10 Questions ...

Profession: Paint pastel portraits of dogs and horses. Most of my adult life has been overshadowed by my obsession with my Borzoi and all things canine.

Dog-sport involvement: Borzoi since 1963, breeding, exhibiting, coursing and related. In brief: BCOA Board member, AKC delegate 20 years, co-founder of several still active clubs, participator in symposiums and mentor.

Hometown: Swartswood, New Jersey

Astrological sign: Libra

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  

Not really, although I have learned to never say never – anything can happen at any time.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?  

PBS, especially Masterpiece Theater and all animal documentaries.

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

Stress AKC’s original mission statement, with special emphasis on “To maintain a registry for purebred dogs and preserve its integrity,” “To sanction dog events that promote interest in and sustain the process of breeding for type and function of purebred dogs” and “To take whatever actions necessary to protect and assure the continuation of the sport of purebred dogs.”

4. Most valued material possession?  

It has been my good fortune to have many precious mementos. My most valued is my “Oscar” presented to me for Purina Show Dogs awards, 2019 Breeder of the Year hosted by Dog News.

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

That I am shy.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?          

I would like to think of myself as someone in the sport who openly encourages novices, just as I remember being mentored as a young girl all those decades ago, by those past masters. Presently I see myself as a dinosaur; several close friends compare me to Downton Abbey’s Dowager Countess.

7. What are you “famous” for?   

Majenkir kennels’ very distinct-in-type, prepotent Borzoi. Hounds that continue to make their presence known in the show ring and coursing field. I am proud of the contribution the bloodline has given to foundation kennels here in the U.S. and worldwide, and of my extended dog family who have been so generous in their support.

8. What website do you visit most often?

I spend a lot of what I believe to be wasted time on Facebook.

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

We all have devastating setbacks; better to bury them with the memories of those shining moments. I will always remember the thrill of my very first breeder-owner-handled Best in Show, Wilmington KC, awarded by Dr. Josephine Deubler.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

Two things: First, beginner breed enthusiasts would ask to spend some time here at Majenkir to learn about the breed from the ground up and in the whelping box. Not only helpful as they worked and learned, I benefited from the time spent defragging and sorting my own thoughts. The luxury of apprentice time seems in short supply today. Second: That someone with literary talents would ask to interview me to collect and preserve my breed knowledge collection.