The team Thunder Paws was original founded by Laurie Thomson in 2002. It was established after she and a few other founding members learnt about the sport at a National Guard event in 1998. “We just started it as something fun for us and our dogs,” said Geri Rich, whose participation also began in 1998.
Since that time the club has grown and evolved and is now an official non-profit organization, with yearly dues and regular elections. Although members and dogs have come and gone, the basic philosophy is still the same - "we just want to have fun with our dogs." We believe a "tired dog is a good dog".
Most of our team members got involved in the sport because they have high-drive dogs that needed something to do. It is a great outlet for energetic dogs and stops them from being destructive. You really feel the dogs love for the sport and that intoxicating energy bonds you with your pet. Many of us also enjoy the team environment and that every dog on the team is like our own dog.
We travel all over the intermountain west to tournaments. We are not trying to break any records, but we like to be competitive in our division. Our team has dues of $75 annually. We have practice each week, usually Sunday, weather permitting. We send out a weekly email with the time and location of practice. Anyone can come to watch our practices. If you would like to start training your dog for the sport we offer three free practices and then encourage you to become part of the team.