Welcome! This page and those that follow after it contain a variety of fun filled and informative bits of material that just did not seem to "fit" elsewhere... Including a short story, some tasty treat recipes, photos and several links to other "dog savy" sites on the web...
Enjoy... Sam Riesco
The Year in Review
Lynn:
2011 was an action packed season- and I hope 2012 will be too! I am pleased to say that many of my students, both two and four legged made considerable progress throughout the year- in particular members of the “Drive” class made up primarily of herding breeds such as Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Keeshond along with some terriers and other breeds known for their high prey drive and intelligence. As a student in this class myself, I had the privilege of being able to handle and train a young Border Collie, Ebony, owned by Ed and Bonnie Davies,who found participating themselves a challenge but did not want their beautiful girl missing out on all the fun! Everyone worked very hard and at the end of the year that work paid off big time!
Future plans include working to improve class availability and scheduling- thereby increasing the number of students and Club members attending class- and expanding on Club activities and training seminars. I am also looking forward to becoming actively involved in competitive Agility again this season and hope to attend as many events as possible with Ben in tow!
Andrea:
2011 was a very busy year for both myself and my students. Many hours were spent teaching and proofing the basic skills which every good dog should possess, in addition to becoming part of many new experiences -including introductions to the world of Agility, Sheepherding and Therapy work.
Sadly, both Princess and Ponto passed away in May of 2011. Both were wonderful teachers and companions and they will be greatly missed. But another 'royal' has entered my life since then... Tess- short for 'Countessa' is an exuberant young dog of undetermined ancestry who loves to play with and greet everyone she meets. She is currently taking lessons in Agility, Obedience and Sheepherding where her boundless enthusiasm for life, learning and physical activity can be put to good use!
This year I am looking forward to re-entering the world of competitive agility- this time with a new dog! And gaining further experience in Sheepherding and other areas. Finally, I hope to continue to expand and improve upon the FOF progam curriculum and client base.
Tess "helping" Sam and I with the paperwork
Sam:
This past year has been pretty busy! For the most part I have either been at school, work or spending time with friends and family. In the spring of 2011, I was studying at Capilano University in Sechelt. During the summer I worked part time at the Gibsons Cinema –lots of fun (and free popcorn!), hung with friends and of course helped Lynn and Andrea with classes, paperwork, website etc… During the fall and winter I continued my studies at Cap U- this time on the North Van campus. This being my first time “flying solo” for an extended period off-Coast it was a fabulous experience. I gained a heap of independence, thoroughly enjoyed my courses (I had some awesome instructors) and made a few new friends. This year I will be returning to Cap U in North Van, studying Sociology and Geography- making a few trips home to ensure Mr.T is maintaining his skills and health! Somebody has been spoiling him rotten!
As this website is being continually updated and improved, please feel free to come backoftenand see what's happening! Or drop by the field, talk to us in person and see the dogs (and handlers) in action!
1554 Hwy 101 Gibsons, B.C. Canada (across from Woodcreek Park)
