
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes a lot of great friends to hold a successful camp! This year was no different. In fact, this year more than any other year, has reminded me of the value of friends. Let me start by sharing one of the biggest OH CRAP moments in a very long time. As we were unpacking the van, I stopped dead in my tracks when I realized that I had left the rosettes at home. Oh crap!! Thankfully, Joanne Stenerson, my great scenting/tracking instructor and an even greater friend, was there to save the day (actually the weekend!) as she was able to pick them up from my home and delivered to camp Friday morning. A big THANKS goes out to my fabulous team of instructors and set up crew. I am forever grateful for all their support and generosity throughout the year. Without you, there would be no Camp Doggin' It.

So what is camp really about anyway? Yes, there's classes, demos and fun matches - so what? SO WHAT?!?!?! I get it, you probably think it takes a certain kind of crazy to go to a weekend dog camp. Maybe you're right but let me share an email I recieved from a first time camper. Rosemary and Holly came on their own after hearing about camp from someone at their dog training center. The email below was waiting in my inbox when I got home from wrapping up camp. Needless to say, it warmed my heart - this is what camp is all about!
Dear Mary,
Thank you for all your hard work and organizational skills in leading a successful camp experience for all participants. Your love of life and all things "puppy" shines through and it is such a pleasure to hear, see, and be with you. Your instant sense of humour is a true gift. Your energy is amazing. Your interest and caring for all campers was a very good quality. Well done, Mary Young!
Miss Holly and I had a really good time. We learned a great deal from Morgan and Shane and enjoyed both of them immensely. It was a joy to watch Shane run Holly, something I don't often get to see. I wish I was much younger so I could do amazing things with her. I also would have liked to do RallyO with Nancy, but, perhaps the "fun" event was quite enough for Holly and me -- certainly enough for anyone to have to witness! Lots of good memories, lovely new people to keep in touch with, and more than a few smiles in retrospect.
Rosemary & Holly with gratitude.
Dear Mary,
Thank you for all your hard work and organizational skills in leading a successful camp experience for all participants. Your love of life and all things "puppy" shines through and it is such a pleasure to hear, see, and be with you. Your instant sense of humour is a true gift. Your energy is amazing. Your interest and caring for all campers was a very good quality. Well done, Mary Young!
Miss Holly and I had a really good time. We learned a great deal from Morgan and Shane and enjoyed both of them immensely. It was a joy to watch Shane run Holly, something I don't often get to see. I wish I was much younger so I could do amazing things with her. I also would have liked to do RallyO with Nancy, but, perhaps the "fun" event was quite enough for Holly and me -- certainly enough for anyone to have to witness! Lots of good memories, lovely new people to keep in touch with, and more than a few smiles in retrospect.
Rosemary & Holly with gratitude.