Although Louise Bishoff had previously shown her dogs in conformation, she didn’t step into the performance arena until she tried dock diving in 2019. The Greendale, Indiana, resident was introduced to the sport when her daughter, Megan, and Megan’s Icelandic Sheepdog, Atlas, started diving in 2018. Everyone was so friendly and supportive that Louise decided to join with her dog, Salem.
“It’s such a fun sport,” Louise said. “I enjoy bonding with my dogs. They don’t care about the ribbons or titles; they just love spending time with us and playing the game. I also love the people! I’ve met the best people in this sport. Everyone supports each other and wants to see each other succeed!”
Louise currently competes with three Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. Five-year-old Baxter lives for dock diving and makes his presence known with his enthusiastic “Toller screaming.” Three-year-old Mothman tied for first place in the 2023 Senior Distance Division. Warner, the youngest of the three, started diving at the end of May 2024 and already has four Distance titles.
Louise also spends her free time working at events. She can often be found in administration at her home docks, K9 Splash Zone and Cross Creek Farm, and she volunteers wherever she is needed when she jumps at mobile docks.
“I find working the events is very rewarding,” she said. “It is especially fun at regionals and nationals because you meet new people and see the joy this sport brings to others and their dogs. Volunteering has led me to become friends with people from different areas, and our home Krewe can be seen having fun together at any dock! We’re currently undefeated in both the regional and national area decorating contests, and it’s always such a blast!”
