Angela Alexander of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, first fell in love with dock diving when she tried it out with her German shepherd, Mara, over seven years ago. However, it was the purchase of an 8-week-old bloodhound puppy named Kari in 2019 that took Angela’s love for the sport to the next level. Angela and Kari have eagerly explored all that North America Diving Dogs has to offer, from dock diving to air retrieving, and even trying their hand at hydro dash this year.
“I enjoy the NADD events because the people are always so friendly, supportive and willing to step in when you need some help, whether that involves holding your dog or throwing the bumper,” Angela said. “I love watching all the other dogs as well and helping the other handlers when they need it. The best part of the sport is watching my girl just enjoy every minute of it; it’s been really fun to earn ribbons and titles for the sport as well.”
Angela credits the initial help of trainer Shirley Catalina from the Tennessee Dock Diving Club in getting her started with the sport; she and Kari now take lessons at Woodburn Canine Training Center in Kentucky, owned by Jeff Lund. ”Our lessons have been with Ellen Murphy,” Angela said. “She has really made me look at the sport in a different light as well, with dock placement, throwing the bumper and all that goes into giving your dog the tools to make them the best they can be.”
When Angela and Kari are not dock diving, they are working together as a K-9 search and rescue team: rappelling from helicopters, assisting in human remains detection for cold cases and even catching the occasional bad guy. “I love dock diving because of the confidence it’s given my girl and how it keeps her in great shape for our search and rescue work. The sport not only keeps her mentally happy but physically fit.” Angela continues, “It’s helped her heat tolerance when she’s working; she’s stronger and can work longer.”
Angela describes Kari as “ready for any adventure we go on” and “the sweetest, most loving dog I’ve ever owned.” The pair look to add to their collection of titles as they compete at their first NADD regionals competition later this year.
