Craig Daily Press

Sidney reclines beside Glenna Grandbouche, Yampa Valley Canine Connection president.

Although she can’t voice her thoughts, Sidney appears content to lounge nearby while Grandbouche describes the Ca­­nine Connection, a non-profit organization that formed late last year.

Sidney occasionally cocks a sleepy eye at her companion before settling into a light snooze.

Sidney is a Border collie that Grandbouche adopted last fall from the Border Collie Rescue in Nebraska.

“I’ve always been interested in animals,” she added, looking down at Sidney. “I call myself a student of (animal) behavior.”

Grandbouche’s passion for training and owning dogs began about 20 years ago when she started studying dog breeding and herding. Her involvement in the Canine Connection has grown from that passion, prompting her to help lead dog owners to a closer bond with their pet.

The Canine Connection’s mission is “to encourage and support the development of recreational, educational and animal assisted programs throughout the Yampa Valley (and) to create diverse and positive activities to enhance the canine/human bond through responsible dog ownership,” according to the organization.

The group consists of about 20 members, including youths and adults, from the Yampa Valley and surrounding areas.

The club sponsors community outreach programs, including bite prevention presentations and the Delta Society Pet Partner Program, which allows certified dogs to visit convalescents in hospitals and nursing home residents, Grandbouche said.

The Canine Connection also hosts trainings, including the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program.

The training “is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs,” the AKC Web site reported.

Dog owners who pass the program’s 10-part test receive a certificate from the AKC.

The program is open to Canine Connection members who pay required membership fees, Grandbouche said.

Membership costs will be determined at the group’s next meeting on Sunday, she added.

Still, Grandbouche believes the program’s most significant rewards may come from a dog’s improved behavior and its owners’ grasp of responsible dog ownership.

“I don’t believe every household should have a dog,” Grandbouche said. “I think (people) need to consider their lifestyles and what time they have and whether that pet is right for them.”

Grandbouche believes canines need a commitment from their owners.

“They do need to have boundaries,” she said. “They need leadership — trustworthy, fair leadership.”

Finally, training a dog takes time — something that many people lack, Grandbouche said.

As Grandbouche rises to leave, Sidney’s ears detect her owner’s movements and her eyes snap open. She rises to her feet, instantly awake and alert.

The responsibilities of dog ownership do pay dividends in the form of a devoted companion, Grandbouche said.

The club president gives one more recommendation for dog owners.

“Make your dog part of the family,” she said.

Bridget Manley can be reached at 875-1795 or bmanley@craigdailypress.com