Past President: Jean Juno (Craven)
Hello, for those of you that I have not met, I am Jean Juno ( Past President and Founder of the GRCSk). I have been asked to write a bio, so here it is…”The never published personal account of who I am and how I came to be in Goldens.”
    When I first was introduced to the Golden Retriever breed, it was love at first sight; although I would need to wait nearly a decade before owning one of my own. From there on in, I would say it is more like an addiction…not said in a negative way, but one that has introduced me to many wonderful people over the years and also prepared me for many heartaches associated with trying to improve the breed, raise quality Goldens that meet the breed standard, match pups with correct homes and helping mentor new people to the breed,  start a new club, and run a National Specialty event while trying to maintain balance in “real life”.  I never dreamed 17 years ago that it could be so all consuming!
   The joy these amazing animals have brought into my life are too plentiful to list, although having your dog save your parent, locate cancer in a friend, work as Service Dogs, work with Autistic children, train for Search & Rescue work,  sense seizures in an owner, locate a lost child, track and recover money stolen ( along with the person who stole it)  whelp an exceptional litter of puppies, or watch a dear friend compete in an event with her dog through many medical struggles have reduced me to tears over the years, each and every event has been very  humbling. They have also given me great resolve, to know that this is far bigger than “who am I” but more,”what role can I play in all of this?” To me, very little of this is “about me” but rather, what have I been able to assist in happening during my time with these incredible dogs.
 I admit, I have spent more time playing with most of my dogs over the years, and not in formal training centers attaining personal accolades. I am a very private person, although if you get me in a conversation about Goldens, you would never know it.
     Some of the heartaches, are common to all of us who love the breed, the loss of a pup, loss of a longtime furry or human friend, holding a trusting friend in your arms while they take their last breath (all the while having your heart breaking) staying up for days with a bitch trying whelping a litter only to lose the whole litter and trying to console the mom ( while barely holding it together yourself)  having a dog returned with issues to figure out, not having a dog returned that SHOULD have been, dealing with  the politics of dogs shows and clubs, hearing heartbreak stories of puppy mills and moral-less “breeders” , consoling owners of pups that you have placed when the dreaded day comes that they too must say Good-bye to their pet. Sobering stuff, not to be taken lightly, and I never have taken it lightly.
     Through it all, highs and lows, I have been eternally grateful for a furry face to bury my head in and sometimes just weep, or laugh...depending on the situation.
It is with great anticipation I wait to see where this ride takes me next!
  I hope that when I am gone, that people are able to say
“She gave more than she took, and she left the world a better place.”
With that in mind, our small club has come a long way since it’s conception, and I am sure it will continue to grow and thrive as the new team of committed Executive take over the reigns.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Yours in Goldens,
~ Jean Juno
           
President:  Deb Gareau (Saskatoon)
  I got my first registered dog when I was eleven when we acquired a four month old Irish Setter named Baxter from my cousin as he turned out to be far more dog than they could handle. I had dreamed for years of having one of these beautiful mahogany dogs to show. Though he didn’t turn out to be a conformation dog he was my first obedience dog and we obtained his CD in one weekend with 2 second in class awards. If you know anything about this energetic breed you will understand why I took him for a loooong run before we entered the ring.
  Two years later I acquired my first show dog a beautiful English Setter bitch from Bob Tait of Ebtide English Setters. I showed her myself to her Ch and we bred her twice and 6 of these babies also got their Ch as well as some performance titles.  
  After my husband Norm and I bought a house and were able to have a dog we had the “what kind should we get?” discussion. I would have gladly gotten another setter but Norm had always liked goldens and so began the search for our first golden. 
  After some searching I found Marjean Versveldt of Eirene Golden Retrievers and purchased a male Eirene’s Right On Rudy “Rudy” on whom I put a CD and a Ch including two 5 point BOW in Edmonton over many top handlers including the likes of Shannon Scheer and Doug Belter, two of Canada’s best, but of course that had everything to do with Rudy being a stunning example of the breed rather than my ability as a handler. 
  It wasn’t long before I had the itch to start a kennel of my own “Devanor” and after much groveling to hubby Norm I returned to Marjean and purchased my foundation bitch Ch Eirene’s Reason To Believe CD WC OD “Reba” who produced 13 Ch from 4 litters including 2 SDHF winners, 2 BIS winners, 7 Gr winners, 9 Gr placers and a 2004 National JAM, and most of these wins including the BISs and National JAM winners were owner handled. She also has numerous grand kids of note including BISS Ch Devanor Titan Your Toga SDHF who won the 2008 National and acquired his SDHF, and Am Can BISS Ch Kalar’s Four Paw Drive who won the Golden Specialty at the B.C. Sporting Dog Spectacular and a Specialty Major in the U.S. owner handled. The great grand kids are also starting to make their mark with RBIS Multi BISS CAN CH Auburnmist Special Blend WC AGNJ AGN RN. I am happy to say at 13 Reba is still with us and going strong.
  Due to a back injury I no longer handle my dogs but leave that to good friend and partner in Devanor Goldens Shauna Chapman who also does all the ring training of our goldens. I get to do the grooming, feeding, and best of all long  walks in the woods behind our house.

