Michelle Kaptur
Michelle started her romance with dogs 25
years ago when she got into sled dogs.  She
trained and ran nine Siberian Huskies for
many, many years.  

"With nine dogs all on one leash out in front
of me I had to figure out how to control them,
keep them happy, how to build a relationship
with each individual- as some days my life was
in their paws.  I quickly became addicted to
that intense connection a person can build
with a dog through training." says Michelle.  

She currently trains agility with her Border
Collie "Sara" here at Desert Sage.  She thinks
that playing at agility is good because it keeps
the mind busy, gets you and the dog some
exercise, and helps connect with your dog in
a different way than typical obedience.  Sara
loves it and so does Michelle!

Michelle is also a glass artist.  (See her work
on the SoulBursts link www.soulbursts.com)  
She has taught art through the Oregon Arts
Commission's  Artist in Residence Program in
Oregon schools, as well as teaching art for
COCC's community education program.

Michelle has started assisting at Desert Sage
and we are happy to have her.  She has
brought to our program a new class-
Come Sit Stay and Connect!  I am excited to
have this class as many people do not have
the solid sit stays or the connection with their
dog necessary to a successful agility career.