Doggie Doings L - Lyons Township Dog Training Club

Volume 8, Issue 3
Special points of interest:
 Your Board Hard at Work (Page 1 & 2)
September 1, 2013
 Calling All Agility Handlers! (Page 3)
 Do You Recognize Anyone? (Pages 3 & 15)
 Lombard & Ben’s Friends Therapy Dogs (Page 4 & 5)
 Obedience Seminar (Pages 6 & 7)
Unfortunately the close of summer is right around the
corner and this seems like as good a time as any to update
everyone on some of the things the LTDTC Board has been
working on in 2013.
Below is a summary of the more important items.
2014 Agility/Obedience/Rally trials relocate
One of the biggest changes the board has made this year is
the relocation of our Agility/Obedience/Rally trials for
2014. They will still be held on Mother’s Day weekend but will be at the Max in McCook
instead of at the Odeum. This gives our trial access to the better running surface that
McCook provides to make for a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Doggie Doings
LYONS TOWNSHIP DOG TRAINING CLUB
[email protected]
Your LTDTC Board Hard at Work by Ron McGrath
New online class registration system
Another big change is the implementation of the new online registration system. Most of
you are probably familiar with the system now that we have been using it. Online
registration will greatly streamline the registration process as well as enhance the ability of
staff to communicate with current students. For anyone who has questions about the online
registration system please contact Sherry Gignac.
2014 Awards banquet new location
The annual awards banquet has also been relocated for 2014, although this was not done by
choice necessarily. The Willowbrook Holiday Inn is being put up for auction and we could
not count on it being available for the banquet. We were however able to book the William
Tell in Countryside for the banquet which I think will be a wonderful space for us.
Demonstrating our training offerings at community events
LTDTC participated in events like the Windy City Pet Expo and the upcoming Westmont
Pet Promenade in 2013. However we were unable to get a group together to perform a
demonstration at the Cantigny Dog Days event. In order to put the club’s best foot forward
at these events in the future and to make it easier to get volunteers for them we are putting
together a demonstration team of handlers and dogs
Inside this issue:
that can organize the demonstrations and be prepared
for the events well in advance. Tom and Erin Rezmer Rainbow Bridge &
New K9 Member Welcome
will be heading this new committee.
Pet Blessing & Remembrance
Meet MACH Donaldson’s Daisy
8
9
11
Summer Lovin’….
12-15
Day at the Beach!
16-17
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
DOGGIE DOINGS
Your LTDTC Board Hard at Work (continued)
No alternate training schedule this winter
One of the most beneficial changes this year has occurred recently. The Odeum has agreed to allow us to have continuous year round training on Tuesday nights with only the occasional exception. This means that we will no longer
have to alternate training weeks between agility and obedience/rally during the indoor soccer season. This will benefit every student and will improve the ability of staff to teach classes more effectively during those periods.
Redesign of club Website
One item that is currently in the works is the redesign of the LTDTC.com Website. Christine Kowalkowski was been
able to get her company, Officite, to donate the design and implementation of a new Website for the club. The new
site will improve the club’s Web presence, making it easier for new and existing students to find information about
the club, and will boost our search rankings.
Volunteer, it is your club
The club is still seeking a volunteer to coordinate the sale of training equipment (leashes, collars, dumbbells, etc.) on
training nights. Please contact me if you are willing to take on this role.
The club is also looking for volunteers to be part of a publicity and promotions committee for the club. We have a
wonderful club and we need people who can help us let the world know about it. Please contact me if you are interested in being part of this committee.
Thank you everyone for your continued support of the Lyons Township Dog Training Club. We wouldn’t be here if
it were not for our wonderful membership.
Ron McGrath
LTDTC Board President
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
Page 3
Calling All Agility Dogs and Their Handlers!!!
Volunteers are needed to participate in an agility demonstration at Westmont's 2nd Annual Pet Promenade & Picnic
in the Park. The demo will be from 10:30am to 11:00am at the TY Warner Park, Saturday, September 14. The event
is from 10AM to 2PM.
We need your help to represent Lyons at our table/booth. Electricity will be provided for fans to keep our dogs cool.
To volunteer, see Gina Cameron on training nights or contact her via email at [email protected]. You
can also send her a text or call her at 630-589-2200. Or stop by agility class and talk to Gina. (She teaches from 6:30
to 7:30.) You can also email Sharon Detro at [email protected].
Thank you,
Gina and Sharon
Do You Recognize Anyone?
Gail Meyers dug through the club archives and found this picture. She thought you might enjoy a little quiz.
