Shalynn Henry and Widow
All About Shalynn
UK9BG Club Member Spotlight: Shalynn Henry
Shalynn is originally from Toronto. She spent over 20 years on Vancouver Island before relocating to Alberta in 2018. It was there that she attended her first PSA trial and was immediately hooked on the sport. In her day-to-day life, she is an HVAC dispatcher.
In 2018, she joined UK9BG, where she spent over a year gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of club founders Stan and Tammy Thankachen, as well as other club members. By 2019, she was ready for her own dog. With Shaun Thankachen’s help, they reached out to Jeff Riccio and found the perfect match, forming an inseparable team.
In 2022, during a trip to Utah, they earned their PSA-PDC. The following year, they closed out their PSA Level 1 with a first-place win, earning High in Obedience, High in Trial, High Owner Trained, and High Owner Trained Club awards. Now, they are focused on achieving their PSA Level 2. Shalynn and Widow have also earned their Senior Dock Diving Title.
Shalynn is also a dedicated and valuable club decoy who began her journey in 2020, driven by Shaun’s encouragement and her own relentless desire to improve. With a strong passion for the intricacies of PSA, she embraced the challenges of decoy work, committing herself to developing both her technical skills and understanding of the sport. Under the mentorship of both Shaun and Stan Thankachen, she has gained invaluable experience working with a variety of dogs, from young prospects to seasoned competitors.
Her role extends beyond just club training she also works closely with Stan’s private clients, helping to fine-tune dogs and build confidence in both handlers and their canine partners. She takes great pride in contributing to each dog’s development, shaping their foundation work.
Shalynn’s journey in PSA is defined by continuous growth, learning, and an unwavering dedication to the sport. She remains committed to refining her skills, supporting her club, and sharing her knowledge with others, fostering a community where both handlers and dogs can thrive.
All About Widow
Introducing K9 “Widow” - Riptide’s K9 Widowmaker
Age: 5 years old
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Gender: Female
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Current Titles and Achievements
• DS (Dock Senior)
• PSA-PDC (Protection Dog Certificate)
• PSA 1
• High Owner Trained
• High in Trial
• High Owner Trained Club
• High in Obedience
Widow has excelled in PSA, showcasing exceptional drive, precision, and teamwork with her handler. Her high achievements in PSA 1 reflect their hard work, determination, and the strong bond she shares with Shay.
Future Goals
Shalynn and Widow have their sights set on earning their PSA 2, continuing their journey in protection sports at an even higher level of difficulty. With Widow’s drive and athleticism, there’s no doubt this team will keep achieving great things.
Fun Facts About Widow
• Widow has the cutest teeth chatter at the beginning of her training sets.
• Widow is bred by Jeff Riccio of Riptide’s K9
• Pedigree: https://www.working-dog.com/.../Riptides-K9-Widowmaker
• Follow this teams adventures and training progress on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shay_and_widowmaker...
Widow embodies the heart and spirit of a true working dog. Her journey through the PSA ranks this far is a testament to the dedication of her handler, and her natural talent. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo as they continue to conquer new challenges in PSA 2!
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