Dianne Del Pozzo, President - founding member, member since 12/01.
Kevin Girvin, Vice-President - member since 05/02.
Suzanne Bunney, Treasurer - member since 04/03.
Kim Nantista, Secretary - member since 07/04.
Katie O'Connor, Member at Large - member since 05/06.
Club Helper
Kevin Girvin
Adriel Linyear, Apprentice Helper - member since 05/09.
Club Members
Kim Glogowski - member since 04/05.
Joanne Elliot - member since 05/08.
Jeremy Espinosa - member since 07/08.
Arthur Bohannon - member since 08/08.
James McDonald - member since 06/09.
Maurice Bariteau - member since 07/09.
Allen Yetto - member since 07/09.
Jodi Riano - member since 01/10.
Club Member Bios
Dianne Del Pozzo, President, Liberty Schutzhund Club
I started training dogs when I was 18 years old with my first German Shepherd Dog named Jason. I did AKC beginner-advanced obedience classes and had a brief intro into Schutzhund training. When I got my next dog 10 years later, a Rottweiler named Dana I started training on a regular basis at an area Schutzhund Club. Since then it has become an addiction that I can’t seem to get enough of. I am one of the founding members of Liberty Schutzhund Club, which started to form in 2001. Schutzhund training is a group effort and I want to thank all of my Schutzhund friends past and present for all the help and support along the way.
My achievements to date: Dana Von McChesneyhaus “BH”
Angus Von Weberhaus BH, Sch/VPG III, IPO III, SchH II regional champion 2000, High in trial 3x, High Protection x3, SchH III 8x
Nutz Von Den Wald BH, 2xSchH/VPG III, National qualifier, High in trial, High Protection, High obedience in 2006 High SchH III in 2007.
Domino Van de Duvetorre BH, SchH/VPG II, High in Trial, High SchH I, High Obedience, High Tracking, High Protection. Just getting started!
In 2001 we achieved the bronze sports medal for Points from Angus and in 2006 achieved the gold sports medal for points achieved with all my boys!
Goals for the future include National competition and Master gold sports medal.
Kevin Girvin, Liberty Schutzhund Club Vice-President, Club Helper
I was raised with GSD’s for as long as I can remember. My father trained dogs in the military and my mother trained Shepherds in AKC obedience and agility back in the 70’s. We always had very obedient dogs. It was always a passion of mine to learn and train a dog on my own.
I fell in love with the Rottweiler breed when I was a young teenager working for a local Vet hospital. I got my first Rottie when I was 15 years of age. I was introduced to the sport of Schutzhund back in the late 80’s and started training personal protection work with a local GSD breeder and her personal helper. From that point on I was hooked. Unfortunately, Schutzhund took a back burner in my life as I started up and began running my own electrical contracting business.
In 2002, I purchased a GSD to get back into training in Schutzhund. I joined Liberty that year with my very difficult and handler sensitive male Shepherd. At this point my wife (Annie) was handling and showing him in the German Conformation shows where he excelled. I also noticed the bond and relationship growing between the two of them. So to make a very long story short, Annie took over handling Czereck in Schutzhund. With a lot of frustration, tears and support from the club she has come leaps and bounds with this dog. He now has an AD, BH and will be going for his Schutzhund I this coming year. I purchased another male shepherd Dokken Von Eichenluft and since have obtained a BH and I am going for his Schutzhund I this Spring.
The love and passion of this sport has not only sparked an interest for my wife, but also our 9-year old son Tyler. Tyler has just started training his own dog, a 4-month old female Jack Russell Terrier (Lucy). Our future goals as a family and trainers are to support one another and our club members to achieve their titles and to share our knowledge and experiences within the dog sport.
Suzanne Bunney, Treasurer, Liberty Schutzhund Club I started training with Liberty Schutzhund Club in 2003. I was introduced to the “legendary” Mary Legge at that time through a mutual friend and she invited me to “check out” training with her club (Liberty) with my then 2 year old GSD, Jack. I had no idea what I was getting into. Jack and I were as green as we could be and a complete train wreck in the beginning, to say the least. But, in time, with the help and instruction provided by a few of the more experienced club members who would not give up on us, it all started coming together. Training Jack has been the most frustrating and at the same time, the most rewarding experience. We have a saying at LSC, “having a difficult dog to train, makes you a better trainer.” What I have learned and my ability to train, I owe mostly to Jack, (with the unwavering support of my LSC “clubbies”).
Jack and I reached SchH 2 before I had to retire him this past year. I am currently training my pit bull, Burkie and my GSD, Anja. I am totally hooked on Schutzhund, I can't imagine doing anything else. I look forward to many more years of training and hanging out with my "clubbies," the road trips always make for some excellent stories....I also have to give a "shout out "to my husband and son, who put up with me and the craziness of living with 5 dogs!
Kim Nantista, Secretary, Liberty Schutzhund Club I started in the sport of Schutzhund in 2004. I knew a little bit about the sport going in, but the more I went to training, the more I wanted to learn and I got hooked! I love the sport because you meet a lot of great people and form great friendships. I love being out on the trial field because it is a great feeling knowing I worked hard enough to be out there competing. My goal for the upcoming year is to get a SchH I on my male, Proteus, and a TR I for my female Brina. I would also like to compete in the Regionals this year with Proteus.
Katie O'Connor, Member at Large, Liberty Schutzhund Club
“Someday I’ll have a German Shepherd Dog” was a thought I had for many years of admiring the breed. After losing a cherished companion dog of 15 years I took the plunge and convinced my significant other to purchase a GSD. The working lineage, drive and temperament of my new puppy lured me into Schutzhund when she was 8 months old. Now, 2 years later, I am completely hooked and belong to a club whose teamwork and camaraderie is noteworthy.
I pride myself in past relationships with family dogs growing up. As an only child our dog for me was a constant companion. The relationship between dog and handler that Schutzhund training nourishes is beyond what I have ever experienced. Shutzhund challenges my ability to train, my dog’s ability to perform and, judged true to the sport, reflects my dog’s JOY in the work and our UNISON as a team. I am obtaining great pleasure and pride participating in the sport with my dog. I am positive the learning curve is greater for me than it is for her.
With a BH under our belt, I am hoping to train my dog eventually to a SchH3 and will be honored to compete with her on the field.
Kim Glogowski
I started training with Liberty Schutzhund Club in 2004. Aika, my 3 ½ year old Rottweiler is my first dog as an adult and my first dog in this sport. My interest in schutzhund came purely from family involvement. My cousin Kevin had schutzhund trained dogs, mostly rotties, and I loved them. The sport has led me to truly appreciate the “art” of communicating with my dog. Additionally, my appreciation is heightened by the talent ones need to craft in their ability as a handler. Liberty is a grade A club. The club is unassuming and the leadership is talented. Since our inception, Aika and I have earned our BH and we have our sights set on a Sch1 in the next year or so. Thanks to all my clubbies for their feedback and support!
