Growing up a semi-rural setting we always had a dog including a Basenji, a Siberian Husky, and of course, my favorite breed, German Shepherds. From the ages of 10 to 15 I was very involved with the obedience part of 4H with dogs (which mirrors our current AKC Obedience program). That is where the bug first bit me! I showed three of my dogs in 4H, earning Open titles on two of them and a Utility title on our GSD, Tippy.

27 years later, I’m still hooked. One of my most treasured moments is when I was going for a UD title with my Novice A dog Kaya. We’d had a rough few years and got off-track in our timeline. My friend Laura Romanik was showing in the ring next to us and as we were setting up for Directed Jumping (and our last leg for the title), she asked her judge to pause judging her so that she could watch! Kaya took the correct jump, along with a perfect front and finish. I was overcome with joy and relief and the crowd whooping and hollering.

My husband Joe and I moved here in April 2010 with our two GSD’s, Kaya and Nick. I joined the DKC around June of 2010. I retired Kaya from Obedience and started to pursue Obedience with Nick who achieved a CD and a TD.  Both have since gone ahead to the Rainbow Bridge.

I’ve now primarily pursue IPO (formerly Schutzhund) with my current GSD Riggs. It is an extremely time-consuming sport with three levels, all of which require showing in Tracking, Obedience & Protection, at the same trial. We also show in AKC/UKC OB, and he has advanced titles in Dock-Diving, Barn Hunt, CAT, and FAST CAT.

I enjoy teaching all levels of obedience but find the most fulfilling to be the novice levels. I enjoy the people at the DKC and love that the club is active in so many dog-related sports, events, and causes.