Reesie, a beloved Labrador Retriever adopted from Lab Rescue LRCP, has redefined canine athleticism and joy for over a decade. Adopted at 3.5 years old, Reesie, initially surrendered for not “listening,” found her true calling in the world of dog sports, particularly dock diving. Her journey, meticulously detailed by her proud owner, highlights the incredible potential within rescue dogs and the profound bond that can be forged through shared activities.
Her human companion recounts Reesie’s early days, noting her lack of formal training. This led them to explore dog sports, starting with agility. In 2016, at the age of six, Reesie discovered dock diving, a sport that perfectly suited her innate love for water. This discovery marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. Over the years, Reesie has achieved an impressive 367 splashes across all three dock diving disciplines. Even at 14.5 years old, competing as a Veteran dog, she demonstrated that age is no barrier to participating in and excelling at such an energetic sport.
Reesie has consistently been a reliable and enthusiastic participant, always willing to enter the water regardless of the conditions. Her dedication was further evidenced in 2024 when she continued to compete in the demanding Air Retrieve event, designed for younger dogs. In 2023, she secured 2nd place in Veterans Junior AR at the Northeast Regional, earning her an invitation to the North America Diving Dogs National Championships. She also achieved a top 25% ranking in the Veteran Junior national invitation. While Labrador Retrievers are a popular breed in dock diving, making “firsts” challenging, Reesie’s accomplishments are undeniably remarkable, accumulating an astounding 23 NADD titles.
Despite two attempts to have Reesie inducted into the NADD Hall of Fame, the criteria seemed to favor other dogs. However, to her owner, she is undeniably their “Hall of Fame ‘chocoloco!'” Reesie’s infectious enthusiasm is a constant source of amazement. Regardless of the weather or circumstances, she approaches the dock with a smile, embodying pure joy connected to the sport. Many have observed her sheer happiness, and now, with a “sugar face and sugar paws,” she continues to inspire awe with her enduring spirit.
In September 2024, Reesie was officially declared retired from competitive dock diving at her last NADD (Colonial K9) event. Nevertheless, her owner looks forward to many more opportunities for her to enjoy her favorite activity: swimming. Reesie’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience, capability, and boundless joy that rescue dogs can bring into our lives.