Glider Spotlight: Meet Marva Petrequin!

In this monthly series, we put the spotlight on our Gliders community to celebrate individuals who inspire us. This month, we’re highlighting Marva Petrequin.

Tell us a bit about your background and upbringing

I grew up in the San Fernando Valley on the northern side of Los Angeles with my younger brother. Most people would probably consider my childhood pretty typical for a child growing up in the 1950s and 60s.

After attending college, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to live. My mom always joked that she needed a separate address book just to keep track of me. I lived in Santa Monica, San Jose, and Los Osos/Morro Bay. Somehow, I always ended up working in accounting, even though I hated math when I was in school.

I’ve lived in California my entire life. I eventually moved to Fresno to take a job at a local winery and have stayed here ever since. I worked for 30 years as the CFO of a refrigerated trucking company. As I started preparing for retirement, I had already cut back to working two days a week and decided to go back to school to become a canine massage therapist so I would have a retirement plan. Fortunately, massage therapy is very tactile, so I’ve been able to continue helping performance dogs stay comfortable and in top condition every day.

Fresno is centrally located in California and offers access to many outdoor activities, which have always been important to my well-being.

I had a dog growing up, but I got my first Golden Retriever in 1985. I began showing dogs in conformation (similar to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show), as well as obedience, rally, agility, and field events. I met my wife, Deborah, while we were both showing our dogs in obedience.

Over the years, we added Pointers to our Golden Retriever family, and our lives have truly revolved around our dogs. Today we have four Pointers, three Golden Retrievers, and two horses. Because of our dogs, we have traveled all over the United States and Canada—and sometimes the horses have come along too!

These experiences have allowed us to meet incredible people and create lasting friendships. When I lost my sight in 2019, dog sports changed for me, but I still love attending events to support Deb and spend time with friends. I’m looking forward to Glide helping me get back into obedience and rally with our dogs again.

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Where do you live? How did you end up there?

I live in Fresno, which is located right in the middle of California. The region surrounding Fresno is primarily agricultural—almost every type of crop is grown here. Many people might recognize one of the big names from the area: Sun-Maid raisins. Grapes, pistachios, stone fruit, and citrus are grown everywhere you look.

I originally moved here for a job, but it turned out to be a great location. Yosemite and Kings Canyon are both within about 90 minutes, and Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the coast are all within about three hours.

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What type of work do you do—both volunteer and otherwise?

I’m technically retired, but I still do canine massage, primarily working with agility dogs.

I’ve also been very involved with the American Pointer Club. Over the years, I have served as Treasurer, Vice President, and I currently sit on the Board of Directors. I’m also active in our local agility club here in Fresno.

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What is a typical day like for you?

Most of my days revolve around the dogs—and with as many as we have, that keeps me busy! I like to exercise so I’m ready for whatever the day brings.

I also moderate a Facebook page for the American Pointer Club. I enjoy cooking, so there’s usually something happening in the kitchen as well. And of course, I spend time massaging client dogs

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What is one big question in life, work, or society that has been occupying your mind lately?

One question I keep coming back to is: When will we start being kinder to one another again?

I see so many people on social media lashing out at each other, and even in everyday places like parking lots or stores, people seem quick to react with frustration. Sometimes we all just need to pause for a moment and show a little kindness.

My wish is that people would be more honest with one another and more willing to listen with open hearts.

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What’s the best thing you’ve crossed off your bucket list?

I love to travel, but one experience that really stands out was a trip to New Orleans. I lost my sight a few months after visiting there about seven years ago, and I still take great pleasure in remembering the sights, sounds, people, and especially the food.

It was an incredible experience, and I hope to return again someday.

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If you could design a holiday, what would it be?

There are already so many holidays on the calendar that people often overlook them, focusing only on getting a day off work.

My holiday would cost nothing and be simple: Be Kind Day.

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Anything else you’d like to share with the Gliders community?

I’ve been married to Deborah since 2015, although we were together for 18 years before that. She has stood by me for nearly 30 years, and I feel incredibly lucky.

I’m very excited about Glide becoming part of our lives soon. I know it will give me greater independence, especially when traveling with our dogs and attending dog events.

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