10 Questions ...

Profession: Licensed vet tech of 24 years

Dog-sport involvement: Conformation, lure coursing, straight and oval racing, rally. Have had multiple top 10 breed and all-breed contenders, dual champions, top-ranked lure-coursing and racing dogs, specialty winners, Best in Field winners and national specialty BOB and BOS

Hometown: Eatonville, Washington

Astrological sign: Pisces

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Every dog I show has its own show lead. Just for that dog — I don't reuse or recycle them.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

I will watch “CSI” and “NCIS” over and over.

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

Get rid of the rankings system. I feel it encourages bad breeding decisions (breeding to what wins), judges putting up dogs for wins based on who knows who and who's popular, and too many shows on the calendar.

4. Most valued material possession?

As cheesy as this sounds, my husband and son. I couldn't have had the opportunities I’ve had or do what I do without them.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

I can't bake to save my life.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Omg, I have no idea. I don't want to compare myself to anyone. I want to take the pieces and parts that I've learned or gleaned from others and be my own thing.

7. What are you “famous” for?

Doing more than anyone would think I'm capable of.

8. What website do you visit most often?

Zande Basenji pedigree site.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

My most memorable win was winning BOB and BOS at the Basenji National Specialty. I got to make history as the first person in my breed to win both at the same national. It was soooo special, as it wasn't expected at all. The breed dog was a young dog I bred. And BOS was my heart dog.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

There is no one thing. I want people to ask me why I did this breeding, why did I choose that dog, why did I decide to do XYZ. Don't assume anything: Get the answer from the source.