Vice President: Carol Martens-Clappison (Regina)
Hi,
My name is Carol Martens-Clappison, and I have had dogs around me since the day I was born.  I first laid eyes on a Golden Retriever in the 70s.  He belonged to my vet and was always in his office when I would come for check ups with my dogs. I admired his beauty and disposition.  Eight years ago my husband and I decided we needed a pet.  We were newly married and I was surprised when we both agreed on getting a Golden Retriever.  We began to search and this is how our first bitch Molly came to us. She was cute and mischievous.  It was at that point that I decided to go further with my pet so I began showing her. She loved the show ring and finished her Championship very quickly.  Then I thought I should maybe breed her.  In 2003 she whelped her first litter of ten pups.  She was a perfect mom and I was in awe watching her and the pups.  I was hooked. I love everything about this breed.  Goldens to me are like eating chips, you just can't stop at one.
I look forward to working with all of you and think we have a great executive.

Carol Martens-Clappison
Secretary: Lianne Daradics (just outside Regina)
I have been involved in the dog world for as long as I can remember.  My first registered dog was a German Shorthair Pointer when I was 11 years old.  I’ve had Goldens since 1984 and have been breeding on a very small scale since 1995.  I love this breed because of its versatility.  I enjoy training for all kinds of dogsports and my Goldens have always been willing partners.  I’ve competed and titled dogs in competitive obedience, working certificate tests, hunt tests, tracking, carting, agility, rally obedience…..  But more importantly, they’re my and my husband’s constant companions and pets. Very seldom do either of us go anywhere without at least one with us.  I can’t imagine life without them.

I’ve also been involved in various dog clubs for as long as I can remember.  I’ve held almost every executive position at one time or another as well as chaired and organized obedience trials, rally trials, WC tests, hunt tests and various seminars.

This is my second term as secretary of GRCSask.  I was the club’s first secretary from May 2006 – May 2008.  This term I look forward to seeing the club grow and prosper.  I’d like to see the clubs hold events for both the competitor and the pet owner (although most of us consider ourselves both) in both the north and south part of the province.  This will take time and commitment from all our members but I think we can do it.

I look forward to meeting you all in the coming year.
Lianne Daradics

Vice Secretary: Dee Armstrong (Estevan)
Hi .... my name is Dee Armstrong. My husband,Hugh and I live in Estevan,SK. We are the proud owners of Kai, an 8 month old Golden and a 2 yr. old Golden rescue, Amber. I belong to GRCC,WDOC and GRCSk.....at the present time I am shadowing/learning with Lianne all the ins and outs of GRCSk.

 

Treasurer: Jill Cairns (Regina)
Have you ever heard of a vice secretary? It exists! And we have one! I wasn’t sure what to call Dee and it was the only thing I could think of. I think Dee sets a great example for all of us. She wants to become more involved and learn not only more about Golden Retrievers, but learn how she can be a supportive working member of the club. As a group, we have such a variety of skill sets and it is terrific when people are willing to learn and teach together. Okay . . . . here comes the plug in the middle of a bio I haven’t even gotten into yet. . . . .  please, even if you think you have little to offer, offer! A quick story, a photo, an idea, a great article you’ve read, a question. . . .anything! No matter where you live in the province!
Okay, on to what I should be writing about! Me?

 

I LOVE Goldens! That pretty much says it all! Well, maybe not ALL. . . . . .
some of my friends think we’re a little nuts to have 4 Goldens but I love each and every one of them with all I have. My oldest girl is 13 and the princess of the house. My 6 year old and I are a St. John Ambulance certified therapy dog/handler team. I think she also sees herself as the hunter/gatherer type as she regularly (and proudly) trots home with some delicacy in her mouth when we are at the lake – the latest of which was a very dead and very big owl! Poppy is 3 and is the runner/fetcher/swimmer in the family. She loves nothing better than long hot days jumping off the dock to fetch balls we never seem to throw far enough. Sonny is the baby of the family and was that special boy who decided it was time to be part of our family about 8 months before we planned on a puppy. Timing isn’t everything!  He and I are busy getting ready for the show ring and we’re also having a blast with agility and lots of snuggles on the couch.
For me, it is all about the dogs. If I am not at work, I am sure to be doing something that relates to our dogs or the breed in general. I have met so many wonderful people over the last number of years who have so much knowledge and passion for this wonderful breed. I am grateful to them for all they have taught me. As I read over what others have written, I’m so glad there is a group of us that all love our dogs with all our hearts!

Membership Director: Deb Braithwaite
(Indian Head)
 Hi my name is Deb Braithwaite. I am the new membership director for the Golden Retriever Club of Sask.  I live in Indian Head with my husband, and my 5 dogs. I acquired my first golden in 2004 Abby aka Devanor Hot nights in Havana and in 2005 Devanor Boo Got the Look and never looked back.   Ever since, and with the help of a good instructor, Lianne, I was able to get a WC and CD on Abby. I believe in this Golden Retriever Club. The new executive is enthusiastic, willing to listen to it's members and through  education and good communication we can made this  club work for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns please send them to me and I will do my best to get an answer. Please, when you renew your membership, include your CKC #.
Sincerely,
 Deb Braithwaite