Growing up in Greensboro, my family had two dogs Our first dog was an American fox hound named Sidney, and when we lost him, Nicholas joined the household. Nicholas was a Heinz-57 variety and surprisingly, he lived to be seventeen years old.

When my wife and I married, she had a Weimaraner named Prince, and fortunately he adopted me. After we lost him I was fortunate to find a very good breeder in Chapel Hill and got a pup that became the best teacher I could ever imagine. Kaspar's devotion, accomplishments, and companionship lived for seventeen years. He started my addiction!

At that time, we were living in Greenville, SC, and my new pup seemed to really want to please. I got involved with the Greenville Kennel Club, and Kaspar and I had great fun getting several obedience titles and tracking.

When my wife and I moved back to NC in 1994, I volunteered to lay track at a DKC Tracking test. Judge Pat Lawrence, who I met a couple of years before, asked me if I would be interested in joining DKC. In 1995, I did and it was one of the greatest decisions I have made.

Working with dogs is the best therapy I know. Through DKC I have taken obedience and confirmation classes and have been an obedience instructor for fifteen years now. When I became a tracking judge in 1998, DKC gave me the opportunity to be test secretary and judge the tracking tests.

One of the proudest moments I have had with DKC was being elected president of the club, and I am grateful for the growth and direction the club has taken. How fortunate we are to have a steady group of volunteers for our many events and classes. Thank you DKC for the opportunity to celebrate the dog activities that began many years ago!