See how many people you recognize.
Answers can be found on page 15.
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
DOGGIE DOINGS
Lombard therapy dog once a Puerto Rican stray, now helping local seniors!
By MARI GRIGALIUNAS - [email protected]
LOMBARD – Excitement buzzed through Lexington Square of Lombard’s lobby on a sunny afternoon. Everyone
– staff, residents and visitors – wanted a chance to meet Rico Suave and hopefully steal a quick pat.
“He will work a crowd,” said Elmhurst resident David Ore, who rescued the mutt less than two years ago.
At just 22 pounds, Rico’s golden fur demanded everyone’s attention as he trotted toward the elevator, politely
snuggling up to one fan after another. Immediately, smiles stretched across the faces sprinkled around the lobby.
Even Rico tilted his head back and flashed a grin while hand after hand patted his head.
It’s the calm, friendly behavior Ore saw the day he found Rico in the rubble of a construction site in Puerto Rico.
At the time, he was a stray, but he snuggled right up to Ore and fell asleep while his future owner pet him.
“We were told several times by people who own therapy dogs that he had the perfect temperament, and when we
took a look at that we thought he could do better,” said Ore. “He can go ahead and help other people, and he enjoys
it.”
When Rico finally cleared the lobby, rode the elevator with complete composure and entered a room of a couple
dozen residents, their response made it clear Rico wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the visit.
“They become so cheerful, so at ease,” said Ana Marie Buss, a life enrichment assistant at the senior living
residence. “It’s amazing.”
Lexington Square has pets that visit the residents, and they make such a positive impression that staff members
always make an effort to remind the residents who particularly enjoy animals when their furry friends are coming.
“Even those who are having a rough day, that’s all they do is talk about the pets, even at dinner,” said Carlos
Bernal, director of life enrichment at the facility.
Karen Click of Glen Ellyn has been raising therapy dogs for more than 15 years. She and her Shetland
Sheepdog, Nutmeg, joined Rico and Ore on their June 13 visit as part of the Lyons Township Dog Training
Club’s visiting pets group called Ben’s Friends.
Lexington Square resident Veronika Geike gives therapy dog, Nutmeg, a hug June 13 during her
visit to the complex.
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
DOGGIE DOINGS
Even after Rico made the trip from his island home and earned his American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen
certificate in May 2012, his obstacles weren’t over. Ore attempted to enroll in an animal assisted therapy program at
Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, but was continually told the program was not taking new applicants. So, he pursued
other options.
Pet Partners is a national organization devoted to human health and veterinary industries. After Ore passed an online
course in animal health and behavior, Rico Suave also needed to pass a 22-part skills and aptitude test before the
duo finally was registered as therapy team.
“They actually threw a clipboard behind him to see if he startles to anything,” said Ore describing Rico’s test.
Their visit to Lexington was the handler and hound’s second therapy trip, but both appeared to be patient
professionals. Ore and his wife have another dog, Stout, who suffers from a seizure disorder, so he and Rico have
plenty of practice remaining calm in unusual situations.
“He’s not fazed by anything at all,” said Ore, who recounted Rico’s now routine and relaxed reaction to Stout’s
seizures.
Like any proud parent, Ore insists he wants Rico to do what makes him happy but also knows visiting Lexington is
just one of his options. The team plan to try other outings like “read to the dog” programs that allow children to read
aloud to a companion without the fear of being laughed at or corrected if they make a mistake. Ben’s Friends
therapy teams also visit special needs students at Stone Elementary School in Addison.
“[We’ll] see what he likes the best,” Ore said. “We don’t want him to get bored. We want to keep him interested in
things.”
Therapy dog Rico Suave lets Lexington Square resident Esther Grubisich pet him in the
lobby on Thursday, June 13.
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
Upcoming Obedience Seminar in the Area!
Editors note: If you have information about an upcoming seminar, email it to
[email protected] for inclusion in an upcoming newsletter.
DOGGIE DOINGS
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Rainbow Bridge
A dog comes into your life for a reason. It all becomes clear after they have
crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. LTDTC mourns the passing of our canine
members:
 Bailey – Loved and missed by Ron & Leigh Ann McGrath
 Stardust – Loved and missed by Phyllis Langer
Bailey McGrath
Welcome GCH Laurent's Foxhill Lights Out to the LTDTC family!
“Stormy came to live with us in April 2013. She is a
black and tan American Cocker Spaniel. She turned
1-year old on May 4, 2013. She is the littermate to
Andy Ansenberger’s Miss Liberty (Libby).
