Five questions with ... Denny Ray, who builds ponds and keeps the geese away

Denny Ray is the owner and president of Pond Wiser Inc. in North Canton. Originally from Carrolton, he and his wife Kathy live in North Canton.

The Rays, who have two grown children, don't have pets, but they live with two working dogs Vic and Bill used for the goose control component of the business. There also are two office cats named Lily and Pad.

Ray graduated from Carrollton High School and then from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Today, he uses his artistic training and talents designing ponds. He started the business in 1989 under the name Ponds Unlimited.

"We changed our name to Pond Wiser Inc. in 2002 to reflect the added business services such as the goose control and then incorporated in 2007," Ray said. "This is our 33rd season in total."

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Would you detail what goose control is and why it is important?

Goose control is exactly that. We guarantee control, not elimination.

Because geese are protected, using dogs to control the geese population on a property is safe and effective. The goal is to disrupt their habitat and prohibit them from nesting.

There are several reasons to remove the geese from your property. One, goose feces is toxic. And each goose drops one to three pounds of goose waste daily. Plus, the droppings are slimy and can destroy a lawn or cover a parking area, making it unusable.

Lastly, but probably most important, geese are very aggressive, especially in the spring when they are nesting. A male goose will attack to protect his mate. This is a huge liability for public property and businesses especially.

How did you develop your skills for what you do?

My pond skills were mostly self-taught when I started. I was the first person to install a pond in our area.

There were no courses, and not even books about it. I studied information that was derived from ponds built mostly in the UK, and especially formal cement ponds in England. As the "fad" took off, I was able to find more products and began working with various companies throughout the U.S.

I spent my childhood playing in the woods and coupled with my eye for design and ability to create art, I transferred that knowledge to pond building and repairing.

Once I became state licensed to provide maintenance and offer lake management, I started attending seminars and spent a great deal of time learning from aquatic biologists. I still rely on seminars and biologists 33 years later. I am not a pleasure reader, but give me information about designing or creating something, I will read to learn.

I added to my skills when we bought our first working dog and I learned how to work with him for goose control from his trainer. She gave me my initial training and was just a phone call away whenever I had questions. I was disappointed when I learned she was retiring. She retired around the same time I started looking for a second dog.

We were blessed to find another trainer who continued my training and again is always helpful if I have any questions or concerns. But, remember, these dogs are trained for years, so other than the dog and I getting to know each other, there aren't too many issues. I have to be trained, too.

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What makes the two border collies, Vic and Bill, a good fit for the job of goose control?

Our large pond and lake customers were frequently asking me about how to get the geese off their water and/or property. I began researching and found a few options.

The one that is most popular and effective is the use of specially trained dogs. And for goose control, border collies are the No. 1 choice, mainly because of their stature. Other than man, the only predator to a goose is a wolf/coyote.

If you have ever seen a border collie go into a stance or even when running, their form resembles that of a wolf. And their ability to learn is remarkable.

Vic and I bonded immediately. So just like bringing a new baby home, I had concerns when we purchased Bill. However, the two really complement each other. Vic just had his 12th birthday. Even though he remains healthy, he is slowing down on the long runs and prefers to stay on shore more so than swim.

Bill can't get enough long distance running and he has been in water for over a half-hour working geese.

What is your personal philosophy when working with your two canine partners?

Working with dogs is like working with two highly trained employees. They are intelligent and loyal to me and my company. My philosophy when doing goose control or pond services, or life in general, has always been to do the job to the best of my ability, respect those around me and remain consistent.

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Because you work outdoors, would you list some of your favorite hobbies?

Pond Wiser started as a hobby and takes up most of my time. It's a good thing it incorporated many of my hobbies, like being on a boat and fishing.

I have been mechanically inclined since a young age and so I am always tinkering with something. Now, it might be fixing a toy for a grandchild, repairing a pond or working on a vehicle.

Again, so much of my life has been a crossover into my business. I do have a private pilot’s license and have a love of flying.

Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.