10 Questions ...

Profession: Entrepreneur

Dog-sport involvement: Breeder/handler

Hometown: Palmer, Massachusetts

Astrological sign: Pisces

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  

I usually use four rubber bands, and there are some outfits that are luckier than others.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Gilmore Girls.”

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

That is for sure a job I would not want. I do have to say, I truly appreciate the newer titles AKC has put forth lately (levels of CGC, ATT, Fetch Dog, Fast CAT, etc.). They have brought in new interest for exhibitors and their dogs. As well as using it as a stepping stone for other venues.

4. Most valued material possession?

I can’t say that there is one possession that I value. I do adore the Maud Earl colored copy of “Donna” the Irish Water Spaniel I was gifted from Marion Hopkins of Mallyree IWS.

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

That I am much older than I look!

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

I’m only accountable for me, myself and I. I can’t compare myself to anyone else.

7. What are you “famous” for?

My sense of humor.

8. What website do you visit most often?

It’s a tie between www.iwsdatabase.com and OFA.

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

It really depends. Disappointing wins remind us to work harder and keep trying, but so do memorable wins. I have had Irish Water Spaniels for more than 20 years and I have bred a small number of litters. At this year’s national specialty my young bitch was Winners Bitch and AOM from the Bred-by class under Mr. Doug Johnson, making one of my most unforgettable wins.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“I really love Irish Water Spaniels — how can I get started?”