Story Tools • • Date of Issue: March 17, 2005 Twisster shines in national spotlight By Paul Roat Islander Reporter Prize winner Twisster, a male Shetland sheepdog, took 10th place in the American Kennel Club's National Agility Championship in Tampa last weekend, among other ribbons earned on his way to the top. Islander Photo: Courtesy Brenda Twiss Twisster, the 4-year-old Shetland sheepdog, did very well at his first national agility championship in Tampa last weekend. According to owner Brenda Twiss of Anna Maria, Twisster took the 10th-place spot in his division at the American Kennel Club's National Agility Championship. By the numbers, it was much more impressive than it would appear. There were 750 dogs entered from 44 states, Twiss said, representing 91 breeds. The dogs were broken down into five divisions, of which Twisster was in the largest with more than 200 competitors. There were 165 Shetland sheepdogs competing, more than any other breed of the 91 represented from 44 states. Twisster's division was winnowed to 60 to compete in the finals, and he then took the 10th place spot. "In my opinion, we were the underdog," Twiss said. And will Twisster make an appearance at next year's show? "We do it for fun," Twiss said, "We may go again, but right now I just don't know."