Keystone K9

10/16/2026

Kuno and I passed our BH! 🐾 Behind that short routine was a whole lot of preparation—for both of us.

Countless repetitions, lessons in timing and communication, taking feedback and constructive criticism, (I can still hear Kelsi screaming “BAD HANDLER!”) and learning how to work with the dog in front of me. Memorizing the routine, how to hold my arms, count steps AND smile (need more work on that) at the same time was one of the most challenging parts!

This process also meant taking accountability when things went wrong. Instead of blaming the dog or the oftentimes unpredictable environment, I had to ask myself “where was Kuno unclear? Have we practiced this enough to sync w my expectations? Where did I cut corners? ” Always keeping in mind I am dealing with an animal with big thoughts and big emotions, not a robot.

And then there’s managing my own nerves. Turns out sporting matching neon ’90s tracksuits with Kelsi helps. Being asked to do the jitterbug during the temperament test—and hesitantly complying—also makes it pretty difficult to take yourself too seriously.

I’m proud of this BH, and I’m especially proud of the trust Kuno and I built getting there. He deserved a handler willing to put in the work, own the mistakes, and keep learning right alongside him. We have plenty left to learn, but we’re moving forward together. 🖤❤️🖤❤️

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

***ADOPTED***

🐾 Meet Apu—little puppy, BIG personality!

Apu is an approximately 4-month-old Australian Cattle Dog looking for a new home after his owner left the country and is unable to keep him.

This boy is insanely intelligent, spirited, driven, and spunky! He has a busy little brain and plenty of personality to match. We’re looking for someone excited to put that potential to work through training, adventures, and plenty of opportunities to learn.

His ideal home will appreciate an active, thinking dog and provide consistent structure, patience, and guidance as he grows. He’s still a young puppy with lots to learn, including how to settle and relax between activities. Cattle dog or working-breed experience would be a plus!

Interested in making Apu your new teammate? Send me a message with a little about yourself, your home, and what life with you would look like for him. ❤️

10/07/2026

Best photo of the trial. Hands down. 😂

Months of training, countless hours of preparation, and somehow we look like we’re about to release a dog obedience workout on VHS.

The dogs brought the focus. We brought the wind resistance. 🩷💚🩵💜

10/06/2026

We have LOVED fostering Nyx these past few month. As much as I adore her and will miss her, she’s ready to spread her wings and find her forever home.

10/04/2026

Kuno and I passed our BH today! 🖤

I’m so proud of the attention and focus he gave me, especially considering his environmental sensitivities and insecurities. We’ve put a lot of work into building his confidence and our partnership, and seeing that progress on the trial field meant so much.

Kelsi and I even rocked our epic ’90s neon tracksuits—because if you’re going to have trial nerves, you might as well have questionable fashion choices to go with them. 😂💚💖

Thank you to everyone, especially Kelsi Espelin, Taylor Unger, Leah VanDeBogart, Danielle Karatzas, Priscilla Olson, Elijah Thomas, Nicole Nieto Cleary, Megan Osborn, who helped, encouraged, and supported us this year. So grateful for the people in our corner.

Good boy, Kuno. We earned this one. 🐾

09/21/2026

Happy first birthday to my favorite puppy, Valor. ❤️

He is everything I hoped for when I set out to find my first sport dog—and somehow even more. I love his work ethic, his enthusiasm for absolutely everything, his ridiculous shoe obsession, and his lack of self preservation going after a single piece of kibble.

Training and growing together this past year has been so much fun. I’m incredibly excited to step onto the trial field with him and see who he becomes as he continues to mature.

Happy birthday, Valor. The best is still ahead of us. 🖤