History of BOTC

1956
1. Bloomington Obedience Training Club was started in 1956. At that time, there was no affiliation with AKC.
2. BOTC’s first training facility was Jackie Molter’s backyard. Training was held outside, until fall, at which time they moved into the American Legion Post at 93rd and Lyndale.
3. BOTC’s first President was Jackie Molter.
4. BOTC’s first attempt at advertising was by way of Arle Haberle’s radio program.

1957
1. BOTC’s first Annual Meeting and Banquet was held on January 29, 1957.
2. The Board of Directors was made up of 10 people. Emmet Cushing was named President.
3. BOTC’s first request for AKC membership was in August 1957. It was denied by AKC because they did not feel the Club was “qualified geographically”.

1958
1. Second Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 23 at Jen’s Embassy. Marilyn Hitz was named President.
2. Marilyn Hitz was presented a plaque for a perfect “200” score in obedience.
3. In January, application was again made to AKC. Application included an endorsement letter from the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. AKC again denied the application stating there was no need for an additional obedience training club in the area.
4. The BOTC Square Dance Team was started and included dancing with their dogs.

1959
1. Third Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 15 at Jen’s Embassy. Marilyn Hitz was named President.
2. A Fun Match was held in April and included a cake raffle to earn money to purchase gifts for the “Triplet Girls”.’
3. A third attempt was made to AKC for membership in July.

1960
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 16 at Fort Snelling Officer’s Club. Sid Sather was elected President.
2. AKC was contacted in January regarding request made in July 1959.
3. Club By-laws were revised.
4. AKC was contacted in October regarding why no response from previous two letters. One week later AKC replied and said “within 10 days, they will see what can be done about accrediting BOTC for sanctioned matches”. Five weeks later, BOTC received a letter from AKC requesting updated membership list.

1961
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held February 4 at the Ranch House. Marlow Ihling was named President.
2. A contest was held to design an official emblem. Gale Frazer was the winner.
3. AKC finally responds on July 28, stating they can entertain an application from BOTC for a Plan OB Match.
4. In October, BOTC moves into its new training quarters at the Bloomington Roller Rink at 94th and Lyndale.
5. Beginning obedience classes were divided into big dogs and small dogs, were 16 weeks long and continued until 10:00pm.

1962
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held February 17 at Fort Snelling Employee’s Club. Marlow Ihling was named President.

1963
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 17 at Fort Snelling Employees’s Club. Marlow Ihling was named President.
2. By July, still no word from AKC if BOTC could hold 1st Licensed Trial. AKC was contacted again requesting permission to hold trial in September. AKC responded NO.
3. BOTC made application to hold 1st Licensed Trial May, 1964, the same weekend as Twin Cities Obedience Training Club Trial. AKC approved this date.
4. In August, Sidney Sather passed away and Club established Sidney L. Sather Memorial Fun Match.

1964
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held February 15 at the Fort Snelling Employee’s Club.
2. Bob Klare was named President.

1965-1993
Little documentation could be found concerning these years.
Although the following did happen, the specific years could not be verified.
1. Yearly “club members only” team obedience match with the winning team having their name inscribed on the Sid Sather trophy.
2. Orv Kingsberg donated the Phyllis Hegland Memorial trophy. Phyllis and Orv were hunting friends along with their Irish Water Spaniels. Both were members of BOTC from 1975.
3. At one time, the Club had a Club Historian who kept club scrapbooks including photos, newspaper clippings. The scrapbooks were displayed at the Annual Banquet.
4. The annual banquets used to be affairs that went on until 1:00 AM and beyond. A DJ was hired to play after the dinner and during the meeting and awards portion. After 1AM, many of the attendees would go out for breakfast.
5. BOTC training facility is at 92nd and Lyndale in Bloomington.
6. BOTC training facility is then moved to 98th and Logan in Bloomington
7. BOTC hosts a 1-Day Obedience Trial.
8. BOTC revamps their training program to a positive reinforcement, motivational style with guidance of Director of Training, Liz Wilson.
9. Sponsored a motivational training seminar with Chris Bach at the Valley Ridge location.
10. Agility classes start at BOTC in 91-92 with Bruce Glatzel and Fred Landgraf constructing equipment and offering instruction at the Bloomington Logan street location.
11. Conformation classes were offered at BOTC since at least 1987.
12. Performances were done at the Minnesota State Fair dog building demos.
 

1994
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held in January at Mystic Lake Casino.
2. Tracy Lawrence was named President.
3. Club by-laws were updated and approved by AKC. Primary liaison with AKC was Amy Lowry.
4. BOTC moves from its training facility in Bloomington to Burnsville on the Burnsville Parkway.
5. BOTC hosts a 1-Day Obedience Trial.

1995
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held in January at Mystic Lake Casino.
2. Tracy Lawrence was named President.
3. Dave Zawada was awarded the annual Kennel Ration (Gaines) Award.
4. BOTC By-laws were modified and approved by AKC
5. BOTC hosted a 2-day obedience seminar – Gerianne Darnell and Training the Small Dog
6. BOTC hosted its first AKC Agility Trial on September 23-24.
7. BOTC hosts a 1-Day Obedience Trial.
8. BOTC moves from its training facility from the Burnsville Parkway to the Pet Supply Co. in Burnsville.

