Latvia
Team Leader Kristine Zake
My name is Kristine Zake. I’m honored to be a team leader for Latvia for first time. So I’m really looking forward to it. My team consists of great dogs and experienced handlers, so I’m sure we’ll make great effort for best results. Teamwork and support are our greatest values. I have been in dog world for all my life but in dog sports I dived right in 10 years ago when I bought my first dog – a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Patrick. Since then I have trained and worked to become a dog trainer in basic obedience and water rescue which I do as a hobby. I’m also a judge in water rescue and work as a medical doctor. I enjoy training my students basics of rallyO since I discovered this sport with my dogs. At the moment I have my Cavaliers and a Golden retriever with whom I enjoy training & competitions.
Daiga Simkevica & Higis
My name is Daiga Simkevica. I work in a union which engages in preservation of an ancient local breed – Latvia’s blue cows – a symbol of the Baltic countries. Bordercollie Higis is my second dog with whom I participate in rallyO. At the moment he’s 3,5 years old. He also enjoys dog dancing, we have participated in two World championship competitions and European championship. We also learn some basics of Nosework. Higis has completed canistherapy exam and in his free time works as therapy dog.
Kristina Lidaka & Kruzs
My name is Kristina Lidaka. Together with Kruzs we participate in rallyO since 2019. At the moment he’s 6 years old. Besides rallyO we enjoy water rescue. He is champion of many countries in water competitions and excels in this hobby. Kruzs likes to have long walks in forest and he’ll never resist a chance to go for a good swim. He’s very friendly and sociable dog.
Santija Kaminska-Gutmane & Tango
My name is Santija Kaminska-Gutmane. I work as a hair stylist in my saloon. I own 3 dogs – two Malinois and a Schipperke. I started participating in dog sports 5 years ago. All three of my dogs participates in highest rallyO class. I also enjoy dog dancing – freestyle & HTM. Together with Tango we participated in World championship in dog dancing this year in Hungary. We had high marks in HTM category. Tango is a very friendly dog who loves all people and is always ready to play.
Vladislava Akimova & Voit
My name is Vladislava Akimova, I’m from Riga, the capital of Latvia. I am active handler, trainer and judge in the Rally Obedience, Dog Dancing, Obedience. I am also canistherapy specialist and work in a school for children with disabilities. Voit`s official name is Perfect Partner. Нe lives up to his name so much that we practice and compete in different sports: dog dancing, obedience, nosework. Voit is successful in rallyО and is Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian Champion. He is also certified therapy dog and work with children with autism spectrum disorders.
