Lois grew up on Puget Sound with Golden Retrievers during a time when they were a fairly rare breed. Her mother bred the dogs a few times and encouraged children to come and watch the whelping and play with the puppies once they were old enough. The first dog for which Lois was responsible was a Golden, Ginger Golden Spice. She was her constant companion during high school, walking on the beach and riding in the boat after school.
After university, first job, marriage, and moving to Colorado, Lois and her husband found a litter of Golden pups in Colorado Springs, and started puppy obedience training with the local club. Then she got a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy named Gryphon who was a dream to train as she was extremely food motivated, so all of the basic obedience was easy. Their next Chessie, Scoter, was a rescue and with him they started coming to obedience classes at DKC and then joined DKC in 2008.
In the meantime, Lois fell in love with a very different breed, Borzoi, formerly called Russian Wolfhound. She purchased Liberty from one of the major U.S. breeders and brought her home. Liberty has had a major impact on her life because they have become a team – some showing, but mostly obedience, rally, and agility. Borzois are habit-forming, so now they have four. Elektra, 4, is a Grand Champion in the show ring. Lois currently does agility training with Elektra and two-year old Tern, which is exciting and rewarding.
Lois is very happy that the Durham Kennel Club is so full of wonderful people that are helpful, positive, and interested in everything about dogs. Many of the members have inspired her to stay fit and become a better trainer, handler, and breeder by offering excellent classes, seminars, and informative meetings.