2015 Summit Award Winner - Breeder

The Summit Award for Breeder of the Year recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of breeding experience that is compliant with recognized codes of ethical conduct or the Urban Animal Certified Quality Mark and demonstrates an exemplary level of professionalism. Our winner this year, with 73% of the vote, is...

Dawne Deeley, TsarShadow Karelian Bear Dogs

Dawn acquired her first Karelian Bear Dog in 1991 and by 1997, her Danish import had attained the position of No. 6 all-breed dog in Canada. Since then, dogs bred under Dawne’s ‘TsarShadow’ have won numerous World, European and Nordic titles.

Today, Dawne occupies her time working for various all-breed magazines and shaping the futures of the up-and-comers in her kennel. The recipient of a 2009 Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, she provides regular columns and international features for Dogs in Review. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Dog Legislative Council of Canada, World Dog Press Association and Canadian Kennel Club Foundation.

In 2005 Finland’s President Tarja Halonen awarded Dawne one of Finland’s highest civic honors, the Cross of Merit of The Order Of The Lion, for “devoted service ... through the promotion and advancement of Finno-Canadian relations through journalism, and for the protection and preservation of the Carelian Bear Dog.”

Urban Animal is grateful to Pets Plus Us for sponsoring the 2015 Summit Awards.

2015 Summit Awards Revealed by InfoStream

Urban Animal is pleased to advise the completion of the Summit Awards program. Urban Animal has engaged CW Communications to complete this project. During the next two weeks the 2015 Summit Awards will be revealed each day using InfoStream. The 2015 Summit Awards will then be turned over to local representatives of Pets Plus Us, the 2015 Sponsor, for delivery and presentation where possible.

For ten years the Summit Awards have represented the recognition component of the Urban Animal program in North America. Nominees for the Summits include individuals and organizations active in the Urban Animal Industry. Nominations are confirmed by the Urban Animal Action Council, who review the nominations, voting, process and results to ensure the established criteria are met and that no nominating or voting irregularities are present. The decision of the Action Council with respect to these matters is final.

This year's award program signified the most involvement from urban animal subscribers to date, with 35 nominees in 12 categories and an outstanding 16,144 ballots cast in the process. Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted and helped recognize the initiatives and accomplishments of all the nominees.

Continue to read InfoStream as we announce the winners of:

Breeder

Collaborators

Communicator

Community

Distinguished Service Provider

Homing

Individual Achievement

Lifetime Achievement

Pet Owner

Retailer

Sheltering

and Wellness Summit Awards.

Poll 2 Summit Award Nominations - Current Leaders

The current leaders in Poll 2 of the 2014 YourSay™ Summit Awards are identified below. Those who haven't yet voted, can still honour industry nominees by clicking on the VOTE NOW link below:

Breeder
There are 2 Nominations in this category:

56% Sybille Brochu - Ellisbye Puppies
44% Colette Francis - Pooch Palace Kennels

Pet Owner
There are 2 Nominations in this category:

81% Susan Thixton

19% Candace McLaren 

Health and Wellness 
There are 2 Nominations in this category:
68% Paws Fur Thought - Medric Cousineau
32% Cat Healthy Canada - Dr. Liz O'Brien

VOTE NOW

Poll 2 closes Friday, 19 September 2014. 

REVIEW NOMINATIONS

Cattery celebrated for industry achievements with Breeder Summit Award

Trysh Tolhrst (Bundas Bengal Cattery) & 
Larry R. Evans (PetLynx Corporation)

When the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies initiated a conversation to define a ‘breeder code of ethical conduct’ one of the most influential resources was Trysh Tolhurst, who had established a breeder certification program for PJ’s Pets. 

Despite the industry confusion around the reselling of pets, Trysh was instrumental in creating a program for PJ’s breeders that ensured a supply of certified puppies and kittens for PJ’s clients. These animals were some of the best bred, health certified and socialized animals available to people in the communities served by this retailer. Trysh had taken the time to research the existing Breeder and Kennel codes in Canada and then added warranties and other enhancement that ensured a successful homing experience for the animals in her program. 

During the 2013 Summit Awards Tour in October, Trysh was presented with an award which pays tribute to her extensive work for and with Urban Animals.  Sponsored by Pets Plus Us, the Summit Award for Breeder recognizes a breeder of companion animals with five or more years of experience that is compliant with codes of ethical conduct and who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to the industry. Five finalists vied for the industry's highest highest award in the category of breeder, Trysh received 60% of ballots cast. 

While breeding standards are an important aspect of Trysh’s legacy in this industry, her involvement in both feline and canine breeding are also commendable. In the Canine area Trysh was involved with the Germain Shepherd breed serving up noteworthy animals with respect to disposition and confirmation. In the Feline area Trysh is still involved with the breeding of Bengals with her breeding organization, Bundas Bengal Cattery, where she continues to improve the standards and experience for those who receive her kittens into their home.