My first real experience with dogs began in 1989 when I “shared” ownership of a Springer Spaniel with my now husband.  In 1994, I bought my first Kuvasz, Gracie.  I was looking for a training challenge, and I certainly got one. At that time, I was a member of the Richmond Dog Obedience Club. With lots of classes, I put a Companion Dog title on her.

The Springer Spaniel and Gracie instilled in me an intense interest in obedience training and in understanding dog behavior. Those interests have continued to this day, and I am now in the process of becoming a Pat Miller Certified Dog Trainer, which I hope to complete in 2019.

Riska (Starhaven’s Regal Rin, UD, ThDN) came to live with us in 2007 as a 5-month old puppy. I began taking lots of classes at DKC and soon became a member. 

The DKC classes we took along the way to Riska’s utility title were excellent. There were many individuals at DKC who helped along the way; I can’t speak too highly of the coaching I got from Sallie Glei and Meagan Hamblen.

My proudest moments were when Riska earned her UD in her first 3 trials, and when we got a 199.5 in Open B! Riska retired from competition with 7 UDX legs and 18 OTCh points. She is only the third Kuvasz to earn the UD. 

I’m a devoted obedience aficionado. I hope to do nose work activities with our young dog, Milo, who clearly relaxes when his nose is engaged in some activity. Today I get my rewards from teaching Junior Puppy, which I have been doing at DKC for a number of years.

What I like about DKC are the opportunities available for competitors and pet people to be able to train their dogs to meet their goals, be it a “well-behaved housedog” or an OTCh!