Help Knox Carry South Africa to the World Stage šæš¦šŗ
- Duane Riley
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
At 5am, Knox wakes me up by putting his nose into my neck. He wants to go outside, he knows his morning run is imminent ā the same quiet routine we've done for years. No applause. No audience. Just the two of us and a dream that started long before anyone was paying attention.
In 2025, that dream became real. Knox was named South Africa's Top Show Dog ā across all breeds. A Siberian Husky from Africa, standing at the top.
Now he's been invited to represent South Africa at the World Dog Show and World Challenge of Top Dogs in Bologna, Italy, in June 2026. The most prestigious events in the international dog world.
For a South African dog to compete there is rare. For a Siberian Husky from this continent to do so is unheard of.
But dreams don't travel for free.
The Journey That Got Us Here
Last year, we traveled to Cape Town for the KUSA Nationals ā Knox's last show weekend of the season. On the first day, visa issues meant our overseas judge was replaced by a local judge, a personal friend. When Knox won Best of Breed and Group 1st, we had to do a lap of honour for Best in Show with our friend now judging. Everyone applauded, but I felt crushed. All that expense, all that distance, and it felt like the win would always carry an asterisk.
The next day changed everything.
Knox won Reserve Best in Show. Then Best in Show under judge Tim Thomas from Australia. And then the moment that secured it all: KUSA National Dog for 2025. South Africa's top show dog. No asterisks. Just Knox, doing what he was born to do.
That's the dog we're taking to Italy.
What It Takes to Get There
International pet transport, veterinary clearances, export permits, flights, accommodation, entry fees ā the reality is approximately R200 000:
- International pet transport & veterinary clearances: R130 000.- Flights & accommodation: R56 000.- Entry fees & permits: R14 000.
I've already invested four years, traveling to countless shows across the country, and spent hundreds of thousands to get us here. This final stretch is beyond what I can manage alone.
Why This Matters
Knox doesn't know about ribbons or trophies or even the magnitude of this trip to Italy. He doesn't know what a World Show is.
What he knows is the feel of the lead in my hand. The sound of my voice ringside. The joy of moving the way he was born to move ā tail high, eyes bright, doing the thing his body was built to do.
He's given me everything in that ring. This is my chance to give him the world.
How You Can Help
Every contribution gets us closer. Every share widens the circle. Help us show the world what South African dogs can do. Every R100 matters. Be part of Knox's journey.
Any funds raised beyond our goal will go towards supporting future South African handlers and dogs competing on the international stage.
Let's take South Africa to the world ā one husky stride at a time.
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