I Made the Move: Why here? Plenty of dogs.

COVID SENT THIS TRAINER ON A WILD RIDE: So Robyn Andexser moved to join her partner in Powell River. She plans to teach Canine First Aid here soon.

Robyn Andexser and her 14-year-old dog Ty moved full time to Powell River in February 2022. She is originally from Edmonton.

Previously, Robyn ran a dog training business in Nanaimo, teaching puppy classes and all levels of obedience as well as in-home and private lessons. Robyn is a Dogsafe Canine First Aid instructor and together, she and Ty taught many people not just how to train their dogs, but also how to help them in an emergency. They hope to soon be teaching Dogsafe courses here in town.

Robyn • I have enjoyed visiting here for a few years now, as my partner has been living and working here. I was very busy every day in Nanaimo and when I would come here to spend time with Christian, I felt the desire to join the slower, more peaceful community.

Robyn • Before moving here I had only moved once before, and I remember it being a long time before I felt like I was home. Here in Powell River I had a different moving experience – it felt like home very quickly. I frequently walk the Westview neighbourhoods with my dog, and everyone we meet says hello like they have known us forever.

Robyn • After three months of my business shutting down in 2020, it quickly became very busy again. I often referred to the time as the ‘puppy pandemic,’ as puppy classes were filling like never before. After working hard for so many years already, and then getting that unwanted, yet much needed break, it was easy to see that it was time for a change. Both Ty and I were ready. So we worked really hard for 2021 to build the business back up, and then sold it earlier this year. Ultimately I was seeking a quieter, smaller community that had plenty of dogs. I found it !

Robyn • So far it’s the seawall walk and the lakeside camping spots that have no cell phone service! Paddleboarding on a lake with no one else around feels like another world out there.

Robyn • In 2014, when I first met Christian and he told me where he was proudly born and raised.

Robyn • I feel like an improved waterfront down at the barge terminal would be fantastic. I think this spot is highly underutilized as just a place to park. Imagine a couple of food trucks and picnic tables, maybe nice shade trees planted with benches underneath. Currently I have to pull my dog away from not just the mounds of bird seed dropped there, which is not permitted, but also the garbage that is left around since the large bins were taken away. My, what a beautiful spot this oceanfront parking lot could be!

Robyn • I really think that a couple of baseball diamonds would be great and well used here. There is a wonderful adult community of teams and players in town and it was so much fun to be a part of a team this summer. However, we are playing on grass and hitting balls into the forest!

Robyn • I just sold my dog training business before I moved to Powell River, so I am here with almost no friends and I am self employed. I think my challenge will be making new friends. Thankfully dogs are a good bridge to new friendships!

Robyn • Besides fixing the traffic light so we can turn left onto Marine from Westview, I would work with the community to develop an action plan that helps to decrease or eliminate the petty crime that happens daily and nightly around town. It seems to be getting worse, and I have seen over the last few years what has happened to my previous community by not dealing with the issues that impact citizens directly.

Robyn • The friendly people, the seawall walk and Inland Lake are my top three.

Robyn • My hot tub! And my dog Ty’s massage therapist.

Robyn • To be able to hear the animals talk to me! Instead, I will have to settle for the awesome feeling of helping people communicate with theirs.

Robyn can be reached at: isyourdogsafe@gmail.com