UK9BG Club Member Spotlight: Kristin Thankachen

Kristin has worked in the finance industry for over 10 years. She was introduced to the dog world 14 years ago when she met Shaun and his family, but it wasn’t until she joined UK9BG in 2017 without a dog of her own that she became serious about competition. She regularly attended club training sessions, closely watching Shaun and their newest puppy, Vato.

Determined to compete in the sport, Kristin acquired her first competition dog in 2018 from her good friend, Jonathan Katz. Initially hesitant about owning a female due to the challenges of heat cycles, she was ultimately convinced by Jonathan to take a chance. That decision led to the arrival of E’Chola Ha’ateed, a pup out of Jonathan’s PSA Level 3 dog, Puma, and Walter Qs PSA Level 3 dog, Riot. Though Kristin originally considered naming her Chica, she quickly realized the pups dominant nature required a stronger name.

In 2021, during a trip to New York, Kristin had the opportunity to see Chola and Puma together in the same house. The similarities between mother and daughter were striking, their mannerisms were nearly identical. Kristin had always recognized Chola’s intelligence, but seeing the genetics at work firsthand reinforced her belief in the strength of her lineage. Jonathan often referred to Puma as his neurosurgeon, and it was clear that Chola had inherited that same sharp mind.

In 2022, Kristin and Shaun decided to breed their male, Vato who had earned his first leg of PSA Level 3 to Chola, who had her first leg of PSA Level 2. They believed both dogs possessed qualities that would create well-balanced working dogs. Their instincts proved correct, as the resulting litter produced several promising dogs, many of whom are now actively competing in PSA.

Chola achieved her first leg of PSA Level 3 in July 2024, making history as the first female in Canada to do so. She is also the first dog bred from two PSA Level 3 parents to earn a leg in the Level 3s.

Now approaching her 7th birthday in March, Chola is expecting her second and final litter in mid-March. Kristin plans to return to competition in June, with hopes of closing out Chola’s PSA Level 3 title.

Fun fact:
• Kristin says she is awesome and chola is ok…
• Chola loves watching TV, especially when babies are on the screen. She becomes completely infatuated every time she hears or sees them.