How did you become a "Dog Person?" I grew up on a farm in Illinois and for as long as I can remember I have had a dog.   The first steps of my journey into the "dog world" was in 1980 when I obtained by first "show" Pekingese, "Garth."     I started showing and training Garth and through the years participated in dog activities, developed friendships and never stopped learning from my dogs.

What has been your greatest accomplishment with your Pekes? I have been honored to have had the top show placing Pekingese in Hawaii for the last 10 years. Last year was the peak of my Pekingese breeding career with "Mulder" (Ch. Da Mao's The Truth is Out There, C.G.C.) who placed tenth overall for all breeds in Hawaii and was the top breeder, owner-handled dog in Hawaii.

You have been training dogs (& people) for a long time.  What is your training philosophy? I started my career training and exhibiting my "non-traditional" obedience breeds, Pekes and Siberian Huskies.  This was an uphill battle to say the least.  In the process of learning and practicing training philosophies for 18 years, I have always learned something new from every dog. My training philosophy is that first the handler is trained, then the dog.  All training methods have their place and it is the trainer's position to access the handler's and dog's personalities and introduce them to the training method that best suits the team.

Tell us about your activities in the Hawaii dog community. Windward Hawaii Dog Fanciers Association - - Member since 1995 - Served as board member - Currently Treasurer and Chief Steward Tropical Toy Dog Fanciers Association - - Co-founder - Current President VCA Kaneohe Animal Hospital - Puppy Kindergarten and Canine Good Citizenship - Founder of Training program - Director of Training Obedience Training Club of Hawaii -   - Member of since 1980. - Kindergarten Puppy Class instructor for 10 years. "In Celebration of Dogs" - This event with exhibits and activities involving dogs is held every four years      - Co-founder - Chairperson