We are proud of our students, Alumni and of course the dogs. Keep us up to date on what is going on with your dog. We would love to hear about any new titles, tricks, breakthroughs or just funny stories. Please email our webmaster at leslie@mindstorm.ca.
Rally Titles Earned in 2011
We would like to congratulate TNT Training Handler and Dog teams who earned Rally titles in 2012.
Carol Hauta and her Doberman Nikon earned their American Rally Novice Title
Maureen Fanthorpe and Cattle Dog Aro earned their Rally Novice Title
Terri Gueck with her Tibetan Terrier Jetsun earned 2 legs towards his Rally Advanced Title
Deb Boisvert and her Doberman Willow earned their American Rally Novice Title
Jackie Mays and her Sheltie, Kelly earned their Rally Novice Title (picture to come)
Featured Student – Karen McLaren and her Therapy Dog Lara
TNT student Karen McLaren has received kudu’s for her and Great Dane Lara’s therapy work with cancer patients. She was featured in the Surrey Leader.
By Boaz Joseph – Surrey North Delta Leader
The word “horse” comes up twice in just five minutes – playfully – from people in a waiting area at the BC Cancer Agency’s Fraser Valley Centre.A young girl playing with a toy dragon doesn’t know what to make of Lara, a 130-pound great Dane who introduces herself with a gentle sniff.“She likes people,” handler Karen McLaren reassures the girl. “Not to eat – to play with.”
The conversation soon moves to a woman’s laid-back corgi-cross back at home; another man, petting Lara, describes his dog who retrieves the mail and newspaper.
Lara’s job is to lift spirits in a place full of somber news, confusion, pain, fear and occasional boredom.
The people Lara and McLaren meet are patients undergoing tests, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, as well as their loved ones and caregivers.
While Lara is on the job in the red vest and white bandana of a certified therapy dog from St. John Ambulance, she’s also the pet of McLaren, a 36-year-old cancer survivor and former patient at the centre.
McLaren, diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2005, was treated over the next several months in the place she now visits with Lara each Wednesday morning.
At the time she underwent cancer treatment, there were few support resources available to patients, she says. There was no library, almost nothing to read and no comfort cart like there is now.
“You came here, you talked to your doctor, you got your treatment – it wasn’t the warm-and-fuzzies. There was no place if you were having a bad moment to walk away or for a caregiver to go away and just breathe.”
After McLaren finished her treatment, she heard about the need for therapy dogs – at a time when support services were ramping up at the BC Cancer Agency.
“I decided I had the perfect dog for it and I was the perfect fit for it because I’ve been here – I’ve walked in these shoes, so why not give back?” Petting Lara gives the patients and caregivers a timeout from the present, a welcome moment of relaxation in the tense atmosphere.“When the dog walks into the centre, it’s almost like there’s an audible sigh,” says Ellen Suarez, regional coordinator of Volunteer Services at the Fraser Valley Centre. Even the staff is affected, adds Suarez.
McLaren, for her part, gives patients someone to talk to who isn’t their primary care provider or family.
They’re a two-person therapy team.“I’m giving them hope because I’m a survivor, and I think my dog brings them maybe 30 seconds of not having to be in their head why they’re here.” McLaren says it’s amazing to watch the reactions from patients.“To be honest, having to be a patient here, it sucks. You’re dealing with life and death. It’s hard on the patient and the family, and if Lara and I can bring that smile, or that relief or that time in not-in-Cancerland, then I am so happy.”
McLaren tells the story of how Lara assertively approached a woman who was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.McLaren was fully prepared to pull Lara back if the patient was uncomfortable with the attention.“Lara went right to the cancer spot and started nudging and the lady just grabbed on and said, ‘Help me, help me. Help me heal.’ “McLaren and Lara met another woman undergoing chemotherapy.
“My poor children, my poor children, what are they going to do without a mother?” she cried.
