10 Questions ...

Profession: High school special-education teacher

Dog-sport involvement: Breeder-owner-handler of Lakeland Terriers, ring steward, professional sweepstakes judge

Hometown: Sonoma, California

Astrological sign: Aquarius

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

I am quite superstitious when it comes to dog-show leads. Each lead is exclusively used for a specific dog, and once that dog finishes, the lead is either retired or reserved solely for use with that dog's offspring.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Suits,” “Suits LA” or any paranormal investigation show.

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

While I usually prefer long-term projects, if I had just one day, I would initiate a program dedicated to attracting and retaining people of color and minorities in every aspect of the purebred dog community.

4. Most valued material possession?

My most cherished possession is a George Ward Mars knife, which he gifted to me years ago during our six-week trip back to Montgomery County. He suggested I use it while working on a Westie. This knife never leaves my tack box.

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

Before my passion for dogs, I aspired to be an opera singer. In college, I majored in music performance with a focus on voice, and I am capable of singing in four different languages. However, I decided to pursue a different path when I realized the limited job opportunities for opera singers after graduation.

6. Who would you compare yourself to? 

I don't think I can compare myself to anyone else. I fully embrace my uniqueness and live my life unapologetically as myself.

7. What are you “famous” for?  

I was fired from my role as Brenda Comb's assistant after dyeing her Miniature Poodle without her permission! Although she agreed that the Poodle probably needed it, I shouldn't have taken the initiative to do it on my own.

8. What website do you visit most often?

Infodog, Weather.com and lots of AI searches for students’ essays!

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

Without a doubt, my most satisfying achievement was securing back-to-back group wins with my own Lakeland Terrier, Farren. I bred and finished her from the Bred-by class in just four shows. Although I had experienced significant wins before, this was the first time I could truly claim it as my own success. I proudly display her two rosettes in my home. I choose not to dwell on disappointments; instead, I learn from them.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you? 

"Mike LaFave has laryngitis. Can you step in for him?"