I am thrilled and deeply honored to judge the Puppy, Working Dog and Veteran Sweepstakes at the 2009 Border Collie National Specialty.

My husband, our newborn son and I share our home in Phoenix, Arizona, with our three fantastic Border Collies. I have been involved in dog showing since I was 12 years old, with another herding breed, Belgian Sheepdogs, and welcomed home my first Border Collie eleven years ago.

As an owner-trainer-handler I’ve competed successfully in conformation, herding, agility and rally obedience. In making the shift to Border Collies as my breed of choice, and in the years since Kirby came home, I have made a concerted effort to broadly educate myself about many aspects of the breed, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the world’s premier sheep herding dog.

For over three years I have been the Borderlines Conformation Editor and in the past year I have been active in the formation of the Border Collie Club of Arizona. I maintain memberships in various other clubs that support the Border Collie and herding, including the Arizona Herding Association. Since being elected to Judge this year’s Sweepstakes classes, I was elected to the Board of Directors of the BCSA. I am devoted to the breed and work to continually expand my knowledge and appreciation both of the Border Collie and of dogs in general. I take breeding very seriously and have bred one litter to date, with another anticipated soon. For this reason I consider it a particular treat to have a hands-on opportunity to evaluate so many of the best of the next generation! My sincere thanks in advance to all the exhibitors for their dedication to this marvelous breed!

Page Updated 09.12.2009