On Facebook, the Swede Annika Af Klercker announced that she is taking Storma out of active Agility sport. The reason for this is a form of degenerative change in the vertebral bodies. Short form spondylosis. The shocking diagnosis also explains the pain that has been recurring for a long time, which, although weakened for a while with a lot of treatment, then reappeared again and again. The eight-year-old Border Collie bitch and Annika Af Klercker ran for Sweden at the 2017 World Championships, various European Open, Nordic Championship and other international events. A very special highlight followed at the World Championship 2018 in their own country. Although the team did not qualify for the national team, they were given the honor of running as a white dog. The two had their last big appearance on the international stage at the Gold Rush Competition in Wülfrath, Germany. At that time, the two were part of the Large winning team in the team competition. In a touching comment, it is obviously difficult for her to find the right words for the early retirement. Nevertheless, she looks positively into the future with a hopefully pain-free life for Storma and many more active and happy years. We agree and wish her all the best!
Statement Annika Af Klercker
Almost one year ago we were standing on top of the podium at Gold Rush. Our team had just won the thrilling final and I was crying like a baby. Maybe because I deep inside had a feeling of that this might be our last big competition… How do you even get your thoughts together and sum up a career? How do you describe your gratefulness for everything you have experienced with your dog? How do you even get close to the feeling of what we two could do together? Storma has got spondylosis.I am still in some kind of shock and I guess I am trying to handle the sorrow with the gratefulness for everything we got. Everything we fighted like crazy for.Storma. With you everything was possible! And even if I sometimes was terrified of the challenges we were facing, we walked through everything together. The connection between the two of us has always been something extra. It’s like you always could see into my soul and you helped me carry my sorrows in your heart.It has benen magical to experience this agility journey with you. But at the same time it has constantly been such a battle. We have been fighting in every possible way just to make it possible for you to be standing at the starting line at all! And maybe since the battle has been so hard, we have also enjoyed every second so much. You have fulfilled dreams I never even dared to dream. We have represented Sweden at AWC, EO, Nordics. We have won medals and we have run thrilling finals. With you I have been standing at the starting line when it matters the most and when the courses has been the hardest. And I have known that together we can do it! And the agility with you is maybe something you only get to experience once. To be one. How you follow my thoughts. Storma. Without you I am nothing!The vet told me that it probably is because of our constant prehab and fitness that you at all have been able to do this for a long time. Your strong core and great jumping technique has made it possible. Now it’s time for a new era. My goals is that you will be pain free and have as much fun as possible. You are still in the shape of your life, more childish and naughty than ever and you are ready for new challenges.
Gold Rush Competition 2024
ProsecCup 2024
