It all started with a Sheltie named Chrissy and a Border Collie named Punkin, who sparked my interest in training dogs when I was twelve. I took a few classes as a 4H-er through the Syracuse Obedience Training Club. Soon after that I began training a wild English Springer Spaniel pup named AJ. He was both beautiful and smart. I started competing with him, first through 4H and then in AKC shows. I played some in Junior Handling and competed at the State Fair level in 4H for several years, earning Champion and Grand Champion on multiple occasions. I earned my first AKC CD on the Sheltie when she was ten. As I learned more about dogs and the dog-show world, I became convinced this was for me and have never looked back.
I have taught for both Dottie's Dog School and Syracuse Obedience Training Club. I have competed in many venues, including agility, conformation, and obedience and rally. The newest additions to our household are a Havanese named Joey and a Mini Schnauzer named Heide. Although I have owned several breeds, there will always be a herding dog in my life. Right now this includes my mom's Sheltie, Lilee, and of course my highest-titled-yet Border Collie, Snickerdoodles, who is close to getting her UD and RAE. As long as there's a four-legged, tail-wagging, wet-nosed creature by my side, life will be good.
My dogs:
Chrissy (Sheltie) - Towne Hill Crystal Dream CD
Punkin (Border Collie) - Smiley's Punkin CD
AJ (English Springer Spaniel) - Corrado's AJ's Steppin Out CD, CGC
Snickers (Border Collie) - Bear Creek Snickerdoodles CDX, RAE
Joey (Havanese) - Smiley B's Cracker Jax (just beginning his training)
Heidi (Miniature Schnauzer) - Smiley Gralton Locomotive (another up and coming)