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-> Our History |
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Peni Fitzpatrick is a Dog Trainer and animal behaviourist well known across Canada and the United States. The Dog Company & Island Dog Sports are the two companies that Peni runs for all people with and without disabilities. She is a believer in teaching a bond of "TRUST and RESPECT" Peni can turn any problem dog into a happy and obedient one an accomplishment that some call Magic! Her infectious sense of humour, great personality and love of animals and their response to her will amaze you. Her training techniques are fun, for both you and the dog. You will be laughing and feeling confident within minutes and your dog will pick up on your positive attitude. Peni wants to share her expertise with you, so you can have the same results! Peni writes for Newspapers, magazines, As a well respected Dog expert Peni appears regularly in magazines, on radio and television and is a advocate for dog Sports for all dogs and all people. Seminars are done for Clubs or groups all across the country A physical challenge should not be in the way of having great time doing a sport with your dog.
Island Dog Sports was developed in a large part because of my friend, Avril who developed an illness that changed her life and that got me thinking She taught me all about inner strength and the needs of people who were going through life threatening illnesses and how important it was to do, and live, and get the most out of life by sharing what you have learned and know. Dogs were such a big piece of her life, and when she became ill, it made it difficult for her to enjoy them in the way she used to. And so, Island Dog Sports evolved. It was a way we could share with all the knowledge that everyone could take part in an activity with their dog - no matter what. I'd also met people of all shapes and sizes - people young and old, in every state of health, rich and poor, people with M.S., Arthritis, Cancer, diabetes, overweight, shy, couch potatoes, wheelchair bound, or with canes or crutches. There were many whose life challenges were not really noticeable till I watched them and got to know them a bit. There were the young people and the kids in the 4H clubs who had dogs and wanted to be in a young handler's program but there wasn't anywhere to learn and take part. They all had something in common - having dogs and a need to have them be a big part of their lives or just plain looking for something to do with their dog that gave a sense of accomplishment. They didn't want to compete; they just wanted to have fun I have come to realize that 85% of people do not want to compete; the very word competition turns their blood cold. But we do train to a competition level so that other 15% can move on if they want to. Whether you want to compete or do demo's or just have fun, we have a place for you. Those wonderful people who are with us have one thing in common - they all have dogs and a need and love to do things with their dogs. This bond of teamwork gives both dog and handler a real self-esteem boost, as well as other both mental and physical benefits. My own granddaughter, Jordyn, who is physically handicapped and her dog, Carlos, are an inspiration and proof of how much effort can go into doing something well. All ages of dogs are eligible as long as they are healthy; any size or shape of person is eligible too - let's face it, we don't have to do the jumping and running and climbing, thank goodness. Avril gave me this quote from M.Fracklam, and I think it says it all. "We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal mankind has ever made." No matter where you live, these special athletes are waiting to be found. Come on, go for it; it's hard work, but you can make a difference. Your heart will be glad you did.
We first met Peni when we brought our dog to her for obedience training. Chinook is a Great Pyrenes / Irish Wolfhound cross, who had all of the independence, stubbornness, and wilfulness of the Pyrenes and was very close to going back to the pound. Peni’s belief in our dog, and in us, made an unbelievable difference. When she suggested agility for us, we thought “she must be crazy”. Sure enough, Chinook turned out to love agility, and his obedience and confidence improved tremendously. The Island Dog Sports philosophy that agility is for everyone, and all dogs really, came through for us and Chinook in a big way. We have been hooked ever since, and now manage the club.
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