BARC History

Before BARC there was Super Paws

Joyce Angell and Kathy Codd introduced dog agility to the Treasure Valley in 1998. After teaching a summer class for the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club (ICCKC), the two formed a partnership, bought a truck and a set of equipment, and decided on the name Super Paws Agility Training. Soon they were holding classes in Ann Morrison Park, and once word got around, they never lacked for either students or spectators. Several of the Boise area's most accomplished agility competitors, among them Tom Kruger (MACH "B.J.") and Mary Hunter (MACH "Katie"), took their first agility classes from Joyce and Kathy.

BARC becomes official

Since Joyce was already well acquainted with NADAC from her time in Alaska, those of us new to the sport looked to her for leadership in forming our club. In 1999, we received NADAC approval, and elected our first board -- which not surprisingly included all seven of us! Carol Hanft agreed to serve as our first President, and provided the wise leadership the group needed during our first year and a half. When the Hanfts relocated to Colorado, Vice President Kathy Codd succeeded as President. Subsequent presidents would include Tom Kruger (two terms); Kathy Codd (again), and Suzanne Davis (two terms).

Learning Experiences

Our early events were often real learning experiences. To secure a place to practice in one of the city parks, we often had to compete with stray dogs and soccer moms in SUVs. Our first seminar was scheduled to be held in Caldwell, but after an eleventh-hour change in venue, we ended up at the Hanft's house, which would later be the site of many memorable barbeques and parties. Our first year, we began our tradition of holding fun matches ahead of the fall ICCKC trials, as practice for the day when we would hold our own trials. However, in the. beginning, so many of us were such novices, we really didn't know what we were doing. Fortunately, a couple of out-of-staters named Suzanne Davis and Brenna Herteaux often volunteered to assist, and soon they felt so sorry for us, they moved to Boise just so they'd always be on hand to help out!

Boise's First NADAC Trial

BARC held its first NADAC trial in May 2000, outdoors at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds. Our judges were Paul Kirk of California (who brought his accordion and regaled us with a series of sing-alongs) and Dwayne Bonker of Alaska/New Jersey (don't ask). Despite a little rain, everything went well, except for our newly-purchased stop-watches, which immediately seized the opportunity to go on strike.

Further Developments

In the early days, our new club had to spend almost every cent we took in, just to put on trials. As a result, we have been slow in acquiring our own equipment. We've been very fortunate to enjoy a good working relationship with ICCKC, from whom we have often borrowed equipment, and to have Tom Kruger, equipment expert extraordinaire, whose generosity and skills we still rely on. In addition, we owe a debt of gratitude to the many ICCKC members who have been willing to help us with our trials, even though many of them don't do agility. In recent years, under Tom's and Suzanne's leadership, BARC has been able to purchase Super Paws' agility trailer and a few pieces of equipment, and we eagerly anticipate the day when we can arrive at our show grounds with a complete outfit in tow.

Over the years, BARC has been active in the community. Back in the days when we practiced in the public parks, many of the neighbors would come to watch and talk about dogs. Katrina Kruger organized a raffle for one of our early trials, and these have now become an annual event: over the years, several dog-related causes and activities have benefited from the funds raised at these raffles, and out-of-town competitors always seem to look forward to participating in them. From the beginning, BARC officers and members have eagerly shared their expertise by conducting demos, seminars, and classes, and giving many interviews with the media, all of which have served to sustain local interest in the sport. Finally, BARC members and their dogs have participated in many local events, such as Boise's annual Holiday Parade, the annual Scout Fair, Idaho Humane Society's Adoptathon, and other activities.

Please direct any questions, as well as additions or corrections to Beverly Miller.