About Just FORE dogs

A few years back, Cindy's youngest son and daughter in law bought the Prairie Fox Golf Course, previously known as Angus Links, featuring a very nice clubhouse, in Windsor, IL.

Over the past three years, Cindy has been actively training her dog Annie, starting with obedience classes in Warrensburg, IL. These classes took an hour's drive each way and progressed through three levels. Subsequently, they took up nose work classes in Chatham, IL, and then advanced classes in Normal, IL, each requiring increasingly lengthy commutes.

Throughout this journey, Cindy wondered about the availability of local training facilities, as she found herself frequently driving long distances for training sessions. She also started training with a new trainer in Altamont, cutting her commute down to an hour round trip.

Inspired by her experience, Cindy dreamed of opening a local dog training facility. After sharing her vision with her trainer in Normal, she found the perfect fit for a trainer – the one she was working with in Altamont. With the agreement of her family, they decided to convert the clubhouse into a training facility.

After a meeting full of discussion, Cindy hired the trainer from Altamont, Kristin, for her new dog training center. The only question left was the name. Kristin suggested "Just FORE dogs," a name that perfectly clicked.

And thus, "Just Fore Dogs" came into existence. We invite you and your dog to become a part of our story.

Kristin Heiden, DVM

Trainer

I have had the pleasure of being around dogs since I was born. Growing up with dogs brought my family into the world of dog sports, and at the age of 10 I started showing in conformation and junior showmanship. With great mentors and hard work I am proud to say won Best Junior Handler at not only the inaugural AKC National Championship but again at the second one. Additionally, I handled the dog that won Best of Breed at the Bloodhound National Specialty in 2009 and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who won Best of Breed at the AKC National Championship in 2011. Since then, I have continued to show limitedly in conformation when my schedule allows.

After Graduating from the University of Missouri with my DVM, I pursued advanced training in veterinary chiropractic care. I became certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 2014. I have a passion for sports medicine which I find greatly aligns with my history in the sport of dogs. I love working with canine athletes and their teammates.

In my down time I have picked up in training and competing in the performance world of dogs. I currently am competing at the elite level in Nose Work, the elite level in Rally, the novice levels of obedience and shed hunting. I am having a great time becoming a better trainer and learning from my dogs through this journey.

I am a certified CWAGS Scent Work and CPE Scent Sport Judge, CGC Evaluator and working toward becoming an AKC Junior Showmanship Judge. I look forward to meeting everyone and working with your pets!

Cindy Birdsall

Owner / Director of Training

Born and raised in Windsor, Illinois, I now live in rural Shelbyville with my husband Scott Birdsall, our dog Annie, cat Oakley, and rabbit Snickers.

I have two sons, a daughter in law, a handsome grandson and two beautiful granddaughters who live in the Windsor area. We also have our adopted Brazilian daughter, son in law and youngest grandson living in Texas.

I was a 4-H leader for 8 years, taught youth Sunday school, and mentored young adults. After 23 years in Sequim, Washington, where we had numerous pets (2 Juliana pigs, 3 cats, 6 chickens, 4 miniature donkeys, 2 horses and our dog Saydee) and I enjoyed extreme trail course horse riding, I decided to sell or give away to good friends my pets except for my dog Saydee. I got her when she was 8 weeks old, we moved back to Illinois. 2 years after moving here at the age of 16, Saydee passed away.

After losing our dog Saydee, we got Annie and started competing in Nose Work. Now, we're excited to share our journey at Just FORE Dogs. Read on for "The rest of the story"!

OUR DOGS

Annie in April

D.O.B. April 23, 2019

Hi! My name is Annie In April, but my mom, dad and friends call me Annie. I am a pure breed English Golden Retriever. I have eight siblings. I was adopted by Cindy and Scott Birdsall when I was 12 weeks old. They came to my doggy house and checked out my brothers, sisters and me. I was on my best behavior hoping they would pick me and they did. I was very excited but afraid at the same time. When I got to my new house there were all sorts of weird things waiting for me. A comfy bed, fuzzy stuffed animals, things that squeaked, a metal cage and two shiny bowls, one filled with clean fresh water and the other with special puppy food. All this for me!

Mom enrolled me in obedience school. After passing beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, I moved to agility classes. However, due to mom's foot problems and my speed, we switched to Nose Work, which we both enjoy immensely.

We've dedicated numerous hours to Nose Work classes and competitions, aiming to compete in the 2024 CPE Nose Work Nationals in Springfield, IL. We'll continue as long as we have fun and remain a strong team.

I love using my nose to make my mom and dad happy. Because when they're happy I'm happy and when I'm happy, they're happy. I love you mom and dad! Your, Annie

Jaeger

Hi! My name is Jaeger! I’m an 8-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. I have lived with my mom since I was 10 weeks old. Originally she was just transporting to a potential new family, but after a short time I won her over and she said I could stay! Since then, I have trained my mom really well. I let her think she is the one calling the shots but we both know better. My favorite dog sport to do is scent work. I love finding all the scents and getting my reward for it. I will do all the other things my mom asks me to like being a show dog, rally, obedience, tracking, tricks, treiball, and shed hunting because I know she likes to do them. (Although don’t tell her, I do kinda enjoy some of those too...) After doing all that work, I enjoy a nice nap and sometimes refuse to get up in the morning. (Let’s be honest, mornings are RUFF!) But if there is a chance for food or treats you can count me in! I have taught my mom a lot over the years, and she says she’s a better trainer because of it. It was hard work, but I will keep at it because there is always something more to try!

PS: my full fancy name is hard for me to remember so I asked mom to put it at the bottom GCH, NWCH, Elite Champion, WSD, Foxvale’s Gipsy Danger SMT, L3V, L2I, L2E, L2C, ARCHEX, RE, BN, BCAT, TKP, CGC, ETD