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Like Debby, my love for
animals, dogs in particular, was obvious from a small child on. My
parents were also animal lovers and encouraged all of their children (all
8 of us!) to have a pet of their own. I grew up in a menagerie of dogs,
cats, ducks, chickens, coyotes, and even the occasional alligator. I
became a well rounded person in my love for animals and have taken that
love and turned it into a career.
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Age
2, with sister's dog Timmy.
(Too young to have my own real dog, notice the plastic dog).
Julie
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3 years old, Gaylord was a
Christmas gift.
He was battery operated and actually walked on a leash. |
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Finally, at age 8 I received my very own pet,
Buffy, a peek-a-poo. (I owned a designer dog and didn’t even know it!)
1974
After my husband Tim and I bought our first house, we immediately went out and
bought a dog. “Chelsea”, was the first AKC dog I had ever owned. I had
never been to a dog show before in my life. I didn’t have a clue what they
were about. After putting a CD title on Chelsea I thought I would like to
breed her. I contacted a few breeders of Collies and they each told me I
should go to the Collie Specialty which was going to be in town and do
some research on breeding. I went to the Specialty and I will tell you, I
immediately knew that I wanted to show dogs in conformation. And not just
show - I wanted to be the breeder of these beautiful dogs.
Living in the city, I knew I did not have the space to actually breed
Collies, and hence, I found the Lhasa Apso and Debby Rothman, in 1984.
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My
first Lhasa Apso, Timbers’ Ribbons and Lace, “Punkin” and her son,
Champion Timbers' Alive N' Kickin'. Kicker was my first champion
and my first bred-by champion. |
Ch. Timbers Alive 'n Kickin'
Timbers' Ribbons 'n Lace |
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Ch. Fleetfire Shiver Me Timbers' ROM* |
Champion Fleetfire Shiver Me Timbers’ ROM* was my main foundation
bitch. |
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In
1995, I was asked to handle a Lhasa Apso for Donna Sonnenberg, She Tsabo’s Cheers. I
loved this bitch so much, I asked Donna if I could co-own her when she
finished her championship. You will find Cheers and the She Tsabo
kennel name in many of my recent champions.
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Ch. She Tsabo's Cheers |
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Donna had started breeding Chinese Cresteds a couple of years earlier and
asked me if I would show them for her. Ch.
Unicorn’s Toy Clydsdale was the first of many Chinese Cresteds I have
finished. |
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Ch. Unicorn's Toy Clysdale |
Ch. Sydney |
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At
home, my husband and son decided they wanted a “real” dog and bought
“Phantom”, our first Weimaraner. We now have 4, 3 in which we bred. Our
Weims also have their Junior Hunter titles. I love being outdoors with the dogs,
watching them do what they were born to do. |
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Weim National showing Ch. Alpha Remero (owned by Jill
Piechowski) |
Ch.
Alpha Remero |
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By
1996 I was showing Lhasas, Weims, Cresteds, and Alaskan Malamutes (which
my sister-in-law bred). I was asked by Snowshoe Golden Retrievers to work for their
kennel as a trainer and kennel manager. I have worked for Sue and Steve
Schnarr for over 10 years now. Their Golden Retrievers have made a
statement within the breed, having the #2 golden for 2 years and breeding
over 24 champions, in 10 years. I am so happy to say I have been a part of
this wonderful breed.
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Snowshoe Taylor Made Classic
Ch.
Snowshoe Classic Cowboy
Ch.
Snowshoe Classic Cowgirl |
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By
1997 I was handling full time |
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Pete
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Tasha
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Legend
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Willie |
Bella
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In
1999, I was asked to join the staff of “Pet Junction” as an all-around
conformation trainer. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and teaching others to
show their own dogs. I love the look on my students faces when they come
and tell my how well they did at a show. I like knowing I am contributing
positively to our sport. |
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After 22 years of breeding Lhasa Apsos, 10 years as a
professional handler, 10 years as a personal trainer/kennel manager, 7
years as a conformation instructor, I have decided to take my knowledge
and experience to the next level. As of March 2006, I have been granted
provisional status to judge Lhasa Apsos, Tibetan Terriers, Weimaraners,
Chinese Cresteds, PBGV, and Junior Showmanship. |
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Who
would of thought that a little girl’s love for animals, would turn into so
much more!
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