Michele and Tom both had dogs growing up that they loved. Michele had Cairn terriers and Tom had a fox terrier named Sandy who lived to be almost 20 years old.

Michele and Tom were avid runners, and Tom wanted to get a dog to go running with. He grew up down the street from a firehouse where he used to visit so that he could see the Dalmatian there. Dalmatians are coaching dogs originally bred for endurance and protection. They ran alongside the coaches as their masters traveled, so this seemed like a good match. Tom did his research, and through that decided that he’d like to try his hand at showing dogs and the rest is history!

They moved to North Carolina in 2007 and started training at the Durham Kennel Club in 2008 and then joined the Club. They were interested in getting to know more of the local people involved in the sport and the DKC membership provided that. It’s also been an opportunity for them to volunteer their time and give back to a sport that has given them so much.

Michele and Tom have been blessed with some lovely Dalmatians. They have had some very special moments in the sport and are proudest of the consistency of their breeding program. They have had four generations of National Specialty winners. To have achieved that recognition at the national level is such an honor and something they treasure.

Michele and Tom have enjoyed helping with DKC performance events that they have not previously had exposure to. They like the fact that they can take classes in so many different aspects of the sport and that DKC provides a great facility for training no matter what your area of interest. They feel very fortunate to have been welcomed into the Club.