Jeff Keller and Dessa Earn AFC Title After a Remarkable Field Trial Journey
- Todd Agnew
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Jeff Keller and Dessa’s journey to an AFC title is a story of patience, setbacks, growth, and hard-earned success in spaniel field trials.
It has been quite a field trial journey for Jeff Keller and his dog, Dessa.
Dessa is Jeff’s first field trial dog, and she is also a dog he enjoys hunting over, which makes her story even more special. Her development followed much of the same path as the other dogs we train here at Craney Hill Kennel. But once she began competing in field trials, Dessa discovered she could be a little naughty. The excitement of trialing brought out a different side of her, and she became more difficult to manage in that environment.
Todd continued working through those challenges, but when Jeff began handling her himself, things became even tougher. Jeff was new to the game and still learning the ins and outs of both handling and our training program. Like many first-time handlers, he was learning in real time, and Dessa was right there teaching her own lessons along the way.
At that point, we made the decision that Dessa needed a break — not just from field trials, but also from kennel life. Todd told Jeff to take her home, let her be a house dog, keep taking her hunting, and continue working on the drills he had learned. The goal was simple: give her time, keep the foundation in place, and let her mature.
Not long after, Jeff moved from Florida to Colorado. We connected him with some wonderful people in the area so he could plug into a training group and meet more spaniel folks. He began taking Dessa out more often, giving her opportunities to stay involved without too much pressure. Over time, Jeff started to feel like she might be ready to return to competition, and after talking it over with Todd, he made the decision to enter her again.
That decision paid off.
In October 2025, Jeff ran Dessa in the Rocky Mountain Field Trial, where they earned second place. It was an exciting and emotional moment for both of them — a breakthrough after a long road. After that success, Todd told Jeff to put her away again and resist the temptation to overdo it, even though Jeff also had his sights set on the Amateur National.
Jeff and Dessa did go on to run the Amateur National — and they finished. Another huge accomplishment, and another proud moment in their field trial journey together.
Once again, Dessa returned to enjoying home life until the spring trial season. In between competitions, Jeff stayed consistent. He continued working with her at home, doing drills and joining training days with the Colorado group. That steady work, patience, and trust in the process began to show in a big way.
This spring, Jeff entered Dessa in the Rocky Mountain Field Trial in Colorado, and she took first place. The very next weekend, he entered her in the Northern Colorado Field Trial, where she took first place again, along with the Handler’s Award.
With those accomplishments, Dessa is now AFC Craney Hill Wandering Darlin Odessa, owner/handler Jeff Keller.
We could not be more excited or proud of Jeff for this tremendous accomplishment. He has now earned an AFC title on both Dessa and Frasier, and at the moment, he has Dessa qualified for this year’s National if he chooses to run. Now he just needs to get Frasier qualified.
Jeff has put in the time. He has made the trips, flown across the country to train with us, and stayed committed not only with Dessa, but also with Frasier and Fletch. This achievement is a true reflection of his dedication, perseverance, and willingness to trust the process.
In Jeff’s own words:
“Wow, I can’t believe Dessa Do is now titled!”
“It has been a long journey with that little dog. Over 10 Amateur trials with her, across multiple years, before I got my first placement with her last year. Now two wins in a row and AFC!!”
“Sometimes it takes awhile for things to come together and Dessa and I are proof of that. There are no easy fixes. Trust your trainer, and the methods and drills they teach you. Craney Hill Kennel, I couldn’t have done this without your help and guidance!”
Jeff and Dessa’s story is a reminder that success does not always happen quickly. Sometimes it takes time, patience, consistency, and a whole lot of trust. But when it all comes together, it is incredibly rewarding to watch.
Congratulations, Jeff and Dessa!!
What a well-earned title, and what an exciting journey still ahead.
