New From Chicago

[LyonsFamily]

I've been a member, just browsing, for a while, and decided to finally introduce myself. My name is Stephanie and I have a (almost) 2 year old Dutch Shepherd named Odin that my husband and I recently rescued. I'm an agility instructor, so he's my new competition boy, and in the short time we've had him, he's definitely proving himself.

He seems to have a pretty high ball drive, and enjoy water as well, so we may end up doing some Dock Diving, I've never competed in that, but I used to attend club practice sessions with my English Setter, Winston.

I have high energy setters over the years, but nothing quite as intelligent as Odin. I was actually looking for a Malinios or Tervuren when I went to a rescue/foster home to see a young male Malinois, but was introduced to this beautiful Dutch as I was leaving. A few weeks and a lot of husband convincing later, he's now at home on my couch with me.

Looking through the old posts, I've discovered that Odin isn't new to this forum. You may recall a few postings from last year about a Chicagoland Dutch named Otis looking for a new home. That's Odin before we adopted him! He's been through doggie bootcamp and is refocusing his issues into agility, and he's become the most wonderful dog for our active family.

I'm glad to have found this forum, to learn more about the breed, and connect with others.

[Schlussdibusti]

Welcome!
And what a great story. Thanks for rescueing Otis/Odin.

[Jan]

Welcome. Great story indeed, glad you found Otis.

[Dutchringgirl]

Welcome! Glad you found each other.

[alspyce]

Welcome!

[Christie M]

I'm so glad to hear that he is doing so well!! I had some doubts, but I know Jennifer is a good trainer and very dedicated - so I know she did a great job fostering him.

Who are you training agility with up there? I teach at Camp Dogwood (http://www.CampDogwood.com) twice a year in Ingleside and have come to know some of the local instructors through that.

[GSDNanny]

I remember Otis'(Odin) story and so glad he has a second chance with you now. Please keep us up on his progress.

[felixone123]

Hi and welcome!!! I have an Odin too!! He is about 3-4 yrs old and a rescue.

[LyonsFamily]

Thanks for the welcome. I'll definitely keep you updated on his progress. Jennifer has done wonderful things with him, and I think with some sport training he'll get even more confident.

Christie M, I just training independently, doing private lessons for now, and practicing in local parks. I've only been in Chicago for a few years, I used to train with Daphne Stover out of Hadley Acres in Michigan. I'm working with a few investors to get a center opened up in the South Loop, hopefully at the end of this year, or the beginning of 2013, depending on negotiations.

If you know any Dock Diving clubs in the area, let me know. The only place of I know much about is Paw Law out of Bartle, I know a few people that train there.

[Sugars Mom]

Welcome!

I remember Otis's story and am glad to hear he has a new home and doing well. His previous owner really wanted that.

Definitely keep us posted and pics are always great!!

[Marjolein]

Welcome

[Christie M]

Christie M, I just training independently, doing private lessons for now, and practicing in local parks. I've only been in Chicago for a few years, I used to train with Daphne Stover out of Hadley Acres in Michigan. I'm working with a few investors to get a center opened up in the South Loop, hopefully at the end of this year, or the beginning of 2013, depending on negotiations.

If you know any Dock Diving clubs in the area, let me know. The only place of I know much about is Paw Law out of Bartle, I know a few people that train there.

One of my best friends, Ashlee Trotter, trains in Des Plaines. She is a great agility instructor, but she also is just a good asset for where to go for most sports. She has wire-haired pointers (small brag, her boy is the #1 agility WHP in AKC) but does everything - agility, rally, tracking, dock diving, AKC obedience, hunting....you name it. She is also a fan of our breed, being an aunt to my kids and having fostered a few rescues for me up there. She's very cool. Her website is http://www.creativepaws.com I know she's probably a distance from you, but she travels to events all over Chicago, so I am sure she can help find dock diving at a minimum.

I don't miss city life in the slightest. But I do envy the variety of options that are available up there. You can do almost anything without having to drive more than an hour or so

[Christie M]

Hadley Acres in Michigan.

Is this Chris & Jill Hadley's?

[leih merigian]

welcome stephanie and odin!

Now we have two odins on this board! ANd, both rescues!

sounds like Osquared has a great new home and future ahead of him...woohoo!

[LyonsFamily]

Christie M wrote:
Is this Chris & Jill Hadley's?

No, it's in a town called Hadley, small town, right outside Lapeer, and about 30 miles east of Flint, MI. The head trainer is Daphne Stover, she also owns the place.

I'll definitely contact Ashlee Trotter, and let her know you recommended her. Des Plaines is a little far, but we're hoping to get a house in the suburbs out their, in a year or 2. Chicago is great, but I really hate the city. We were just downtown for the dying of river for St. Patrick's day. It's nice to have everything right there, but when I want to go to a park and work Odin and there's dozens of people, it gets a bit frustrating. I'd love to get out to one of the larger dog parks in Dupage County, but for non-residents, it's a bit expensive ($20 a trip) just to try out.

On the bright side, when it comes to need distractions for training, we have our fair share.