‘Paige’s’ Remarkable Agility Journey – American Kennel Club
When Flora Steffan first heard the story of how “Paige” entered the world, she could never have imagined where it would lead. The All-American Dog, who recently turned 13 years old, began life under heartbreaking circumstances. At just a few weeks old, Paige and her littermates were discovered inside a bag that had been thrown into Oregon’s John Day River. Fortunately, nearby anglers noticed something unusual before it was too late. They rescued the puppies and rushed them to veterinary care. Paige was severely ill, suffering from multiple parasites and other health challenges.
Today, that same dog has become one of the most accomplished rescue dogs in AKC Agility history. Paige was set to be the oldest dog to compete in the upcoming Agility Premier Cup before owner/handler Steffan pulled her from the event. However, in May, Paige earned her third Agility Grand Championship, becoming the first rescue dog to achieve the milestone. The accomplishment adds to an already impressive résumé that includes 14 MACH titles and more than six years of success in AKC Agility competitions.
For Steffan, however, the titles tell only part of the story.
A Dog With Unlimited Potential
Steffan has spent decades working with dogs through rescue and training. She founded her rescue organization more than 30 years ago and has trained dogs for decades. When Paige came into her life, she immediately stood out. “She was amazing right from the get-go,” Steffan says.
Though Paige arrived as a tiny, sick puppy, she quickly demonstrated extraordinary intelligence. Steffan recalls teaching her basic behaviors and tricks and being astonished by how quickly she learned. Whether it was bowing, waving, or responding to directional cues, Paige seemed to understand new concepts almost immediately. “I was just blown away by her intelligence,” says Steffan.
At the time, Steffan was interested in learning more about agility. A friend had introduced her to the sport, and she hoped to one day compete. Paige appeared to have all the qualities she was looking for in a potential agility partner.
Still, life had other plans.
Between her work, running a rescue, and caring for her disabled sister, Steffan had little timefor weekend competitions and classes. Although she continued training Paige and building a strong foundation through hiking and everyday activities, the pair didn’t step into an AKC agility ring until Paige was about 6 years old.
Everything Paige has accomplished in agility has happened since then.
Success at Every Age
Conventional wisdom might suggest that a dog entering her senior years would begin slowing down. Paige had other ideas. “I think actually Paige is faster than ever,” Steffan says.
Part of that success comes from experience. Over the years, Steffan believes she has become a better handler, while Paige has continued to refine the skills that made her successful from the beginning.
Paige’s consistency has become one of her defining characteristics.
“If she does not qualify, it’s because I did something stupid,” Steffan says with a laugh. “That dog is just the most steady Eddy.”
The partnership extends beyond agility. Steffan has frequently used Paige to help demonstrate training concepts for 4-H participants because of her reliability and willingness to work with different people. Even when Steffan introduced her to herding, instructors were impressed by Paige’s responsiveness and understanding of directional cues.
“She’s a pleaser,” says Steffan. “She has such an amazing work ethic.”
Finding Treasure in Unexpected Places
As remarkable as Paige’s competitive accomplishments are, Steffan hopes her story also highlights something larger: the potential found in rescue dogs.
Too often, she says, people assume rescue dogs come with insurmountable challenges or limitations. Her experience has shown otherwise. “Sometimes they’re just a buried treasure,” she says.
With Paige, much of her background remains a mystery. Steffan doesn’t know her parentage or breed mix. What she did know was that the puppy in front of her was eager to learn, work, and connect.
That uncertainty, she believes, is part of what makes rescue dogs special. For Steffan, rescue dogs often represent possibilities waiting to be discovered rather than problems waiting to be solved.
The Lesson Paige Taught Her
Despite the championships, titles, and records, the most important lesson Paige has taught Steffan has nothing to do with winning. At one point in their agility journey, Steffan realized she had become too focused on performance. The pressure she placed on herself was affecting their teamwork in the ring. Her partner was the first person to point it out.
“He said, ‘You’ve taken away all of the fun and all the joy,’” Steffan recalls. “‘Paige has forgotten how to have fun with you, and you have forgotten to have fun with your dog.’”
The observation changed everything.
Once Steffan returned her focus to enjoying the experience with Paige, their partnership flourished again. Today, that’s the advice she shares with other competitors.
“Go have fun with your dog,” she says. “Don’t take it so seriously that you steal your joy.”
It’s a perspective that feels especially meaningful after more than a decade together. As Paige continues adding to an already historic career, Steffan remains grateful for every run.
After all, the tiny puppy who nearly didn’t get a chance at life has already exceeded every expectation. And in doing so, she has become exactly what Steffan believes many rescue dogs can be: a treasure waiting to be discovered.