I was nine years old when I decided I was going to be a Veterinarian who bred and showed dogs as a hobby. Both of those plans took a while to take shape. I owned a Golden Retriever but thought Flat-coats and German Shepherds were interesting. I did not know what a Corgi was and was not allowed a second dog anyway. Eventually, my 4-H leader offered me a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named “Chucky”. I trained him through Utility and showed him in the breed ring where he got his championship despite the distraction of starting college at Michigan State University in 1981. I acquired my first Pembroke bitch in 1983 to show in both performance and breed. My first Pembroke litter was in 1985 and produced the first “Sandfox” Champion. Since that time, I have been blessed with many Pembroke champions and performance title holders. I have taken some great dogs and bitches into the ring as well as had some wonderful producers. 

In the past 25 years, I have had the honor to judge several specialty Sweepstakes for my breed including the 2003 PWCCA Sweepstakes which remains one of my most treasured memories. 

In 2014, I decided to obtain AKC approval to judge regular classes. I find tremendous enjoyment in going over beautiful dogs. I quickly added Cardigans, once I was approved for Pembrokes, as they are often judged together at International events and I loved our “cousins” anyway! With discovering that I enjoy judging so much, I have decided to pursue learning about other herding breeds. As I have progressed, I have gotten to love all our herders! I appreciate all the unique differences in each breed and what makes “type” in each breed. I also appreciate what breeders in each breed would prefer us, as judges, to place emphasis on in judging their breed. I look forward judging, eventually, all the herding group as I developed an understanding and appreciation of them in the coming years. 

I am currently practicing veterinary medicine in Ashland KY in my own practice for dogs and cats. I am still active breeding and showing my Pembrokes. I am an avid birdwatcher and travel a lot to bird watch and show dogs. Now that I am judging, I have yet another reason to travel and fortunately, enjoy it a great deal!