A naturally competitive, outdoorsy person, Barbara “Bo” Mashburn was hooked on the sport after just one lesson with her water-loving Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Rufus. Inspired by dock diving pictures she saw on Facebook, the retired 71-year-old first competed at the end of the 2021 season at Courteous Canine in Lutz, Fla.
“I love outdoor sports and meeting new people and dogs, so dock diving was the perfect fit for Rufus and me,” Bo said. “He just wants to run down the dock and jump in the pool, so the look on his face when he jumps means the world to me. And the camaraderie is so nice. I’ve met so many wonderful people who offer help if I need it, whether setting up my tent or helping with my dogs. We always find a group that loves to have fun!”
During their first full season in 2022, Bo and Rufus met their goal of competing at Nationals and earning Best of Breed. Now, Bo alternates competitions with Rufus and her younger Chessie, Dancer, under the watchful eye of coach Joe Souza from Courteous Canine. Bo also has a 10-year-old Labrador Retriever, Cupcake, who only jumps for fun when the weather is nice.
“The dogs all keep me young! If only Joe could train me to throw the bumper as well as my dogs are trained to jump, we would be unstoppable,” Bo said. “Mostly, I love attending events and trying to meet as many people as possible. It’s always fun to talk dog, and you never know who you might see at the dock.”
Outside of the sport, Bo runs Dock Star Collars & Leashes, a small business that creates custom BioThane collars and leashes for dogs across the country.
Bo and Rufus after Rufus's 100th jump photo by Ed Perry