Peters enjoys dog training

ATHOL - Ashley Peters has grown up working with border collies on agility training.

The Timberlake senior's grandma, Carol Wheeler, and mother, Julie Boucher, have trained the dogs for several years and introduced Peters to the hobby when she was 7.

"We've been doing it ever since," Peters said. "Dog shows are generally laid back and fun."

Peters' 7-year-old border collie Flash Gordon won several titles at shows, including in the Excellent division. It was good enough for Flash to reach retirement, Peters said.

"I'm retiring him because he's almost 8," Peters said. "He didn't compete last summer. I don't want his joints to get arthritis. Competing is hard on their joints."

Peters said she plans to help her mom train a border collie named Jo Jo in 2011, however.

Peters is a post player on the school's basketball team. She's been on varsity for the past two years.

"I started basketball when I was in the fourth grade, and I've always been one of the taller players," she said. "I like the competition and being part of a team."

Peters said this year's team gets along well.

"There's things that can bring a team down, and we just don't have that," she said, adding that the squad is hopeful that it can qualify for the state tournament. "We can hold our own."

Peters also enjoys quilting with her grandma.

"We made a quilt when I was little that took grand champion in some fairs, so I was pretty excited," she said. "This year I made six tie blankets for Christmas presents."

Peters said she plans to attend either Lewis-Clark State College or Boise State University next year to pursue a law degree.

"I'd either like to be a mediator who helps settle things during divorces or be a lawyer for a big business," she said. "I'm really good about settling disputes. If friends or anyone are fighting, I can pretty much stop it in a positive way. I'm also good at arguing."

SNAPSHOT

Favorite movie: "The Italian Job"

Book: Anything by Nicholas Sparks ("The Notebook," "The Guardian," etc.)

Pets: Border collies Flash Gordon, Lena

Hobbies: Riding horses, basketball, dog agility training, quilting