Today, the AKC Secretary’s Page confirmed that professional handler Carissa Shimpeno remains suspended from all AKC privileges following her AKC Trial Board hearing.
Although the AKC has not released the Trial Board’s written decision or explained the terms of the suspension, her continued suspension indicates that the Board found merit in some or all of the charges arising from the negligent death of Reign on August 10, 2025.
Because no suspension length has been published, we believe the appeal period remains open. Based on what we witnessed during the Trial Board proceedings and the events that have unfolded since Reign’s preventable death, we expect the process is not yet over.
That is difficult to accept.
Nearly a year has passed since Reign died. In that time, we have relived the events of August 10 over and over again while waiting for answers, responsibility, and accountability. Every delay has extended the grief. Every unanswered question has made healing feel just out of reach.
Today’s news is meaningful. It suggests that the Trial Board did not dismiss what happened to Reign. For that, we are encouraged.
But encouragement is not closure.
Closure comes when responsibility is fully acknowledged. It comes when accountability is complete—not delayed by appeals, uncertainty, or procedural timelines. Until then, the loss of Reign remains an open wound for everyone who loved her and for those who believe dogs entrusted to professional handlers deserve the highest standard of care.
Reign’s life mattered. Her death mattered. We will continue to follow this process, not out of anger, but out of a commitment to see it through. We owe that to Reign, and we owe it to every owner who places their trust in those responsible for their beloved dogs.
We remain hopeful that one day this long journey will end—not simply with a decision, but with genuine accountability and meaningful change.
