Slovenian Girl and Rescue Dog Win Bronze at World Agility Championship

An 11-year-old Slovenian schoolgirl, Nuša Matoh, and her adopted dog, Flash, have achieved a remarkable third place and a bronze medal in the jumping discipline at the World Youth Agility Championship held in Mannheim, Germany. The pair's success is a testament to their dedication and the strong bond they have developed.

“

I didn't expect a medal at all, but Flash and I were prepared to complete the competition and place.

Flash, a border collie mix, was adopted from an animal shelter when he was nine months old. Initially fearful and unaccustomed to human interaction, he has blossomed under Nuša's care and training. "When we brought him from the shelter, he was very scared, not used to human company. Now he is much better, he enjoys himself greatly with the whole family," Nuša explained. Despite his past, Flash has proven to be an exceptional agility partner, competing against purebred dogs like border collies and Australian shepherds.

“

When we brought him from the shelter, he was very scared, not used to human company. Now he is much better, he enjoys himself greatly with the whole family.

Nuša, who trains twice a week with Flash and also practices gymnastics, expressed surprise at their medal win. "I didn't expect a medal at all, but Flash and I were prepared to complete the competition and place," she said. They competed in both agility and jumping, securing the bronze in jumping for a flawless performance. In the agility discipline, they finished eighth.

“

Work with children and dogs is very dynamic and sensitive at the same time.

Their coach, Maša Konič, who also led the Slovenian team, praised Nuša's dedication and Flash's progress. Konič noted the sensitive nature of training young handlers and their canine partners, emphasizing the need for strong pedagogical skills. "Work with children and dogs is very dynamic and sensitive at the same time," Konič stated. This achievement not only celebrates Nuša and Flash but also shines a light on the potential of rescue animals and the inspiring achievements possible through hard work and a supportive partnership.

“

Flash immediately said: 'Come in.' We drank tea, and he told stories from his youth. It is precisely these meetings that are most memorable.