1996
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet was held January 12 at Mystic Lake Casino.
2. Paula Moreau was named President.
3. BOTC hosted a dog aggression seminar conducted by Jean Peterson.
4. BOTC hosts a 2-Day Agility Trial.
5. BOTC hosts a 1-Day Obedience Trial.
6. BOTC conducts an outdoor obedience fun match at LacLavon Park in Burnsville.
7. BOTC starts selling BOTC T-shirts.
8. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.

1997
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet was held January 25 at the Cherokee Sirloin Room in Eagan.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC moves from The Pet Supply Co. in Burnsville to our Pleasant Avenue facility in Bloomington.
4. BOTC holds its first Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson - Trial Chairperson
5. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
6. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
7. BOTC hosted a 1-Day Fall Obedience Trial.
8. Agility starts holding classes outside during the summer.
9. BOTC hosts a Clicker Training Seminar taught by Excel Dog Training.
10. BOTC held its first every CGC (Canine Good Citizen) class.
11. Dick Johnson named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

1998
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 24 at the Canterbury Inn in Shakopee.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC hosts an agility seminar put on by Ruth VanKeuren.
4. BOTC conducts its second CGC class.
5. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
6. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
7. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
8. BOTC hosted a 1-Day Fall Obedience Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Show Chairperson
9. BOTC has a “Members Only Agility” fun match.
10. BOTC starts selling dumbbells, leather leashes, sweatshirts and agility weave poles.
11. BOTC adds a conformation run through class to its schedule.
12. Suzi Johnson named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

1999
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 23 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC hosts an obedience seminar conducted by Leslie Nelson.
4. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
5. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
6. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
7. BOTC hosted a 1-Day Fall Obedience Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Show Chairperson
8. BOTC hosted the Annual Holiday Party held at the training facility.
9. Bonnie Swanson named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2000
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 26 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
4. BOTC Summer Picnic and General Membership meeting was held in August at Bush Lake Park.
5. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
6. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Trial Chairperson
7. BOTC hosted the 2-Day November Obedience Trial – Bonnie Swanson – Show Chairperson
8. The November Obedience Trial is held at our own Pleasant Avenue facility for the first time.
9. BOTC hosted the Annual Holiday Party held at the training facility.
10. BOTC hosted an obedience seminar conducted by Patty Ruzzo.
11. Jody Anderson named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2001
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 26 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
4. BOTC sponsored a CGC testing day.
5. BOTC Summer Picnic and General Membership meeting was held in August at Bush Lake Park.
6. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
7. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
8. BOTC hosted thee 2-Day November Obedience Trial – Show Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
9. Rally Obedience class added to the November Obedience Trial.
10. 18 BOTC dogs performed at the University of Minnesota Vet School.
11. BOTC conducts a CGC test.
12. BOTC hosted the Annual Holiday Party held at the training facility.
13. BOTC started a new award for members – Partners in Excellence.
14. Donna Schmitt named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2002
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet held January 26 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Bonnie Swanson was named President.
3. BOTC sponsored an obedience seminar with nationally known clicker trainer, Morgan Spector.
4. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
5. BOTC raised prices on the obedience and flyball classes.
6. BOTC added a new agility class (Whiz Kids) and a new obedience class (Show Ready/Novice Proofing).
7. BOTC’s Summer General Membership meeting was an ice cream social and was held at our training facility.
8. BOTC participates at the State Fair dog demonstrations in August
9. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
10. BOTC hosted the 2-Day November Obedience Trial – Show Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
11. BOTC hosted the Annual Holiday Party held at the training facility
12. Karen MacDonald named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2003
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet was held January 25th at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Anita Smits was named President.
3. BOTC hosted an AKC Obedience Judge’s Seminar in March. 70 people attended.
4. The BOTC reception area gets a paint job and “face lift” in April.
5. BOTC hosted the 3-Day Memorial Day Weekend Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Pete Porotko
6. The Annual General Membership Meeting and ice cream social was held in July at the club.
7. BOTC introduced a beginning Utility class in July.
8. BOTC participates in the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
9. BOTC hosted the 2-Day September Agility Trial – Trial Chairperson – Pete Porotko
10. BOTC conducts a CGC test in September.
11. BOTC introduces an Advance Whiz Kids class in September.
12. BOTC establishes a new obedience position focusing on the needs of the pet dog handler. Diana Horrigan accepts the position.
13. BOTC invited Petra Mertens, DVM from the UofM to provide a seminar on canine aggression in October.
14. BOTC hosted the 2-Day November Obedience Trial – Show Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson
15. BOTC improves facility by adding ceramic tile in the reception and bathroom areas along with new signs in and outside the building.
16. BOTC does a week long “Open House” during December with treats for members and students.
17. Bonnie Boudreau named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2004
1. Annual Meeting and Banquet is held January 24 at the Thunderbird Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Jan Hopper was named President.
3. BOTC holds a “Novice Only” Obedience Fun Match in January.
4. BOTC introduces a beginning Freestyle class in March.
5. BOTC purchases and installs new Agility mats in March.
6. A BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner is held in March.
7. BOTC holds an Obedience Run N’ Done in March.
8. BOTC provides 5 free Obedience practice sessions to members in early Spring.
9. BOTC hosts an Agility practice day for World Team tryout participants in April.
10. BOTC sponsors a dog First Aid seminar in May.
11. BOTC hosts the annual spring Agility trial in May – Trial Chairperson – Pete Porotko.
12. BOTC introduces a new Rally Obedience class in June.
13. BOTC landlord paints our building along with other improvements in June.
14. BOTC participates in the State Fair dog demonstrations in August with a new format.
15. BOTC host the annual spring Agility trial in September at a new location in Bloomington – Trial Chairperson – Pete Porotko.
16. A BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner is held in September.
17. BOTC holds an Annual Membership meeting and Halloween party in October.
18. BOTC hosts it’s first THREE day Obedience Trial in October – Trial Chairperson – Bonnie Swanson.
19. A Junior Handler Agility program is approved in October.
20. An AKC Rally Judges Seminar is held in December.
21. A Rally Practice Day with two rings is held the next day.
22. Cathy Solatycki and Anita Smits are named BOTC Humanitarians of the Year.

