Lori Sage became interested in agility in 1999 and in her early years in the sport learned alongside her Pomeranian, Buddy. In 2000 she brought a Shetland Sheepdog, Mikaela, into her home. Together, they would go on to discover a deep passion for the sport.
Lori and Mikaela had a long and productive agility career that included six agility championships and multiple Nationals appearances. In the ensuing years, Lori has trained and qualified other dogs for the AKC National Championships, again reaching the final round in 2013, this time with another Sheltie, MACH2 PACH Blister. They finished in third place that year, capping off a fun and entertaining career together.
Over the years with her various dogs—six shelties, two chihuahuas, a Chinese crested and a German Shepherd—Lori has since garnered 12 Agility Championships and qualified for 16 trips to Nationals (making it to the Finals three times with two different dogs). Plus, a coveted Invitational showing in 2018 with her Chihuahua, Cameron.
In 2008, Lori attended the AKC Agility Judges’ Seminar. Now, when she isn’t running trials via K-9 Sports trial service or competing with her own dogs, Lori travels all over the country to judge AKC trials. Highlights of her judging career include the honor of judging the inaugural 2014 Westminster Master Agility Championship, and then a second appearance there in 2021. Also judging the 2016 AKC Agility Invitational, and then the 2025 AKC Nationals Agility Championships.