Golf Course Canines |
|||
“ When the dogs are in the cart with you and you go up to someone who is not having a good day it helps break the tension and makes it easier to have a conversation .” — Christian Sain
|
|||
|
At work , Ruby helps with geese and is very “ watchful of squirrels ,” he says . “ She operates most of the day running around looking for squirrels and she occasionally chases a goose .”
He got Ruby when she was a puppy and he is still training her . “ With Ruby it ’ s a work in progress ,” he says . “ She ’ s very smart but stubborn . Chasing prey is a pretty natural instinct so I still put the leash on her in the cart . If something more interesting came by , she would probably leave .”
Ruby is great on walks around the course and her popularity is rising .
“ She is starting to become more asked about than me by the members ,” Wilmans says . “ She rides with me most of the time and they will see her chasing geese . She also has propensity to chase golf balls when they are moving . That is why I keep her leashed .”
|
Luna |
Ryder |
|
|
DOG : Ryder , 12 , and Luna , 3 , border collies OWNER : Christian Sain , director of golf and grounds maintenance , The Country Club of Virginia , Richmond
Ryder and Luna both belong to the CCV but they go home with Sain at night and on weekends . “ Ryder can ’ t get around as well now so we got Luna to take over that
|
responsibility ,” he says . “ Both are employees of CCV and both did come trained to recognize geese and get in the water .”
The dogs run beside Sain ’ s cart when he ’ s driving around the course . “ We go looking for geese ,” he says . “ Border collies have a lot of energy . They want to be doing something . They are not good at being idle .”
Ryder and Luna have been effective with geese and will herd anything that moves . “ They will even try to herd our staff coming down the hall ,” Sain says .
|
The dogs are also good ambassadors for the club . “ Our members might not know my name but they know the names of the dogs . When the dogs are in the cart with you and you go up to someone who is not having a good day it helps break the tension and makes it easier to have a conversation ,” Sain says .
Each dog has its own personality . Ryder is all about business . “ He ’ s not about small talk or socializing ,” Sain says . “ Luna is the life of the party . She wants to be loved .”
|
CHRISTIAN SAIN |