When Lara sat in front of her, the woman suddenly grabbed the dog by the skin, brought her in, and took a deep breath.“Yes, I can do this now,” she said.
McLaren, a former patient herself, is six months away from a five-year cancer-free status.
Karen has the following to say about herself and her dogs. “I am the proud owner of two fawn Great Danes. Lara is my 3 year old, currently weighing in at 130 pounds. And our newest addition to the family, Jacob who is now 7 months old and weighing in at 110 pounds. Lara and i are currently in competition obedience classes with Lori Little.We first completed all the pet level classes TNT had to offer and this is where Lara completed her CGN and then her SJA certification. I am planning on going for our pre-novice and hopefully our novice titles in 2012. Jacob and I are currently taking the pet obedience classes and will switch over to competition obedience when we have finished all the pet levels. After Jacob gets his CGN we will be going for his SJA certificate so he can do volunteer work as well.
I am also addicted to conformation dog shows. As I am still learning to handle my dogs myself I take as many classes in conformation as I can. I am so proud that Lara and I received our final points towards Lara’s Canadian Championship at the tradex show in Oct. 2011. So Lara is the first dog I have ever handled in conformation shows and she is the first dog that I have “finished”!!
So between conformation & obedience I am addicted to learning with my dogs. And I must say that I am slightly driven to put as many titles as I can on both of my dogs!!”
Beauty & Brains
Lucy Maud takes Best of Opposite Sex at the Westminster Kennel Club
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lucy Maud (Ch & Am GCh Mingchen Canadian Girl) owned by Susan & Lorne Thompson went Best of Opposite Sex atWestminster! What a great win; especially as they’d almost decided not to go!
During their spare time, Susan and Lucy Maud train for competitive obedience at TNT with Maureen. How about that, beauty and brains!
2011 Year End Awards
TNT Student Awards 2011
Congratulations to Some Outstanding Teams
Instructor, Maureen Murray, had this to say about her students accomplishments. “2011 was a busy year for Maureen’s students – this report highlights only the CKC titles; although many of the teams were busy in other disciplines/organizations – there were- High in Classes – High Scoring Dogs in Group – two High in Trials – and many, many Q’s that were either “extras” or brought a team closer to their title. There will be more than a few titles completed at the first trial next year! I’m proud of the diversity of breeds represented in these titles. The most enjoyable thing about being a coach (other than being allowed to nag) is to see your students take what you taught them and achieve their goal – and if mischance happens see good sportsmanship displayed – well done all of you. It’s a pleasure coaching you and watching you compete.”
Maureen Murray’s top Students
Most Improved Handler - Kelly Tynan Top Student – Birgitt Scott / Hedy Rankin
Lori Little’s Top Students
Most Improved Handler - Jane Eskuri
Top Student - Craig Nordel
Not only did TNT Students and Instructors earn many legs, titles and awards they were ranked for their Breed, Groups and all Breed. Please note: Rally Awards will be posted separately.