I co-own her with the breeder, Laura Heidrich, who
lives in Manhattan, Il. Stormy received her Grand
Champion in conformation in July at the American
Spaniel Club Nationals.
I am training her for Obedience/Rally and of course
Agility. She gets along very well with Chesie and
Brandy, loves swimming and dock diving and she
loves all her toys. She is quite energetic, loves
everyone and is a friend to all . She is also known
as our good time girl.”
─ Debbie Sazma & Gus Pusateri
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
Pet Blessing and Remembrance Service September 21st!
DOGGIE DOINGS
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DOGGIE DOINGS
Wanted….Facebook blogger!
Do you consider yourself socially “connected”?
Do you like to share information, your opinions, and talk about dogs with others?
Would you like to blog about dogs with the worldwide Web?
The LTDTC Board is looking for a volunteer to blog on Facebook. Ideally, the blogger will have a witty style of
writing and loves to talk about “man’s best friend”. All you need is a PC, an Internet connection, and your own
writing style.
If you are interested in volunteering to blog all things dog related, contact Board Vice President,
Christine Kowalkowski via email at [email protected].
Help Advertise and Market Your Club!
In today’s competitive business environment, advertising and marketing are a must.
What does this have to do with our all-volunteer dog training club?
Here is what is has to do with you and the club to which you belong.
Gone are the days that dog training classes filled solely on word-of-mouth recommendations. While the board is
taking steps to ensure that our online presence is strong for those researching training clubs online, it is still
important to let the communities in which we live and train know the club exists and what we have to offer.
How can you help?
The LTDTC Board is looking for volunteers to get the word out about our club and the wonderful training we offer
in the areas of obedience, rally and agility. This is something everyone can do as it takes no extra effort on your
part. All you are being asked to do is take some of our brochures and ask your veterinarian to keep them as a referral
for training or perhaps drop them off at your groomer for others to see.
Keep a few club business cards in your purse or wallet to hand out when people ask where you train. Invite your
veterinarian, vet tech, neighborhood welcome committee or neighbors with dogs to stop by at training and talk to the
Director or Assistant Directors of Training.
Contact Board Vice President, Christine Kowalkowski via email at [email protected] and let her
know how many club brochures or business cards you need.
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DOGGIE DOINGS
Meet MACH Donaldson's Daisy MX MXB MXJ MJS OF! By Laura Donaldson
The Editors were so excited to learn of LTDTC Member Laura Donaldson and her All-American, Daisy,
competing in the 2013 AKC National Agility Championship that we wanted to know more and thought you
would too. We provided Laura with some questions. From those questions Laura wrote the wonderful article
below and we didn’t want to change one word. We are proud to share the article with you.
Daisy is a Boston Terrier/Chihuahua mix who just turned four this summer. Daisy came
into my life very unexpectedly. My son’s former employee wasn’t prepared to properly care
for their young dog and was looking for a home for her. My son called me, telling me only
to be home in two hours when someone from Michigan would be arriving with a surprise.
The surprise was a very frightened little black and white dog by the name of Envy.
I changed her name to Daisy that night.
I started agility three years ago to see if agility could build her confidence and if being
around many people and their dogs would help Daisy overcome her fears. I never dreamed
that agility would enhance my life as well. I heard of Lyons from a friend and since it was
close by, I gave it a try. I have made so many very good friends and am thoroughly
enjoying the challenge of becoming a better handler with every class and trial that I attend.
Daisy is the first dog that I have trained and handled in the ring; we are learning and
growing together. I believe the teamwork and trust that agility demands builds a very strong bond between the dog
and handler. I am so grateful to have been blessed with such a great little agility dog and close companion!
Daisy qualified for the 2013 AKC National Agility Championship which was held in March in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
When I knew Daisy had met the requirements, my first reaction was that we were not at all ready for such an event.
I waited for the last minute to enter, when I was finally convinced that there really is no pressure the first time going
to Nationals. Teams just go for the experience as it is like no other trial. I went with my daughter and 10-month old
granddaughter with the goal of having fun!
The word that I would choose to describe the championship would be big. The event was held in a huge horse
complex with many rings in different buildings, all on dirt. Teams from all over the country, including Alaska, were
there. Despite the overwhelming size, there were lots of familiar faces and we crated by some friends.
Our first run was jumpers and Daisy ran slower, more cautiously, because it was her first time on a dirt course. As a
result, my timing was off and I pulled her off of the second jump. The rest of her run was perfect. Her standard run
was a challenging course that we successfully maneuvered for a clear round! I was thrilled and it was a run I will
never forget.
