One of the things that makes NASDA unique is our commitment to making dog sports accessible to every team. One way we honor that commitment is through our accommodation program, which preserves the integrity of competition while providing appropriate support for the individual needs of dogs and handlers.

Although accommodations have been part of NASDA from the beginning, the Walter Award was created to celebrate a very special team that overcame extraordinary challenges to become a championship team: Kathy and Walter.

Walter was a little Dachshund who never saw himself as different—and because he didn’t, neither could we. Although he was mostly blind and lived with scoliosis and significant neurological challenges, Walter inspired all of us to meet every obstacle with confidence, determination, and, when necessary, an ankle bite.

Each year, the Walter Award, donated by the Clooney and Walter Canine Medical Assistance Fund, recognizes a team that inspires us every time they set paw on the field.

This year’s recipient earned more than 3,800 points, 38 QQs, and seven QQQs during the 2025 competition season—proving that different needs do not diminish a team’s ability to compete, succeed, and find tremendous joy in the game.

This dog’s mom competes with humor and grace, even when things do not go exactly according to plan. She also supports other teams—often in ways they may never know—working tirelessly to ensure that dogs and handlers with different needs have every opportunity to thrive, both within NASDA and in life.

Perhaps the most delightful part of presenting this award is that this year’s recipient has absolutely no idea it is coming. She is so kind and humble that she would likely want another team to receive the recognition.

Presented to Eryn and her Border Collie, Vixen

One of the most beautiful things about the NASDA community is the extraordinary love we share—not only for our dogs, but also for one another.

In a gesture that perfectly reflects the generosity, humility, and Spirit of NASDA for which Kathy and Stout are so deeply loved, Kathy asked that we also recognize another remarkable team whose achievements through NASDA’s accommodation program placed them close behind Kathy and Stout.

We have chosen to honor both teams.

It is with full—and heavy—hearts that we recognize Eryn and her Border Collie, Vixen, as an additional recipient of the Walter Award.

Vixen was deaf, and Eryn’s dedication to her knew no bounds. They came to the line with joy, determination, and a smile, showing us again and again that love and partnership can find a way through any challenge. Their experiences also helped shape the standardized language NASDA now uses for accommodations for dogs who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Together, Eryn and Vixen achieved so much. In 2025, Vixen was the No. 1 Border Collie in Urban Locating Master Champion. She earned an invitation to the Showcase as the No. 27 MULCH dog, was ranked No. 5 Border Collie in Lost Item Recovery Level III, and earned her MULCH in October 2025.

Tragically, we lost Eryn earlier this year in a terrible accident while she was trying to save her dogs during a hike. Our hearts may never fully recover from such a devastating loss.

We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Eryn and Vixen and the remarkable life and partnership they shared. Their achievements, perseverance, and devotion to one another embody everything the Walter Award was created to honor.