Katie is a Labrador Retriever rescued in Chalmette, St Bernard Parish, New Orleans, La. Katie was approximately five months old when she came to live with Deborah.

When Katie was brought home, it quickly became evident that she had had a rough puppyhood. Surviving Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on her own before she was four months old must have left a lasting impression on her.

Deborah quickly decided that Katie needed socialization opportunities, and a challenging activity to expend her pent-up energy on.

Deborah saw an announcement for a flyball event at a local venue, and decided that she needed to find out about flyball. Katie loved to retrieve a ball, and flyball appeared to be a fun and exciting activity that would also help Katie to socialize and to learn to manage new experiences.

It has been an exciting road, rough at times, but over-all very rewarding, as Katie has matured from a fearful, reactive puppy into a generally confident, reliable flyballer and loving companion.