The 2014 Nationals will be held in Harrisburg, PA and Daisy
has qualified for that as well. The qualifying period is
December 1, 2012 through November 3, 2013. Dogs who
have earned 4 double Qs and 20 qualifying legs in Master
STD and/or Master JWW and 500 MACH points during
that period are eligible to enter the event.
It was fun to think back over our journey!
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DOGGIE DOINGS
Summer Lovin’ Had Me a Blast!
With September here and summer almost over, the editors asked you to share how you and your special canine(s)
have been spending your summer. But there was a catch. We said it couldn’t be related to trials or training. We
wanted to know about the places you've been, the things you've seen, or the fun you've shared.
Here is how these canine members spent their summer.
“We had a wonderful vacation in far off Minnesota. The drive there was LONG, but when
─Baron and Jettah Ingold
we got there we SWAM -- LOTS! It was the best.”
“Play group/training sessions for Canine Companions for
Independence service dog trainees.”
─ Julia Havey
“Tom and Killian celebrated their shared birthday on August 6th.
Killian celebrated birthday number 8. Tom isn’t saying which
special birthday it was for him.”
─ Erin Rezmer
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DOGGIE DOINGS
“Missy had fun camping in Wisconsin. She loved
riding on the golf cart, going for long walks,
sitting by the campfire, and (as you can see)
catching up on some sleep on the hammock!!”
─ Susan Sobyra
“The Nuger pack has had plenty of fun loudly chasing a frog around the swimming pool at all hours of the day
and night. There are also a couple of guilty family members that stole the tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden. How does Herbie get over that 2 1/2 foot (30 inches) fence to keep up with the big boys? Pongo also chases
the fish in the water garden. It has been great fun for the canines in our family. The humans ...not so much.”
─ Donna & Phil Nuger
“The girls cruising in the family pontoon on the Illinois River.”
─ Gina & Mark Cameron
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DOGGIE DOINGS
“Foster spent his summer...hard to believe it is over...having fun on the beaches in South Haven, MI on the weekends. He perfected his shoreline sprints of herding waves, and spent countless hours swimming in Lake Michigan
to retrieve his water Kong. He spent his weekend evenings relaxing with good friends that came up for a visit, who
were especially generous with paying attention to him. He fulfilled his basic philosophy of ‘Life is Good, Enjoy
the Ride!’”
─ Christine Kowalkowski
“Killian and Kahlua took trips to Michigan to play on the beach. They also spent quality time with Mom and
Dad camping. As usual, they were the most popular dogs at the campground.”
─ Erin & Tom Rezmer
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DOGGIE DOINGS
“Mattie and Jason spent time at our canal-side house in Maryland. Mattie wanted to
check out (or retrieve?) the geese. Jason—not so much.”
─ Betty Smith
“We enjoyed boating, celebrating Leila Mae's 6th birthday and Bijou's 1st and walking in the Hinsdale
4th of July parade.”
─ Sharon & Mike Detro
Answers to “Do You Recognize Anyone?” from page 3.
Pictured left to right:
Marg Schratt, Julia Sullivan, Joy Kocher, Tom Mikus, Dru Specht, Mary Finley, Cheri Zumparelli, Bill Hover, Elaine
LeBroz, Emily Dykes Czapek, Larry Fencl, Betty Smith, Gene Justic, and Dave Galushia.
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
Day at the Beach by Karen Wierdak
Summer lovin’ had us a blast,
Summer lovin’ happened so fast,
Every day down to the shore,
Chasing balls—wanting always one more.
Marley climbing at last from the lake,
Drying in sand, she’d had all she could take.
Glory chasing more ‘til she almost dropped,
Finally coaxed to the shore where she sat with a plop.
DOGGIE DOINGS
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DOGGIE DOINGS
Then came act two as they revived,
Time to dig! Into the sand they dived.
Frantically throwing the sand to the rear,
Until they and their balls almost disappeared.
Then excitement really took hold,
Further they dug; they must be bold.
Rescue they did finally out of that deep,
Their balls proudly displayed in their teeth.
Then as the balls were taken away,
It was time for rest and smelling the bay.
Their noses twitched as their eyes roamed,
Watching the water as it foamed.
Sometimes something caught their eye,
Forgetting they were almost dry.
Searched the water as best they could,
Finding an old giant piece of wood.
They watched for birds, hoping with luck,
Maybe they would see some more ducks.
Then lying down with faces on sand,
Nuzzling close for touch of a hand.
