Mighty Joe Young -   C-ATCH, ChST, ChCL,ChSN, PD1, PG1, PJ1, PK1, OAC, NJC, TN-N 

 

It was 2001 and Bonnie and Tim Kelleher were looking for a Dalmatian to adopt when they came upon the Out of the Pits’ booth at a NY Capital District horse show. “I didn’t know a thing about Pit Bulls” Bonnie remembers.  “But I heard someone remark that the organization was expecting the arrival of a homeless puppy from New Jersey in the next few days. His name was “Mighty Joe Young.   Now who could say “no” to a puppy with a name like that?” 

 

It started as he was growing into adolescence.  Although sleek and beautiful, the little black dog Bonnie was now calling “Joey” began to display some insecurities. To increase his confidence out in the world, Bonnie was advised to enroll the young dog in agility classes.  It was here that Joey began to come into his own.  By the time he reached 1 ½ years of age, his confidence was growing, his performances becoming steadier and he was beginning to display a lot of talent on the agility field. It was at this point that Bonnie was advised to introduce her beautiful black dog to the world of agility competition.

 

It wasn’t long before Joey began to establish his presence out there. Sometime he was the lone pit bull in a world  of border collies, Australian shepherds and other dazzling agility performers.  But the once-shy Pit Bull was developing a happier attitude and people were beginning to notice the beautiful black dog who worked with such pizzazz.  As time went on Joey began to bring home more and more ribbons. His accomplishments mounted until one day he made history as the first pit bull ever to be awarded the C-ATCH (Canine Performance Event Agility Titled Champion) title.

 

Since that time Joey has been piling on the titles and even though - at the age of seven - he’s becoming a bit of an “old pro” he still sparkles with happiness when he performs.

“I go out there and really have fun with him now,” Bonnie says. “I can’t believe he’s come so far.

 

“Mighty Joe Young” has certainly lived up to the name given to that insecure, scared puppy so many years ago.  And we at Out of the Pits are mighty proud and mighty grateful for the good will our beautiful Joey creates for Pit Bulls everywhere each time he enters the agility field.