Connecting dogs, handlers
Centre offers training, practice, competition venue for canines and their humans
Do you love dogs and all the fun you can create with your four-legged friend? Such a place now exists on the south shore.
When Liana and Fred Klohn relocated to P.E.I. in 2009, they discovered a perfect piece of heaven in New Dominion – a place to reside and to fulfil their dream of a state-of-the-art training, practice and competition venue for dogs. In 2017, that dream became a reality with the opening of “For the Love of Dog Training and Event Centre” (aka FTLOD).
Some 30 years after acquiring her first border collie and having entered more competitions than even she cares to admit, Liana and her dogs have an outstanding track record in agility, including representing Team Canada on two separate occasions. Despite the numerous wins, Liana is quick to say that she doesn’t measure success in ribbons and trophies but, instead, by the feeling she gets when she and her dogs are truly connected by mutual respect and understanding. Liana is firm in her belief that it’s all about both the dog and the handler having fun and becoming the team—irrespective of the breed/mix of dog.
In early June, FTLOD hosted a UKI P.E.I. agility trial. FTLOD is now gearing up for a three-day UKI P.E.I. agility trial scheduled for July 28-30. Two indoor trials are also in the planning for this autumn.
Although Liana’s personal speciality is as a trainer, coach and competitor in agility, she welcomes all types of trainers, dog-related activities and competitions, including scenting, rally, flyball, confirmation, schutzhund, freestyle, et al. As Liana says “you name it; we can do it!” FTLOD hopes to become Maritime-central for dog training and competitions and we wish them all the best.
More information is at FB: Liana Klohn or For the Love of Dog / islandlife101@hotmail. com
In other south shore news: The Crapaud Library has a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained – especially on those rainy days – with Storytime on Thursdays, 4 p.m., and the TD Summer Reading Club, July 5 to Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m.
The annual strawberry and ice cream social, hosted by the Argyle Shore Women’s Institute, will be held at the community centre, 7654 Route 19, July 5, 6-8:30 p.m. Admission is adults, $8; children, 12 and under, $4.
‘Tis the season, with the annual Canoe Cove strawberry social at the old schoolhouse, corner of Route 19 and Route 19a, July 13, 6-8 p.m.
A benefit dance will be held at the North River Fire Hall on July 15, 7 p.m., for Ella Hurry of Rice Point, who recently suffered a head trauma from a trampoline accident. There will be auctions and a 50/50 draw. Donations are welcome. Admission is by donation. For information, contact 902-2180240 or stellamcneill@hotmail. com.
July 16 is World Snake Day but, despite how useful snakes are to the environment, it’s not high on my list of celebratory events. On the other hand, July 23 is “national hotdog day” in the United States, so maybe we’ll throw some of those on the barbecue.
An Evening of Traditional Acadian Music marks the event of the season at the Argyle Shore Community Centre, July 26, 7 p.m. Distinguished fiddler Louise Arsenault and acclaimed step dancer, Hélène Arsenault, (formerly of Barachois) will be joined by Louise’s son, Jonny, for an evening of lively music, song and dance. Proceeds are for hall maintenance. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Contact 902-675-3221/cawlar@ bellaliant.net.
2017 marks the 64th annual Crapaud Exhibition, July 28-30. This brings back sweet memories for older folks and creates new ones for everyone. Added to great food, arts, crafts and animals, this year features mechanical bull riding! Who is up for that challenge? Info: http://crapaudexhibition.com.
Happy Canada Day…and let’s hope for another 150 years of pride and progress.