10 Questions ...

Profession: Professional Handler

Dog-sport involvement: Breeder of Great Danes, Boston Terriers, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, Canaan Dogs and Mastiffs

Hometown: Bealeton, Virginia

Astrological sign: Sagittarius

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

I do not wear read in the ring. I feel that is second place.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

I love “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I love all of the beautiful queens who have the strength to show anyone that if you believe in yourself you can be anyone and do anything you set your mind to.

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

I would help establish a microchip program for all breeders that register their dogs with AKC. Every breeder would have an individual number for each kennel. This would help identify every dog bred by respectable breeders or the volume breeders that are supported by AKC.

4. Most valued material possession?

The pendant I wear. It was handmade by Joyce Theil and I love it.

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

I spoke at the White House with the Clinton administration to help the Consumer Protection Agency fine the manufacturers of products that were hurting our children. My kids were in a stroller accident and I was an advocate to get better laws to protect us from manufactures who blatantly disrespected the lives of our children.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Wonder Woman. I feel like I am always trying to help everyone around me to be successful and find their niche. I really believe in helping our fellow people and educating everyone about why we show and how they can get involved.

7. What are you “famous” for?

I'm not famous. I hope that the judges see that I bring good dogs to the ring and I am recognized for that. I really evaluate the dogs I am showing to be of good breeding to the standard.

8. What website do you visit most often?

AKC for all of my records and breeding records. (I love the MyAKC site — it has all the info for every one of my dogs.) OFA to check records on dogs I may be interested in. And White Dog Bone because they have been my treat supplier for years!

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

My most memorable moments have been supporting my owner-handlers and my kids when they were showing in Juniors. I am so thrilled when a dog I bred and gave to an owner-handler has been successful with them. It makes my heart sing when they are successful with a dog I bred or co-bred with them!

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

I really don't have an answer for this one. I hope they ask for help, as I am always encouraging new people or just the public about purebred dogs. It is important for us all to be approachable so we encourage people and educate.