Dazzle aka 2MS Somewhere Over the Rainbow, MF, T2B, MX, MXJ, MFB, MXS, PAD, PAJ

I brought you into this World and was lucky enough to help you let go at the end. My life will NEVER be the same without you, My Dazzle.

Dazzle lived only six years, but she transformed every part of Melinda’s life. She was Melinda’s first home-bred keeper, the dog who began her Handling360 journey, and the partner who reshaped her entire philosophy of training. Fearless, brilliant, and endlessly joyful, Dazzle learned to weave twelve poles in two days, climbed an A-frame at eight weeks old, and approached every challenge with curiosity and courage.

A natural athlete and a true speed demon, she ran 6.8–7 yps with ease, often matching the fastest dogs in the sport. She qualified for AKC Agility Nationals year after year, ranked consistently in the Top 20 Aussies, and finished 2022 as the #3 Australian Shepherd in the Bad Dog Agility Power10. Even after time off for COVID and raising two litters, she returned to the ring with the same fire, heart, and determination that defined her from the start.

But Dazzle’s greatest legacy wasn’t her accomplishments—it was the way she changed her person. She taught Melinda to be more patient, more creative, more open-minded, and more willing to believe in possibility. She helped countless M Squared students learn to handle speed and build confidence. She never quit, even when the footing was bad, even when she was hurting, even when no one knew she was sick.

Dazzle was Melinda’s shadow, her teacher, her once-in-a-lifetime dog. Her lessons of joy, bravery, and never giving up live on in every dog she trained, every student she inspired, and every moment Melinda carries her forward.