim was thrilled to compete with his two Miniature American Shepherds, Caboose and Little Mollie Coupler (LMC), at the new venue this year.

Tim Buck and Caboose (GreatDanePhotos)

“My girls and I love to run under the lights with the energy of a boisterous crowd, and I was excited to see the return of Saturday evening Steeplechase finals!” Tim said. “Caboose had her first Cynosport podium (silver) under the lights in 2016, and to this day, that Steeplechase finals run is my most memorable agility experience. At age 11, Caboose likely competed in her last Cynosport this year, and it did not disappoint! LMC also clearly demonstrated that she will continue Caboose’s tradition of agility excellence, and some of my most fond memories have come from the Cynosport World Games. Thank you, USDAA!”

Notable finishes: Caboose earned first place in both the Performance 12” Purina Pro Plan Dog Agility Steeplechase^® and Performance 12” Purina Pro Plan Grand Prix of Dog Agility^®; LMC took first place in the 12” Purina Pro Plan Masters Challenge Biathlon℠.

Bridget Thomas | Alachua, Florida

Bridget has been involved in agility for almost all of her adult life and competed in USDAA since the early 2000s. She has successfully run with several Border Collies and sport mixes, including her 4-year-old All-American mixed breed, Betelguese.

Bridget Thomas and Betelguese (GreatDanePhotos)

“We had one of our best showings to date in Tucson, and I couldn’t be prouder of him,” Bridget said. “He is a clever little dog that loves to work and is game for anything. We are just starting to hit our stride and become a more consistent team.

"I wasn’t sure I’d make the trip to Cynosport this year, but I’m so glad I did,” she added. “I absolutely loved the location. The turf was great, and the site was really nice. The schedule was perfect to give us enough time to visit with friends and have some fun outside the rings. USDAA and Purina really went all out with the swag, luncheon and awards. The Grand Prix trophy has always been on my bucket list, and I loved the banners, too!”

Peter Davidson | Boise, Idaho

Peter drove from Idaho to Arizona with Shadow, a 7-year-old German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever rescue; Blue, a 6-year-old Labrador Retriever and son of the Boise State Football Tee Dog (which retrieves football tees used for kickoffs), Cowboy Kohl; and Basil, an almost-3-year-old Labrador Retriever. He first started training agility with Shadow in 2019, had a blast in their first Cynosport together and was thrilled to return for Blue and Basil’s Cynosport debut.

Peter Davidson and Shadow (GreatDanePhotos)

“We had an incredible Cynosport experience!” Peter said. “The facilities were top-notch, and the turf held up well for my large dogs. The courses were challenging yet enjoyable. The judges, staff and helpers were all friendly and supportive. It was exciting to see Purina Pro Plan, the brand I feed my dogs, sponsoring the event. The trophies, medals and ribbons were truly impressive and special. It truly felt like a national championship!”

Amelia Greninger | Buffalo, Minnesota

Galaxxy is a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois and the 2024 Grand Prix champion. Eclipse is a 4-year-old Golden Retriever and the the 2024 Performance 20” Grand Prix, Steeplechase, and Strategic Games champion.

Amelia Greninger and Eclipse (GreatDanePhotos)

“I couldn’t be prouder of how well they did. I loved seeing all our training come together; they both ran their heart out for me. I might be biased, but I have two amazing pups. I’m still in shock with all of their success at Cynosport.” Amelia shared they are stellar teammates and even better family members.

“The site was great! It was clean, easy to navigate, and the grass was lovely for the dogs. The start times were the best part of the whole competition, hands down,” she added.

Pam Vojtas | Eustis, Florida

Joined by traveling companions Pam Presser and Dare, Pam Vojtas and her Pyrenean Shepherd, Madeleine, had a blast traveling from Florida to Arizona for this year’s event.

Pam Vojtas and Madeleine (GreatDanePhotos)

“This was my favorite Cynosport to date!” Pam said. “The venue was awesome, the weather was perfect, and we had amazing courses, judges and turf! Madeleine had a great week with placements in Biathlon, Steeplechase and a cool trophy in the Strategic Games. Our whole Florida contingent is looking forward to returning to Tucson again in 2026!”

Amber McCune | Bedford, New Hampshire

“This year’s Cynosport was a little bittersweet for me as Kaboom retired in 2023 and this is the first time I’ve ever attended without him as my teammate. But stepping to the line with his lightening-fast daughter, Shelby-Cobra, and then going on to WIN the Steeplechase final was the best tribute to him I could ask for. I’m so very proud of both Shelby-Cobra and Typo‘s performances this year.

Amber McCune and Shelby-Cobra (GreatDanePhotos)

"The venue was gorgeous. The event was run flawlessly, and to top it off, the weather was perfect. A huge thank you to the USDAA crew for all their hard work putting on such a fabulous event. We can’t wait until next year in Murfreesboro,” Amber said.