2005

1. Annual Meeting and Banquet is held January 22 at the Prime Hotel in Bloomington.
2. Diane Portoko was named President.
3. BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner is held in February.
4. A Canine Good Citizen Test was held in April.
5. BOTC installs new lighting throughout the facility in April.
6. BOTC hosted the annual Spring Agility Trial in May.
7. An Agility NADAC Rules Seminar was held in June.
8. BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner is held in July.
9. BOTC participates in the State Fair dog demonstrations in August.
10. BOTC holds a Rally Run N Done to benefit Helping Paws in August
11. An Agility AKC Rules Seminar was held in September.
12. BOTC hosted the annual Fall Agility Trial in September.
13. BOTC donates money in September to AKC/CAR in support of the hurricane disasters
14. BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner is held in October.
15. BOTC hosted a three day Obedience Trial in November.
16. A Canine Good Citizen Test was held in November.     
17. BOTC holds an Annual Membership meeting in October.
18. Bev Rongren is named posthumously BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2006 – BOTC 50^th Anniversary!!

1. BOTC celebrates it’s 50^th Anniversary since being established as a Club in 1956.
2. The Annual Meeting and Banquet was held January 21st at David Fong’s in Bloomington.
3. Cathy Solatycki was named President.
4. Rally Run Thrus were started for the first time on Sunday evenings in January.
5. A BOTC All-Instructor seminar and appreciation dinner was held in March.
6. An AKC Obedience and Rally Judges Seminar was held in March.
7. A general membership meeting was held in April.
8. Obedience, Rally, Agility and Flyball demonstrations were held at Chuck and Don’s Pet Store in Bloomington in April.
9. An Obedience Fun Match was held in April.
10. BOTC hosted the annual spring Agility Trial in May.
11. BOTC participated in the Bloomington American Legion Memorial Day Parade.
12. A Canine Good Citizen Test is held in June.
13. BOTC participated in the Richfield July 4^th Parade.
14. BOTC installs new Obedience mats in July.
15. A BOTC All-Instructor meeting and appreciation dinner was held in July.
16. BOTC participates in the Dog Days of Summer event in Burnsville in July.
17. BOTC participates in the Minnesota State Fair demonstrations in August.
18. BOTC hosted the annual fall Agility Trial in September.
19. BOTC hosts a 50^th Anniversary Open House along with the AKC Responsible Dog Owner Day in September.
20. BOTC hosts an Obedience and Rally Run N Done weekend in October.
21. BOTC hosts the annual Obedience and Rally Trial in November.
22. A Canine Good Citizen Test is held in December.
23. Barb Wedekind Selton is named BOTC Humanitarian of the Year.

2007

1. The Annual Meeting and Banquet was held January 20th at the Holiday Inn in Bloomington.
2. Cathy Solatycki was named President.
3. First USDAA sanctioned junior agility league in the country -- January to March.
4. A BOTC All-Instructor dinner and spring planning meeting was held in May.
5. BOTC hosted the annual Spring Agility show in May.
6. A Canine Good Citizen test was held in June.
7. BOTC participated in the Richfield July – 4^th parade.
8. A BOTC All-Instructor dinner and seminar was held in August.
9. BOTC participates in the State Fair in August.
10. BOTC hosted the annual fall Agility Trial in September.
11. An annual membership meeting was held in September.
12. BOTC hosts an Obedience and Rally Run N Done weekend in October.
13. BOTC hosts the annual Obedience and Rally Trial in November.
14. A Canine Good Citizen Test is held in December.