A DISABLED woman and her canine chum are set to inspire others when they take part in a national dog agility competition.
Terry Craggs, from Ferndown, is teaming up with her border collie Mist to represent Great Britain at the Par Agility World Championships.
The upcoming event, which is being held in the Netherlands, will see handlers direct their dogs through obstacle courses, competing for both time and accuracy.
Terry suffers from rheumatoid arthritis which affects her mobility, and can pose difficulties in dog handling.
She said: “Competing with non-disabled individuals proved challenging for me, as running the entire course with Mist was physically demanding. But distance handling opened up new possibilities.
“This technique relies on precise body language and subtle gestures to guide your dog through the course. It's mentally stimulating and often compared to the strategic nature of Sheep Dog Trials."
Terry's involvement in dog agility began with three-day training course in Shropshire.
The course was led by experienced national and international competitors, and after recognising Terry’s potential, one of the leaders encouraged her to take part in the national competition.
Terry said: "Mist and I have developed a unique partnership built on trust. While she tackles parts of the course independently, I will move ahead to provide further instructions.
"Para-agility demands strategic thinking, envisioning each step-in advance. It can be exhausting, but the thrill of competing again after the prolonged lockdowns is invigorating.
"I am eager to showcase what Mist and I are capable of."
Last year Terry and Mist secured a remarkable fifth place at a dog agility competition in Italy.
Overwhelming support from teammates fueled Terry's determination to challenge herself further.
She said: "In my sport, it's not about winning; it's about proving that disabled athletes can excel on the global stage.
“I fondly recall an inspiring moment when I exchanged jerseys with a member of the Spanish team.
“Despite the language barrier, the warmth and sportsmanship we shared spoke volumes about acceptance and unity."
Terry is now fundraising to cover the costs associated with taking part in this prestigious event.
To support Terry and Mist in their journey visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/teresa-craggs?utm_term=M77GJNpn7
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