05/01/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18oQDYjyGL/
Our first Veteran Spotlight, presented by Pro Plan AdvantEDGE Senior Support +, is the incredible GCHP2 CH LK MICHIGAN IM YOURS, "JJ"- 2x Best of Breed winner at USASA Nationals!
We asked JJ's owner, Marcie Boomsliter, to tell us a little bit about JJ and his career and his incredible 2026 win:
JJ’s show career has always been defined by heart and resilience that seemed to grow stronger with age. Though he did not begin his serious career until he was 4½ years old, he quickly rewrote expectations for an Australian Shepherd male in the conformation ring. Under the expert guidance of professional handler Megan Hof, JJ achieved a series of historic wins that ultimately made him the most winning Australian Shepherd male in breed history. He went on to become the first and only Platinum 2 Grand Champion Australian Shepherd—a milestone that stands as a testament to his remarkable presence in the ring.
At the 2026 United States Australian Shepherd Association National Specialty, JJ returned to the ring as a veteran, stepping into classes reserved for dogs whose careers have already left a mark. Megan handled him in the nonregular classes, where he had a remarkable week earning Veteran Sweeps Best of Opposite S*x, Number One in the Stud Dog class, and Best Veteran Male under ten. These achievements alone would have made the trip unforgettable, but fate still had more in store.
The night before Best of Breed, JJ’s newest litter of puppies arrived at home—seven hours away. As breeders, our instinct was to leave the show grounds immediately and return home. Megan explained, JJ had earned his place in the Best of Breed ring by winning Veterans, and I should stay to show him, since she wouldn’t be available to handle him that day. Reluctantly, we prepared ourselves the next morning to step into the ring, fully expecting to head home the minute JJ’s part was completed.
As a Veteran Dog Special, JJ’s group was the last to be examined, which meant waiting until almost 100 Specials had been seen. After Judge Patricia Trotter completed her initial assessment, she dismissed our group with the words, “Do not leave. I am not done with you yet.” Thirty minutes later, she called us back. When we entered the ring, she directed JJ to the far left corner. I followed her instruction then realized the rest of our group had not lined up behind us. Instead, other dogs were taking their places behind us.
Then came the moment that will stay with me forever. Judge Trotter pointed to JJ, looked directly at us, and declared, “Best of Breed!”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak. I turned to the others beside me and said, “We were supposed to go home to newborn puppies!” In the photo taken just afterward, you can see my shock written across my face, while JJ seems to smile as if to say, “This one is for you, Mom.”
It was a dream made real—JJ’s second, and now final, National Specialty Best of Breed win. The first came in 2021 with Megan at his side. The second, in 2026, came at nearly ten years old, with me—his owner, breeder, and handler—taking him around the ring one more time. A full-circle moment, and the perfect closing chapter to a legendary career.
Pro Plan is proud to fuel champions like JJ!
