Diane and Tag

My Friend and Mentor

As we open nominations for the 2022 Special Awards, I’d like to share with you how the Awards came to be and the inspiration behind them. Four years ago, the freestyle world lost an elite competitor and staunch advocate for positive reinforcement and relationship-based training. Diane Balkavich was a skilled teacher whose expertise as a freestyle and obedience trainer earned her many perfect scores. Her dogs were always happy and responsive in the ring. She was one of the best of the best.

She was also a great friend to me and many others. After the announcement that Diane had succumbed to cancer on December 29, 2018, comments began flooding in and I realized that she never really knew how loved and respected she was or how much she meant to all of us. I found myself wishing I’d told her more often how much I appreciated her even though her humility and unassuming nature wouldn’t have let her believe what an important role she played in many of our lives.

I created the first Special Award, the Diane Balkavich “Heart of Freestyle” Memorial Award, not only as a tribute to her, but also as a way to commemorate her and keep her in our thoughts. Because I still wish I had told Diane more often when she was alive how much I appreciated her friendship and mentorship, the other Special Awards do just that.

“Poetry In Motion” Award

 

The “Poetry In Motion” Award was created to honor Cassandra Hartman.  Cassandra consistently raises the bar for me, and all of us who work to reach her level of skill and presentation. As a freestyler she is the perfect storm of polish, poise and precision. Her training talents and what her canine companions are willing to give to her is nothing short of amazing, and her care in keeping her dogs physically conditioned for what she asks of them shows her respect and understanding of their needs. Whether in the freestyle ring or the Rally-FrEe ring, her presence, style and connection with her dogs is undeniable. Thank you, Cassandra for showing me that the most awe-inspiring performances are those in which both partners have an active role in creating the magic that we call freestyle. 

“The Story Teller’s” Award

“The Story Teller’s” Award in Honor of Michele Pouliot. Michele has inspired me and all of us with her innovative approach to freestyle. Her ability to tell a story and draw you into the world she creates is mesmerizing. She sees no limit in what we can teach our dogs through patient training and clear communication.  She has brought freestyle into a new era of precision and yet done so in a way that makes it attainable to all of us that are willing to learn and persist. Her gentle persuasion of many to the world of positive reinforcement training has created a powerful cascade in both sport dog training and in the guide dog industry as well.  Thank you, Michele for pushing me and teaching me and continuing to educate about positive reinforcement training.

The Trail Blazer Award 

 

The “Trail Blazer” Award is truly special to me. It was initiated by this community and is named in honor of me =), Owner and Creator of Rally Freestyle Elements Julie Flanery. It was created to recognize a person who has contributed to the growth of freestyle or Rally-FrEe by encouraging participation and mentoring others in their journeys, as well as fostering their skill, continued involvement and enjoyment of the sport(s).

 

These awards are a way to recognize those members that have done just a bit extra to help, encourage, or support their fellow RFE members and others in the sports of freestyle and Rally-FrEe.

 

Nominations

All of the Special Awards are given once a year at the discretion of RFE or it’s appointees. Nomination forms are available in the RFE FB group, Facebook page and RFE website. This year, nominations will be accepted through Jan. 30, 2023.