Agility
Experience
Northeast Agility Championship
Team Competition
Versatility Awards
Friday B Match
Allison Vicuna Sportsmanship Award
Meet Our 2023 Judges
Ronda Bermke – Greenleaf, WI
Canines and the sport of pure-bred dogs have always been a big part of my life. I grew up participating in dog events with my mother and, with the exception of college life, have never been without a dog. My very first AKC licensed show was in 1979 with my Shetland Sheepdog. Since then I have “grown up” and
established my own kennel, White Ridge, located just outside of Green Bay, WI.
I am married to Rob and we have one son, Sam. Currently we share our home with one Standard Longhaired Dachshund and three Border Collies. I am involved and titled my dogs in multiple AKC venues, including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, scent, and earthdog work.
In 2011 I became an AKC agility judge and soon followed with my junior showmanship license, rally license and conformation license to judge some hound, working and herding breeds.
I appreciate and delight in watching each and every team that steps to the start line in the agility ring. Best of luck to you!
Victoria MacVicar – Spring Hill, FL
My first glimpse of Agility was in Tampa, Florida in 1996 when I watched a local agility trial and was hooked as soon as I saw a dog running over the teeter. I enrolled in an Intro to Agility class and was fortunate to have my first agility dog love agility as much as I did and she was fast and driven.
As a judge and as an exhibitor, I love watching dog/handler teams run courses and when they are well connected, I see their “dance”. As I judge throughout the US, I enjoy watching the different handling styles. I’m always amazed how much the AKC Agility Program has advanced and grown since I started with my Novice A dog and I’m thrilled to be able to be part of it – both as an exhibitor and as a judge.
As the years went by, I would volunteer at trials and became very active in my own club, often taking the roles of Chief Ring Steward, Trial Secretary or Trial Chair. I saw the next step as becoming an AKC Agility judge, and in 2007, I passed the seminar and have enjoyed judging, working with many different clubs, and watching many dog/handler teams run courses.
I’m very proud of my Brittanys and their Agility performances. I own and have bred several generations that have qualified for multiple AKC Nationals and were invited to many AKC Invitationals. I am blessed to have a husband who is very supportive of my passion and he cheers me on every weekend and
patiently waits for the results when I return home on Sunday.
I am very thankful for the opportunity to judge for the annual Thanksgiving Agility Cluster and to participate in the 25th Celebration and at the same time, feel extremely honored. I look forward to watching all your runs and know there will be many memories made!! Good luck to all!
Pam Johnson – Ridgley, Md.
I have always been a dog lover. I have always been a competitive person. Finding the sport of Agility has combined my two favorites. I currently own Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Norwegian Elkhounds and compete in Confirmation, Rally, Obedience (just a little) and Agility.
Since 1996, the sport of Agility drew me in. I have had the pleasure of running my Corgis, Siberian Husky’s, and Norwegian Elkhounds, and it has been a pleasure to step to the line with them, no matter what the outcome. I took my love of agility to the next level and became an Agility judge in 2014. In 2019 I had the honor of judging the National Agility Championship show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I truly enjoy traveling throughout the country, meeting new people, and watch the joy they have while running with their best friend.
In 2017, I retired from the Annapolis Police Department in Annapolis, Md. After 25 years of service. Being a Police Officer can be stressful, and having my dog sport, and the friends made along the way were a great distraction. I currently live in Maryland and have been enjoying traveling with my motorhome and working on staying healthy.
Linda Syner – Ridgely, Md
Linda has competed in Agility since 1993, Agility instructor since 1996, Agility Judge since 2012 and shown in conformation since 1986.
Bred and raised Norwegian Elkhound, Siberian Huskies and Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s. Accomplishments over the years, Titled many dogs in AKC, USDAA and NADAC Agility. Competed in 12 AKC Agility Nationals.
Obtained Championships on over 32 dogs of various breeds and finished many dogs from the Bred by Exhibitor Class and also a Breeder of Merit.
Has also earned CD and CDX titles on several Elkhounds, Siberians and Corgi’s.
This year Linda earned Agility High in Trial at the Norwegian Elkhound Club of America Specialty.
Since 1996, the sport of Agility drew me in. I have had the pleasure of running my Corgis, Siberian Husky’s, and Norwegian Elkhounds, and it has been a pleasure to step to the line with them, no matter what the outcome. I took my love of agility to the next level and became an Agility judge in 2014. In 2019 I had the honor of judging the National Agility Championship show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I truly enjoy traveling throughout the country, meeting new people, and watch the joy they have while running with their best friend.
In 2017, I retired from the Annapolis Police Department in Annapolis, Md. After 25 years of service. Being a Police Officer can be stressful, and having my dog sport, and the friends made along the way were a great distraction. I currently live in Maryland and have been enjoying traveling with my motorhome and working on staying healthy.
Abbie Hanson – Estill, SC
I grew up with Dachshund but it wasn’t until my husband and I bought our first Rottweiler around 40 years ago that I became involved in AKC events. I began showing in Conformation, Obedience and training my Rottweilers in Herding before Rottweilers were recognized to receive AKC Herding Titles. I got into Agility to do something fun and give my Brittany, Rumor a job after I finished her Championship, at an early age. Needless to say I became addicted.
I was encouraged by a friend to become a judge. In 2012 I became a AKC Agility Judge and recently have become a AKC Hunt Test Judge.
My husband and I live in South Carolina and currently compete in Conformation, Hunting, Rally and Agility with our 6 Brittanys and 2 Vizsla.
I enjoy watching all the teams work together. I am excited and honored to judge the 25th Anniversary of the Thanksgiving Cluster.
Good luck and most of all have fun with your canine partner we don’t have them long enough!
Erin Schaefer – Foxboro, MA
Always smiling, I have been involved in agility since 1990 and an AKC judge since 2008. Agility has taken me all over the world and I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people and dogs along the way! I am very happy to be asked back to help judge the fantastic exhibitors again at the Cluster, which is the first place I won the Agility National Championship in 2000 with fabulous Shetland Sheepdog Jag. We went on to be the first individual Gold medal winners at the World Championships in 2002 in Dortmund Germany. Jag and I were on the AKC US team for five consecutive years as well as the US Open team. He was also the first dog to win the top AKC Shetland Sheepdog dog in 2000. I have achieved many MACHs with different dogs over the years and love the camaraderie and enjoyment I get to see on the agility course!
I began agility with American Eskimo, Stasch. He also had his share of top accomplishments,
I am from New York City, but now reside in MA. I share the house with three Shelties, a McNab oh, and husband Ben!
Thank you for having me back!