10 Questions ...

Profession:
Professional Handler and Belgian Malinois Breeder

Hometown:
Silver Springs, Florida

Astrological sign:
Taurus

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?  
My assistants always laugh and they learn quickly that the one thing to keep track of is my comb. I have a teal greyhound comb that has my kennel name engraved in it. It was a gift from a sponsor and I have worn with every one of my Malinois that I have campaigned. It’s something that I have to have to feel right in the ring especially when showing my  Malinois.

 

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?
One show I always watch is “Life Below Zero” and the funny part is I absolutely HATE the cold. Everyone that knows me knows if it’s below 75 degrees I’m freezing. but I will happily watch a show about living in negative temperatures.

 

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?  
If I were president of AKC for one day I would make it a rule that there were no shows to be held on the last weekend of every month. That way everyone gets at least one guilt free weekend off from shows a month to spend more time with their family. I recall one time that the nation had no shows on a particular weekend and it was wonderful people actually got to enjoy their time off and not feel stressed about others gaining points.

 

4. Most valued material possession?
I would say my most valued material possession would have to be our 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest. It’s a peaceful retreat for both My husband and I as well as the dogs.

 

5. What is something no one would guess about you?
One thing most people don’t know is besides the dogs, I also have a small hobby farm at home with ducks, chickens, and my amazing Nigerian dwarf goats.

 

6. Who would you compare yourself to?
I am not one to compare, I’m a firm believer to be yourself and always strive to be better today than you were yesterday.

 

7. What are you “famous” for?
That’s a tough one, I guess in our world of dogs I would be famous for Belgian Malinois as they are what I am most known for. But in my life at home with my kids, I am famous for being straightforward. If they want a truthful answer without hesitation, they will come to me.

 

8. What are your thoughts on Social Media?
 I have mixed emotions with Social Media, it’s a wonderful connection for long distance friendships that we develop within our sport. It definitely helps to connect breeders with other breeders over seas but where is it damaging is the camaraderie of our sport. There is online bullying, group chats, where people degrade others within our sport. It has been a become a very negative platform in many manners while it can still be beneficial. The mannerism of the participants is what is detrimental to our support. Poor sportsmanship, live lives, not only in person, but also online, especially in social media.

 

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat?  And what was it? 
I would have to say my most memorable win was my first Best in Show, which was also the first Best in Show in 15 years within my breed. Cain is also the only Belgian Malinois to be awarded a Best In Show in the last 23 years.

 

10. What do you wish someone  would ask you?
Honestly, I am an open book to those that ask. I have had a life heavily involved in dogs, while I consider myself a constant quest for knowledge, my experiences in dogs has been very vast. My experience in life itself an adventure without doubt.