The Miles the Mutt Merit Award

The MMM Award was created to recognize rescue dogs competing at the AKC National Agility Competition. MMM is short for "Miles, Mutt, Merit," named after an inspirational rescue mutt who captured hearts worldwide after being featured in The New York Times. The annual MMM Award showcases the resilience of rescue dogs and raises funds for shelters and rescue organizations that help these rescues find their fur-ever homes.

The Dog
Behind the Name

Miles was once considered "unadoptable." After being captured as a stray on the streets of Kentucky, he was brought to a shelter in Pennsylvania, only to be to adopted and returned multiple times. Then Christine Longnecker visited that Pennsylvania shelter and heard him say, clear as day, that he "just wanted to be a good boy." Not only did that connection launch Christine on the path to becoming an animal communicator, but it also saved Miles' life and started his incredible journey to champion rescue dogs. A DNA test revealed he is a cattle dog, lab, hound, and border collie mix, but what is certain is that he is 100% a good boy. You can read more about his versatility in horse training, dog sports, and the business world in The New York Times.

The MMM Award
at NAC 2025

The inaugural MMM Award was presented at the AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) in Tulsa, OK on Saturday, March 15th. The All American Dog with the highest cumulative score after all three Nationals rounds at each of the 5 regular jump heights receive the MMM Award ribbon and a $100 donation to the dog rescue organization/shelter of their choice. Congratulations to:

8" - Kaydi Grunhovd & Newman

12" - Cynthia Hornor & Nimble

16" - Leslie Wilk & Champion

20" - Sue Vold & Wushu

24" - Diane Gorman & Athena

The Future of
the MMM Award

The MMM Award was created to raise awareness about the merits of rescuing a dog. It takes a village to save just one dog's life, which is why the MMM Award committee secured donations for shelters/rescue organizations in the inaugural year of the program. After the success of 2025, the AKC has officially integrated the MMM Award into the yearly National competition, and in 2026 the award will expand to included all regular and preferred height divisions.

The future is limitless for rescue dogs and the humans who support them, and we hope to continue the growth of the MMM Award through both your generous donations and any other official organizations who would like to incorporate it into their dog sports. From agility to lure coursing and all the dog sports in between, you can find rescue dogs everywhere, and we want to celebrate them wherever they are.