My name is Martina Ossola. I was born on 1995. Today I live in a village near Varese.
It was 2008, when I first get to know the Shetland Sheepdog and from that moment the boundless love for this small and energetic breed has increased day by day.
The interest and the great passion for dogs has always been part of my life. Unfortunately my parents have not allowed me to keep a dog as long as I life under their roof. So I focused myself on cats, ducks, turtles, chickens and rabbits.
One day my beloved cat passed away, it was really painful for me. Finally my parents decided to allow me to take in a dog, but it should be a small sized dog. I searched online for a long time. I was sifting through all breeds, because I wanted a dog with specific characteristics. Then I found this little herding dog and it was immediately a thunderbolt: a small dog and so elegant, beautiful, active, energetic.
The Shetland Sheepdog was a combination of all what I was looking for in a dog.
Finally and after months of waiting, my life as a “Shetland sheepdog owner” began. I went to pick up Arky, my first puppy.
Initially I did not have much time to spend with him. I played volleyball at a competitive level and the high school took a lot of time. Arky followed me to the gym and he enjoyed watching the game from the platforms. After a few years, I had to make a difficult choice. I could dedicate myself to volleyball at high levels and make a career. I had the chance for an easily great sporting future, but my heart was fixated on dogs.
So I decided to follow the passion, that I always ha and. I gave up volleyball. As ambitious as I am I could not continue in a lower level team, because my character is very competitive, I always give my best and cannot do things halfhearted.
I still was so young and had no car licence. Thanks to my mother, which did drove around. I started a series of practical experiences with Arky: puppy course, basic education course, agility dog and pet therapy operators.
I shared everything with him. He was everywhere with me such as traveling all over Italy and even abroad.
Arky was the beginning of my biggest dream to come true: my life, my work and my passion for dogs, with a boundless love for these little sheepdogs.
Today I am a student of Breeding and Healthy of animals at Veterinary Medicine in Lodi. I am a dog trainer of 3rd level FISC for agility dog, I am also working as a dog sitter and wedding dog site since lot of years.
In August 2017 Olly gave birth to my first litter.
In spring 2019 I received the confirmation of my shetland sheepdog kennel name FILLORY.
I will always be grateful to my family, my mother in particular. I thank my boyfriend Jacopo for the support and patience with me.
Hints of my curriculum vitae and my training:
2022 Sheepdog Dog trainer 1st level FISC
Doctor in Animal Breeding and Wellness at Veterinary Medicine (2021)
ENCI 2020 Master Dog Breeders
Interning during 2020 in Veterinary Clinic “Il Melograno”, specialized in Animal Reproduction
Agility Dog Instructor since 2014 at various dog centres: “CIAC Centro Istruzione Amici del Cane”,
“MIC Muovi Il Codino”, “Free Dogs Varese”
Professor in canine operator courses and dog educator at “CIAC Centro Istruzione Amici del Cane”
Wedding dog sitter since 2012 (www.weddingdogspecialist.com)
Dog walker and dog boarding in my house since 2011
Puppy Class operator at “Scuola Cinofila Il Mio Cane – Rho (MI)”
Internship of practical and theoretical sheepdog with Steve Jaunin and Devis Albani at “Azienda
Agricola Il Lupo Nero – Cassine (AL)”
Expert Conductor at “Scuola Cinofila Il Mio Cane – Rho (MI)”
Clicker training with Erika Siotto at dog centre “Psyco Dog – Merate (LC)”
“Dog Breeding: veterinary tips for a good management”at Medical Veterinary Faculty – Milano (MI)
3° level Agility Dog FISC instructor
“In the marvellous dog world, between genetics, behaviour and human influence: the long journey
travelled together that changed both of us”, Dr Barbara Gallicchio – Marino (RM)
Monothematic meeting by EtoStudio – instructors Lorella Notari and Barbara Gallicchio: “What
kind of behaviour is this? Breeds and behaviour: genetic and ambiental influence in dogs
behaviour”. Watchdogs, utility, defence and company. Retriever hounds and dachshunds. Primitive
dogs and bolts. pointing dogs and greyhounds
“Let’s massage our 4-legs friends”, t-touch day
“The emotional life of dogs and other animals: joy, sadness and empathy, their evolution and man’s
role”, professor Marc Bekoff – Marino (RM)
“Dogs’ behaving problems: understanding causes, how to recognize and solve them”, relator Turid
Rugaas – Marino (RM)
Dog educator with Alfonso Sabbatini at “Free Dogs Agility Team” – Cassano Magnago (VA)
“Educate the dog to calm down”, Dr. Lorella Notari
“Separation problems”, relator Dr. Lorella Notari
1° level Veterinary Life Support course – recognized by AETEMP, European Association of EMTs and
Paramedics
Pet Therapy operator, at “Dog4Life Onlus” by Patrizia Spada
Volunteer at “Molina Foundation Varese”, pet therapy project