I met my first Australian Shepherds in 1963 on a Goat Ranch in Southern Oregon. I bred my first litter in 1974 and started showing in 1984. In 1986, I bred our first ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc.) Conformation champion and registered our kennel name. I have continuously shown, bred and handled my own dogs with the help of my 2 daughters who grew up beginning in Junior Handling.  In 1991, we were AKC recognized.

My dad purchased an Irish Setter for my 8th grade graduation.  My family hunted Geese, Ducks, Pheasants, Quail and Dove.  (The only dog we had that would retrieve Dove as long as he had a bucket of water). This dog was true to his breeding and was excellent in the field.  We had 13 years of success hunting. He would set, flush and retrieve in water. He made his last blind retrieve on a Duck in 1984. 

Both of my daughters are very active in Australian Shepherds from Juniors to handling and Judging. In 2015, I became an AKC Judge for Aussies and All-Breed Juniors. I am Permit for the Herding Group and continue to add to my list of breeds in the Working and Hound Groups.

I have been honored to judge Best of Breed at 3 National Specialties, Including the 2019 USASA National Specialty at Purina Farms and the Canadian National Specialty. I am currently the Judges Education Coordinator for USASA.

I have had the opportunity to Judge the Spinone Italiano in NOHS.  I have been educating myself by taking the Breed Exam, studying, and talking with Breed Mentors about this lovely breed.  It is such a kind dog to watch when being shown.  I am overjoyed to have the National for this lovely breed so close to home.