I have been training and exhibiting dogs for nearly 30 years, initially beginning in obedience matches with an Australian Shepherd and an Australian Cattle Dog (Queensland Heeler) before either breed was sanctioned by the AKC. In the 80s I decided I wanted to compete at AKC obedience trials, and acquired a big black Labrador who finished his Companion Dog (CD) title at 8 months of age with a scoring average that put him in the Nation's Top 50. I unexpectedly lost him to illness in 1988, and was urged by a friend to try the conformation ring with his "replacement," so I purchased a show-quality chocolate Lab bitch and commenced my quest for a championship. Unfortunately my girl ended up dysplastic, so I spayed and retired her from conformation and continued in obedience, where she acheived her Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title. When I began traveling to dog shows with a friend who bred Cardigans, and showed one of her Cardi girls to her CD title, I realized this breed was calling my name. Loudly! I acquired my first Cardi in 1989--a big blue merle son of the bitch I showed for my friend--and since then this wonderful, intelligent breed has been my sole emphasis. Conformation is my primary interest, but I am also very active in agility training and exhibition. In "real life" I'm a full-time writer with an office in my home, a luxury that allows me to interact with my dogs frequently throughout the day. I've been a member of the Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America since 1989. Club activities have included serving as an officer on or member of the Board of Directors for several terms, and chairing or serving on several committees, among them Breeders' Education. I am a CWCCA-approved Breed Mentor/Presenter, permitted to give educational seminars to licensed judges, provisional and prospective judges, and other interested parties. In the '90s I served as the AKC Gazette Cardigan breed columnist, and accepted the ongoing position again in 2005. I am an administrator of the ShowCardi-L internet chatlist; the founder/moderator of CardiNet, a chatlist with emphasis on assisting the newer and prospective Cardigan owner; and am a member of the Southwest CWC chatlist for owners, breeders, and exhibitors residing in the West and Southwest regions of the U.S. I also have been honored to judge several regional specialty or supported entry Sweepstakes. My goal is to breed happy, healthy, socialized puppies fit for any activity, be it the show ring, performance events, Search & Rescue, hospital therapy, or "only" being a beloved part of the family. I feel strongly that far too many dogs end up being euthanized in shelters, both purebreds and mixed breeds, and therefore I simply will not breed more than one litter a year. My concern is to make certain each specific puppy goes into the right home and lifestyle, and to assist potential homes in preparing for a long and loving partnership with their Cardigan. I will always be available via e-mail or telephone for questions about and advice on any of my dogs, regardless of age. I consider it a moral and ethical contract between breeder and buyer to provide the best care possible for any dog I bring into the world. |
