Dog>Gone began in May of 2001 when Nancy started teaching her first flyball class at the old SOTC building.  With a single-holed box and some old jumps, Nancy worked to field our first team.   After nine months of training and practice, Dog>Gone Express  went to its first tournament in Tampa with five green dogs and Osko, the only experienced racer.  Much of that first tournament is a blur but the records show that Dog>Gone Express placed fourth in Division 2 on both days.  Dog>Gone was thrilled to be racing whether they earned five points or one – and that’s pretty much what they earned in those early tournaments.  Gradually we added one competition box at a time, regulation jumps and small dividers.  Over the years we have been fortunate to have team members and family work to provide the equipment we now have!

We’ve come a long way since those early days and now have multiple teams consistently running less than 24 seconds and earning 25 points while running in both NAFA and UFLI sanctioned tournaments.   Newcomers who want to have fun with their dogs and are team players are always welcome.  While experienced racers are the heart and soul of the team, green dogs are its lifeblood!

From the start Dog>Gone's team philosophy has been to run clean, stay healthy and have fun!  We believe that any dog can become part of a flyball team if his or her handler is committed to doing so.  We encourage all breeds and mixes to try the sport and actively recruit rescue dogs! Although we have top ranked dogs in several breeds, our emphasis is on putting together teams than run consistently under 24 seconds.  We celebrate all of our team dogs and their successes whether they have one title or dozens!

Over the years Dog>Gone has taught flyball to hundreds of handlers and dogs, and Nancy’s mentoring and guidance have given the Sarasota/Bradenton area five flyball teams.

Dog>Gone Flyball is proud to be the first flyball team in the Sarasota/Bradenton area!  Our experience and longevity are evidenced by almost nine years of competing in flyball and we look forward to many more years of exciting racing!

A NAFA IRON DOG is a dog that has earned at least one NAFA point in ten consecutive racing years.

Go Shadow, you’re our hero!

Shadow Earns

NAFA Iron Dog Award