Gina is a HerUpland volunteer superstar and founder of Paws to Peaks dog rescue. She was nominated for this HighlightHer segment by a HerUpland board member because of her dedication to caring for bird dogs that have been left behind. Gina also gives tons of time and energy to this organization, volunteering at multiple events in 2023. Read on to learn more about Gina.
Describe a typical day in your life
The dogs usually get me up around 6:30am. We do a little kennel shuffle and depending which rescues I have in at the time will depend how many dog shuffles need to happen for morning potty rounds. Then it is medication time as 4 of the resident dogs are on chronic medications. Next, it’s time to get e-collars on and get loaded up into the side by side for their morning run a mile down the road. We hike all 8+ dogs at once usually (thank goodness for garmin GPS collars), for an hour. Then we head back home and it is breakfast time. After that, we do another round of dog shuffling for potty breaks. Then it is chore time while all the dogs rest with full bellies. Around lunch we usually do a training session with retrieving with the older dogs, basic training usually with rescue dogs or recall depending on where they are at with their training. Then evening dinner and then another training session in the evening after dinner, then well deserved snuggling.
How did you get into hunting and/or dog training?
I rescued my first GSP from a small shelter in Idaho, and he Is what got me into dog training AND bird hunting. I was just in awe of the breed and initially wanted to just carry the camera and take pictures of the hunt and his pure natural ability.
If you’ve attended a HerUpland Event(s), which one and what did you enjoy most about that event?
I’ve attended multiple dog training events and highly recommend these as they really can open the door to getting your dog on birds, in addition to some basic ground work. In addition one of the hunt camps has SO much packed into them the 5 days really fly by, you get to be out in the wilderness with like minded women willing to share their experiences, knowledge and help build your confidence to go out on your own.
What’s your Bird Dog Breed of choice, and why?
I love all bird dogs, but enjoy GSPs the most. They challenge me in so many ways. They push me to be patient, they push me to be more active, and then they also push me to settle in the evening so they can get their snuggle on.
Name one thing you’d like to accomplish with your dog in the next year.
One of my dogs had to take last year off due to an injury and now he is a wild child in the field so I want to work with him on re-enforcing woah, and then also reinforce him bringing the bird all the way back to hand which will entail implementing a trained retrieve course at this point.
What is your favorite upland or bird dog product on the market right now?
This one is tuff, but I’m going to promote/recommend rexspecs. I am not currently affiliated with them, but have all 5 dogs that hunt, wear them. They protect the eyes from abrasions, grass seeds and potential puncture wounds from barbwire fences.
Gina is the best!
All heart and soul.
I hope to see her soon.
Love love love Gina! I wish I had half her energy and 1/4 her knowledge! We are so blessed to have Gina be such an integral part of HerUpland! She is always willing to help in any capacity.