| Top 50 Placements (All Breed) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed | Rank |
| Janice Gunn | Raisin | Golden Retriever | #27 |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | #28 |
| Birgitt Scott | Whoopi | Puli | #36 |
| Top 50 Placements (Group) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed | Rank |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Toy Group) | #1 |
| Lale Aksu | Eddie | Manchester Terrier (Terrier Group) | #6 |
| Hedy Rankin | Jazz | Rottweiler (Working Group) | #8 |
| Birgitt Scott | Whoopi | Puli (Herding Group) | #10 |
| Janice Gunn | Raisin | Golden Retriever (Sporting Group) | #15 |
| Lori Little | Chevy | Golden Retriever (Sporting Group) | #31 |
| Top 50 Placements (Breed) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed | Rank |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | #1 |
| Lale Aksu | Eddie | Manchester Terrier | #1 |
| Hedy Rankin | Jazz | Rottweiler | #4 |
| Jane Eskuri | Sailor | English Cocker Spaniel | #1 |
| Birgitt Scott | Whoopi | Puli | #1 |
| Birgitt Scott | Angel | Puli | #2 |
| Linda Moran | Tikka | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | #2 |
| Janice Gunn | Raisin | Golden Retriever (Sporting Group) | #11 |
| Lori Little | Chevy | Golden Retriever (Sporting Group) | #14 |
Titles Earned in 2011
| TNT Training Teams earning a PCD in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Dog | Breed |
| Andrea Schroeder | Carlotta | Great Dane |
| Bonnie McLean | Ella | Golden Retriever |
| Brenda Foster | Gizmo | Havanese |
| Catherine McKenna | Siobhan | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| Dina Popadiuk | Schultz | Doberman |
| Dina Popadiuk | Tyra | Doberman |
| Joan Strick | Bandit | Pomeranian |
| Kelly Tynan | Turbo | Golden Retriever |
| Mario Grenier | Dior | Boxer |
| Yvonne Schofield | Louie | Pug |
| TNT Training Teams earning a CD in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed |
| Bonnie McLean | Ella | Golden Retriever |
| Brenda Foster | Gizmo | Havanese |
| Craig Nordal | Ace | Golden Retriever |
| Dina Popadiuk | Tyra | Doberman |
| Hedy Rankin | Dinah | Rottweiler |
| Heidi Martin | Stryker | Staffordshire |
| Jane Eskuri | Sookie | Great Dane |
| Kelly Tynan | Turbo | Golden Retriever |
| Krista Wendlund | Leeloo | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
| Mary Ellen Kelm | Rusty | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
| Trudy Tinkham | Tiz | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| TNT Training Teams earning a CDX in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed |
| Hedy Rankin | Ella | Rottweiler |
| Jane Eskuri | Sailor | English Cocker Spaniel |
| Janel Bush | Gavin | Rottweiler |
| Lale Aksu | Eddie | Manchester Terrier |
| Linda Moran | Tikka | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
| Peter Snow | Beck | Flat Coated Retriever |
| TNT Training Teams earning an UD in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed |
| Birgitt Scott | Angel | Puli |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| TNT Training Teams earning an OTCHX in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed |
| Birgitt Scott | Whoopi | Puli |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
| TNT Training Teams earning an MOTCH in 2011 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Owner / Handler | Dog | Breed |
| Birgitt Scott | Whoopi | Puli |
| Maureen Murray | Chipper | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel |
Elsie Murray Results
TNT students handled one of the more difficult venues very well! There were many successes and some “close” results:
- Congratulations to Birgitt and Angel (Puli) for completing their UD – that’s a MOTCH and a UD for Birgitt this year.
- In Open B Jazz (Rottweiler) and his “sister” Dinah (Rottweiler) gave Hedy four beautiful rounds all in the high 190’s! Dinah earned her first two legs of her CDX and Jazz showed Hedy he’s ready to work on the MOTCH after having a lay-off due to injury.
- In Novice, Yvonne and her pug, Louie, got a nice leg with a High in Class from Novice A. Yvonne also qualified in the Pre -CD ring her with her other pug, KD.
- Mario and his boxer, Dior, qualified in the pre-CD ring
- TNT Instructor Maureen Murray’s Chipper (Cavalier) finished his show championship! Maureen reports that Chipper is extremely thrilled to know he never has to wear that stupid skirt again.
- Alycia and her Labrador, Mesa, passed 2 legs of Pre-CD
- Dina and her Doberman, Tyra, earned their CD
- Tnt Instructor, Lori little and her Golden, Chevy earned an OTCHX leg ( passed open and utility). Lori’s up and coming Scottie, Morgan earned their Prd-CD
- Congratulations to TNT instructor, Dianne Amato, whose Sheltie, Mindy, won Best of Winners Friday and Sunday and Best Puppy and Best Puppy in the Herding Group on those days as well. She earned 9 points towards her championship!
