Omaha dog Pixel zips through agility course to win Westminster division, celebrates with cupcake

Omaha dog Pixel zips through agility course to win Westminster division, celebrates with cupcake
World-Herald News Service

An Omaha dog has a new honor to add to her résumé.

Pixel, a miniature American shepherd, won the 12-inch agility division at Westminster Kennel Club’s Masters Agility Championships.

The 6-year-old dog, and her trainer Ami Sheffield, zipped through the agility course on Feb. 9 in a little more than 33 seconds.

This was the first time Sheffield has competed at the famous New York dog show. Pixel completed two preliminary runs during the day, qualifying her for the championship round. Each course was different, Sheffield said. They got 8 minutes to walk through the course and memorize it.

As Pixel lined up to start her championship run, she barked at Sheffield, letting her handler know she was ready. The 13-pound pup let out a couple yips on the course, too.

“She loved it,” Sheffield said. “People cheered throughout the entire event, and that got her so amped up. That just makes her so excited.”

Pixel got to lick the frosting off a cupcake after her win. Once they got back to Omaha, they kept the celebration going with one of Pixel’s favorite pastimes: a 4-mile, off-leash hike.

The agility duo typically take off the winter from training, but they hike and play Frisbee to keep active. In an average year, they might compete at 15 to 20 events.

Pixel has traveled to Europe several times to compete on the world stage.

Last spring, Pixel went to Milan, Italy, for the International Federation of Cynological Sports Agility World Championships. She nabbed three first-place finishes and a team bronze medal.

In April, Pixel will head to the Netherlands for this year’s IFCS Agility World Championships.

“She’s a pro,” Sheffield said.

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