Meet the Atlas Pro Team: Rachel & Canyon

Five teams. Five different stories. One shared love for dogs, sport, and the community that brings it all together.

We’re introducing our new Atlas Pro Team one team at a time, starting with Rachel and Canyon. They’re a pair whose story is about recognizing potential and giving a high-drive dog somewhere to put it.

Meet Rachel

Based in Verona, Illinois, Rachel specializes in rescuing dogs, helping them find their footing, and placing them in homes. Through @diamondsportdogs, she shares their stories and shows people what can happen when a dog gets the right opportunity.

Her approach is straightforward: see the individual dog, find their strengths, and give them a chance to use them. That same enthusiasm carries into competition, where she loves cheering on other teams as much as working with her own dogs.

Meet Canyon

Canyon’s story could have ended before it really began. Rachel found him on Joliet Animal Control’s urgent list, facing euthanasia that day. Described as “too much,” he was a high-energy dog who needed an outlet.

Rachel stepped in, discovered his potential, and ended up with a rare foster fail.

The dock turned out to be a natural fit. Rachel says Canyon launched on his first try like he’d been doing it his whole life. According to her account, he went on to win Iron Dog at his first dock event.

But his personality is just as memorable as his performance. Canyon lives for his toys, loves dock diving and disc, and approaches whatever is in front of him with an all-in attitude. His signature move?

“He loves to give jazz hands when he jumps!”

A Second Chance With Purpose

For Rachel, Canyon’s jumps represent something bigger than distance.

“When Canyon jumps he jumps for all the dogs who are still stuck in the shelter system today.”

Their story is a reminder that “too much” can look different when a dog has a purpose, and someone willing to help them find it.

We’re proud to welcome Rachel and Canyon to the Atlas Pro Team. Follow their training, competition days, and unmistakable jazz hands at @diamondsportdogs.