Finally the time was done at the beach,
Back to the house for a nap and some treats.
Time to rest at the close of the day,
Dreams would come soon of tomorrow’s play.
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DOGGIE DOINGS
LTDTC Congratulates Laura Donaldson and Daisy on their MACH!
Congratulations, Laura and Daisy on all your agility accomplishments, you make us proud!
Braggin’ About My Dog!
“Biscuit received his first two novice standard agility legs at the recent Blitzen trial, a 1st and
2nd place. He received his first novice JWW leg at the Stone City KC trial, a 1st place. He also
received his first two coursing ability test (CAT) legs at the Cudahy KC trial.” ─ Anne Baker
“Kahlua earned her 2nd Graduate Open leg at the Mid-West Boxer
Club obedience & rally specialty in August.”
─ Erin Rezmer
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DOGGIE DOINGS
“Sharon Detro's CH Sandee's Hope Jewel in the Ruf, “Bijou,”
won her second Best in Breed at a multi-breed show at 10
months of age! She is currently ranked the #2 Coton de Tulear in
the UKC's TOP TEN list for 2013.”
─ Sharon Detro
“Sierra earned her AX and OAJ at Illiana and her
AXJ at GRCI.”
─ Gina Cameron
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DOGGIE DOINGS
Rally Obedience Brags
Agility Brags


Dave Crawford and Basset Hound Red Rose received their 11th RAE leg
Obedience Brags

Dave Crawford and Basset Hound Holly received their 1st BN leg
 Erin Rezmer and Boxer Kahlua earned their 2nd
GO leg
Agility Brags










Gina Cameron and All-American Sierra received
their AX title
Gina Cameron and All-American Sierra received
their OAJ title
Gina Cameron and All-American Sierra received
their 1st MX leg
Gina Cameron and All-American Sierra received
their AXJ title
Laura Donaldson and All-American Daisy
earned their 20th Double Q to earn their MACH
Laura Donaldson and All-American Daisy
earned points toward their T2B title
Susan Soybyra and Parson Russell Terrier Missy
earned their 1st OA leg
Betty Smith and Golden Retriever Mattie earned
Double Qs
Betty Smith and Golden Retriever Jason earned
Double Qs
Anne Baker and Shar-Pei Biscuit earned their 1st
NAJ leg










Gina Cameron and All-American Sierra received their 1st NF leg
Anne Baker and Shar-Pei Biscuit earned their 1st
and 2nd NA legs
Debbie Sazma and Cocker Spaniel Chesie earned
their 1st OA leg
Debbie Sazma and Cocker Spaniel Chesie earned
points toward their T2B title
Virginia Sensenbrenner and Cocker Spaniel
Ghiotto earned their 1st MXJ leg
Virginia Sensenbrenner and Cocker Spaniel
Ghiotto earned their OF title
Tom Rezmer and Boxer Killian earned their 7th
MX leg
Tom Rezmer and Boxer Killian earned their 8th
and 9th MXJ legs
Erin Rezmer and Boxer Kahlua earned their 7th,
8th and 9th MXJ legs
Erin Rezmer and Boxer Kahlua earned their 2nd
and 3rd MX legs
Erin Rezmer and Boxer Kahlua earned their 1st,
2nd, and 3rd MF legs
Lure Coursing Brags

Anne Baker and Shar-Pei Biscuit earned their 1st
and 2nd CAT legs
Conformation Brags

Sharon Detro and Coton de Tulear Bijou won
Best in Breed
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2013 Titles Earned So Far!
NOTE: Per the entries recorded in the brag book.
DOGGIE DOINGS
Mark Your Calendar!
VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3
September 10 - Evaluation Night: CGC Test, Novice, Open & Utility
September 14 - Westmont's 2nd Annual Pet Promenade. LTDTC Agility demo from 10:30am to 11:00am at
TY Warner Park. Promenade event is from 10AM to 2PM.
September 17 - New Training Session Begins (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
September 24 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
October 1 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
October 8 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
October 15 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
October 22 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
October 29 - NO TRAINING
November 5 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
November 12 - Training (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
November 19 - NO TRAINING; Staff meeting at Odeum conference room 7pm
November 26 - New Training Session Begins (Agility, Obedience, Rally)
L yo ns To wn sh ip Do g
T r ain in g C lub
d o ggie do in gs @ltd tc .o r g
LTDTC Doggie Doings
C/O Erin Rezmer
419 S. Highland Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
An AKC Training Club
training at the Odeum
in Villa Park.