I have always had a passion for dogs. Beginning as a junior handler, my family owned and showed Samoyeds. The first breed I personally owned was a buff Cocker Spaniel. My father was an all breed professional handler in the Pacific Northwest. From him I learned my beginning handling skills and also acquired my love for Pugs. My husband Del and I  purchased our first Pug in 1965 when they moved to San Jose, California. We became active in conformation showing and obedience training. In 1968, they acquired our first Borzoi and started to open field and lure course in addition to showing and training.

In 1971, I was licensed by AKC to handle dogs and was approved as an all-breed AKC handler in 1976. Having shown and finished champions in breeds from every group, I remained an all-breed handler until I retired in 1999 and became an AKC approved judge.

I have been a member of the Pug Dog Club of America since 1970 and am a "Life Member". 

In 1972, I joined the Borzoi Club of America am now a "Life Member".

I was a founding member of the Northern California Pug Club in 1988.      

Donnelle is approved by AKC to judge 4 groups, Hound , Working , Toy  and Non Sporting.   I am also approved to judge Junior Showmanship (all breed), Best in Show and Misc.