Hartselle teen, K9 to compete at junior Agility World Championships
By Linda Gordon
linda.gordon@hartselleenquirer.com
This summer, a young dog agility competitor from Hartselle will be living her dream as she represents the United States at the Junior Open Agility World Championships (JOAWC) in Estandio de Abrantes, Portugal. Alexis Brammer, a ninth grader at Athens City Schools Ren V, will travel with her co-owned dog, Zen, to compete in the international event from July 10-13.
Brammer, who began training for agility competitions three years ago, met the perfect mentor in Sterling Wanninger, a skilled handler who competed in the competition in 2022. Inspired by Wanninger’s success, she set a goal to compete in the same championship. Now, Brammer and Zen—her Australian Shepherd—are set to compete together in July, marking the realization of a dream they’ve both worked tirelessly toward.
Officially recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the competition attracts young handlers from around the globe. The event will feature multiple categories based on the size of the dogs and the age of the handler, with Brammer and Zen competing in the U19 category.
In addition to training, Brammer works at her family’s business, Brammer Farms, in Hartselle, where they offer pet boarding, daycare, grooming and training services. She helps care for the dogs on the farm, and despite her busy schedule, she manages to maintain a 3.3 GPA at her non-traditional public school, which allows her the flexibility to train and travel for competitions.
“I’m able to do all the things I love because my school schedule is flexible,” Brammer said. “It’s a great balance. I can train with Zen, help out on the farm and even work part-time, all while keeping up with my schoolwork.”
Brammer and Zen train under the guidance of Gloria Krueger in New Market, honing their skills to prepare for the big event. The pair are members of the Decatur Alabama Kennel Club, and Brammer is also raising funds to cover travel and competition costs for the trip to Portugal.
The JOAWC is a major milestone for Brammer, and the event will see 24 junior handlers from across the U.S. competing with their 29 K-9 companions. This year, the AKC Junior Agility Team USA includes handlers in the U12, U15, and U19 categories, all striving for excellence in a two-round competition that tests their dogs’ speed, accuracy and teamwork.
“I’m excited to see all the other talented handlers and their dogs,” Brammer said. “It will be an honor to represent the U.S. and show what we’ve worked so hard for.”
Although she’s focused on achieving her goals in agility, Brammer isn’t yet sure what career path she wants to follow—but she knows animals will be a part of her future. “I love dogs and agility, so whatever I do, I’m pretty sure it will involve animals,” she said with a smile.
As she prepares to compete on the world stage, Brammer said she is ready to showcase the incredible bond she shares with Zen.
To support Alexis’s trip and her goal of competing in Portugal, donations can be made to her fundraising campaign on Venmo @LexieZenJOAWC25.
