Spirit Ridge Brags

Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue

PO Box 70,
Hillsburgh, Ontario, N0B 1Z0

E-mail: jim@spiritridge.net

"........ because sit happens"

Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue is not just about rehabilitating dogs with behavioural issues and educating handlers how to help change their dogs' behaviour. Our sanctuary also does more than rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs-in-need of a 'fur-ever' home. We know how to have fun while preparing our dogs for competitions as well to give back to our respective communities. Below, are some examples of the hard work and associated rewards that our students' dogs (and our own) have achieved since Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue opened its doors in 2005. Enjoy our success stories ... we are very proud of all the handlers and dogs that have taken the time to 'trial' and 'certify' their dogs. As a reminder on why we compete, Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue offers this tribute to our dogs with our thanks to the author Sandy Mowery.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

Young Spirit Ridge's "Ochi" earns her first title at the age of 8 months on July 10, 2012! For details and to learn more about our young "star", click here.

Spirit Ridge's "Jesse" becomes a movie star!!! During the August/September 2011 period, our "Jesse" joined the crew and actors of the (under production) full featured movie "FoxFire" and played the role of Goldie's dog during the filming. We are very proud of our Jesse who has gone from a disposable, throwaway dog picked up as a stray by the Uxbridge/Port Perry Animal Control Services at the young age of 1 to a Master Agility dog, Rally Excellent (CARO) and Literacy Assistance Dog and now, a movie star! Below, a couple of pictures taken during breaks of the filming. FoxFire is directed by Laurent Cantet (FRA) and will be released in theatres in the latter half of 2012. We are all excited and cannot wait for the movie release! (for more info and pictures, please click here).

Spirit Ridge's "Jesse" with the girls of the FoxFire gang during a break "Jesse" wondering what the heck a sound boom is during a break of the movie

Our young 3 year old Malinois continues to show his versatility; during the July 23/24, 2011 weekend, "Sonic" (Boom) completed his two qualifying legs for his American Kennel Club HT (Herding Tested) certificate. Below, Sonic and handler Jim Tsitanidis are seen with judge Cheryl MacDonald (TX, USA) at Spirit Winds Farm in Sardinia, NY.

On June 26, 2011, "Sonic" (Boom) earned his CKC Novice Agility title. In the picture below proud Sonic is seen with judge Carol Smorch (USA) and Spirit Ridge's Agility instructor Suzanne Adams.

On March 12/13, 2011 our "Jesse" continued her stellar performances in the agility arena by earning her Master Jumper Dog of Canada AND Master Snooker Dog of Canada titles! Below, Jesse shows her appreciation by giving her handler Suzanne Adams a 'slurp'!

During February 19/20, 2011, Spirit Ridge dogs (both ours and our clients') were busy racking up the title and placement ribbons!

Specifically, our group earned 5 titles during that weekend (four in the Rally Obedience ring and one in the Agility ring).

Congratulations to:
Cindy Chenier and her Airedale Terrier "Ozzy" for earning his CKC Rally Novice title as well as the first (of three needed) qualifying legs for his Advanced Rally Obedience title.

Kathy Cecchin and her German Shepherd Dog "Shep" for earning his CKC Rally Novice title as well as the first (of three needed) qualifying legs for his Advanced Rally Obedience title.

Maureen Griffiths and her all Canadian Dog "Casey" for earning her AAC Agility Dog of Canada title

Jim Tsitanidis and his Malinois "Sonic" for earning his CKC Rally Excellent title; and his Malinois "Tequila" for earning his CKC Rally Novice title as well as the first (of three needed) qualifying legs for his Advanced Rally Obedience title.

(Right to Left) "Casey" & Maureen, "Shep" & Kathy, "Ozzy" & Cindy
Sitting (Left to Right) - Jim with "Tequila" and "Sonic" (laying down)

Jim with "Sonic" (Malinois) - IN FOCUS - in his final Rally Excellent run Kathy with "Shep" (German Shepherd Dog) coming out of the spiral

Cindy with "Ozzy" (Airedale Terrier) pose with "the loot" and title! Jim with "Tequila" (Malinois) coming out of the spiral - Feb 19, 2011 (CKC Rally Novice run)

"Sonic" very happy to receive his CKC Rally Excellent title ribbon!

On February 4, 2011 our own "Jesse" achieved her AAC Master Agility Doc of Canada (MADC) title at an agility trial hosted by Act-On Agility in Flamborough, ON. Congratulations to Jesse and Spirit Ridge's Agility Instructor, Suzanne Adams.

(Below, "Jesse" with handler Suzanne Adams and judge Anic Verette (right) holding her MADC title rosette.)

On October 17, 2010, in his last trial of 2010 (and hot on the heels of his September 26th CARO "Bronze" title) our "Sonic" achieved his CARO "Silver" Rally Obedience title at the Poodle Farm in Vanessa Ontario. In order to achieve each of the Bronze and Silver titles, a dog is required to complete two Advanced and three Excellent rounds - each with a score of 190/2000 and over. As of October 17, 2010, our Sonic's official name is: 'N' Sonic Boom Van Arek, HIC, RNMCL, RNT, RAMCL, RAT, REMCL, CRB, CRS (CARO), CD, RN, RA (CKC). His breeder has jokingly said that he has more letters after his name than most University graduates! Below, is a picture of Sonic and me receiving his final title of the year - his CARO Silver title (CRS) from CARO judge Lorraine Purnell.

On October 3, 2010, our "Sonic" received his CKC CD title scoring an average of 189/200 on three straight qualifying 'runs' at the Hamilton Dog Obedience Club trials in Jerseyville, Ontario. He also managed to take a third place finish in the process amongst an excellent field of many beautiful dogs. It was a fabulous group of competitors who all did very well and there were many smiles all around. Congrats Sonic! Below, in photo, Sonic is sitting proudly next to judge Eva O'Keefe holding his title rosette while proud "pappa" fumbles with Sonic's Qualifying blue ribbon!

More Spirit Ridge 'Brags' here ......