Two beloved dogs from Grand Junction are packing their toys and heading to California this weekend, carrying the pride of the entire Western Slope on their wet paws. Trooper, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever, and Kepler, a 6-year-old Mini American Shepherd, have qualified for the prestigious 2024 North America Diving Dogs / AKC West Coast Premier Cup at Galway Downs in Temecula.

This marks the first time Western Colorado dogs have earned spots in this invitation-only championship, and locals are already buzzing with excitement.

The weekend event, running Friday through Sunday, will crown the top distance jumpers in the country and will be televised later on ESPN.

Meet the Local Stars Taking the Plunge

Trooper and Kepler are not just good boys, they are elite athletes in a sport that combines speed, power, and pure joy.

Jeannie Redmon adopted Trooper six years ago planning to make him a hunting dog. Life had other plans.

“I saw dock diving on YouTube one day and thought, that looks like the most fun thing ever,” Redmon told KJCT. One practice session later, both dog and owner were hooked.

Kepler’s journey started three years ago when owner Tayllor Pittman needed an outlet for her high-energy Mini American Shepherd.

“I tried it once and he was obsessed,” Pittman said. “Now it’s all he wants to do.”

Both dogs train year-round, swimming in local pools, traveling to Salt Lake City for coaching, following special diets, and sticking to workout routines that would shame most humans.

How Dock Diving Works and Why It’s Exploding in Popularity

Dock diving is simple in concept but breathtaking to watch.

Dogs charge down a 40-foot dock, launch themselves into the air after a toy, and judges measure the jump from the end of the dock to where the base of the tail hits the water.

The current world record stands at 31 feet, 2 inches, set by a Whippet named Sounders in 2022.

Competitions include distance jumping, air retrieve (grabbing a bumper hanging high above the pool), and hydro dash (racing to grab a toy at the end of the pool).

The sport has grown massively in the West. Colorado alone now has multiple venues hosting events from spring through fall, with Grand Junction’s own High Rise Dock Dogs club leading the charge on the Western Slope.

First-Time Premier Cup Jitters and Big Dreams

While both dogs are seasoned competitors with multiple titles, the Premier Cup is the big stage.

Only the top-ranked dogs in each division receive invitations.

“It’s like the Super Bowl of dock diving,” Redmon said, laughing. “We’re nervous, but mostly just excited to represent our little corner of Colorado.”

Pittman says Kepler has been practicing his “big air” launch all summer and recently hit personal bests over 23 feet.

Trooper, known for his consistent style and perfect form, regularly clears 25 feet and has his eyes on the 27-foot mark this weekend.

Fans back home are already planning watch parties for when the ESPN broadcast airs.

Western Colorado Pride Runs Deep

From ranch dogs to city pups, Western Colorado has quietly built a strong dock diving community over the past decade.

Local handlers regularly travel to events in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Arizona, bringing home ribbons and proving that altitude training produces some of the country’s most explosive jumpers.

Having two dogs from the same area qualify for the Premier Cup is a huge moment.

“It puts Grand Junction on the map in the dog sport world,” said one local trainer who asked not to be named because she’ll be screaming too loud at the livestream this weekend.

Redmon and Pittman hope their success inspires more Western Slope families to try the sport.

Multiple clubs now offer “Try It” days where any dog (and owner) can come jump for fun, no experience needed.

The joy on the dogs’ faces as they fly through the air is contagious.

This weekend, Trooper and Kepler will carry that joy, and all of Western Colorado’s hopes, into the pool at Galway Downs.

Win or lose, they’ve already made every splash count.

What do you think, can our local boys bring home the national title? Drop your predictions in the comments and cheer them on with #WesternColoradoDockDogs if you’re sharing on social media!