Woman posing with a black dog at a dog training event.

I got into the world of dogs in the mid-1980’s when I took a college job at a local boarding/grooming kennel.  My first love was a quirky Norfolk Terrier named Tuffy and together we earned her American & Canadian CD’s before she had to retire.  I competed in conformation & obedience with other Norfolk Terriers and a few different breeds for several years before taking a lengthy break from training & showing to focus on family.

Several years ago, I found my second love in Labrador Retrievers and got back into training & showing.  Currently, I have two Labs and a retriever-mix rescue.  Kacey, 4 years old, is currently competing in the top title levels in AKC Scent Work and UKC Nosework.  She holds CGC & SPOT-ON titles, as well as Rally, Fetch, FastCAT & Tricks titles.  Riley, 11 years old, is a retired breeding stock mom for Leader Dogs for the Blind – we hosted her while she produced four litters for them and kept her after her retirement.  Many of her babies are working guide dogs in Mexico, Spain and South America, as well as the U.S.  Riley also has CGC & SPOT-ON titles, as well as titles in Rally, Tricks and Nosework, but she really just most enjoys being the “friendly dog” for CGC and SPOT testing.  Amos, my rescue, is also about 11 years old.  He was  found standing in the road in the middle of nowhere by a friend.  He joined my pack about a year ago and has been an absolute joy to have around.

I re-joined KDTC about 10 years ago after taking several classes there.  I usually teach Beginning or Puppy class, but have substitute-taught most other classes that KDTC currently offers.  What I enjoy most about teaching is watching dogs & owners strengthen their bond while learning new skills together, and seeing them both improve and have fun week after week through a training session!