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BCSA
Board of Directors |
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My
name is Michelle Olsen, and hopefully most of you know that I am the
current BCSA President! I will, by default, become the Past President next
year, which will comprise my seventh and eighth year of serving on the
Board! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and service to the club. It has
been a challenging, but rewarding experience for me and I have sure
learned a lot! I feel we have made significant forward progress in the
past six years since I’ve been involved with the Board, and I anticipate
that will continue under the next generation of club leadership.
I started out in dogs when I was a toddler, and owned and handled many different breeds in conformation, obedience, and junior showmanship growing up. I got my first Border Collie, a rescue, in 1993; and this soon sparked an interest in agility and herding. I now have four Border Collies, two of which are elderly and retired, and two young dogs that mostly do herding. Though I’ll probably always enjoy the “other” sports, herding in the open field has, by far, sparked my interest lately as the most challenging and interesting training pursuit for me. The seriousness and commitment with which good Border Collies approach their stock work is so rewarding to shape and develop.
Our breed is a very special one, an unparalleled stock dog that is invaluable to livestock men worldwide. Our Parent Club has been chartered by AKC to serve as the breed’s guardian and steward, to literally preserve history in the form of canine lineage. I believe we are here not to change the breed into a nice pet, a city dweller, an agility sprinter, a hackney heeler, a cattle dog, or a beautiful show dog; but to hold the breed static, only allowing change where it betters that for which it was originally bred- open field sheep herding. Certainly, Border Collies are good at, and can be used for, many things; and there are more Border Collies in the world than there are sheep ranches that need them. But, we must be vigilant about preventing “type drift” in the direction of these other very popular pursuits. Sheep dog ability outside of the small arena format should always be first and foremost in our minds, because that is the origin, purpose and best use of the breed.
I look forward to handing over the reins next year to a very capable slate and having a little more time to relax, train my dogs, compete, tend my blossoming farm, and shift into an advisory role for the club. I thank you for your support these last six years and encourage you to wholeheartedly support Lisa and the team as they move the club forward in new directions and endeavors. Cheers!
Page Updated 05.17.2008