I earned a BS Degree in Biology, minor in Physical Science, minor in Secondary Education, AS degree in Science Plus I have been a Secondary Substitute Teacher for the Great Falls Public School district teaching multiple subjects from grades 5-12. I have also taught in the Vaughn public school district. I am a middle school DODEA teacher. I completed my Master's Degree Nov. 21, 2005 with a GPA of 3.95. I will be licensed as a Montana Certified Secondary Teacher and I also hold a Florida Professional Certificate in Biology and Integrated Curriculum. As you can see, Honesty & Integrity along with continued education is a way of life for myself and my family.
Before I became heavily involved in Dogs, I was riding horses competitively, training horses for clients and bred registered Southdown Sheep. I trained my sheep to pull sleds in the winter and carts in the summer. I enjoy Football, Hockey, BMX bike racing, Volleyball, Equestrian sports and all dogs sports. I have been training animals such as dogs, sheep and horses for more than 35 years. Even as a child, I spent many hours in the library reading training books to become a better communicator with my animals. I'm unofficially known as a "pedigree nerd" because I spent countless hours every day researching pedigrees, dogs, linebreeding combinations and planning out my future breedings years in advance.

Sadie (our 3rd GSD) ~ Chief (our 1st GSD) 

I am shown here with Besta v. Falcon SchH 1 at a Regional event.

Passion and Devotion

Our journey began with our first GSD in 1991. Chief (pictured above) was a 3 month old puppy who was dumped off in the desert of southern California and we adopted him from the apple valley CA shelter. He had his physical issues but he was a great family dog who drew us into the breed. I purchased our first AKC (AMbred) registered dog in 1992 (below right) with the intent of doing AKC competitive obedience. Champ's pedigree contained all the Top Champions found in nearly all Ambred pedigrees today. We were disgusted with his poor character & temperament so we placed him after 2 years of trying to train him in basic obedience. He was fearful and incontinent even for short rides to training due to his non-existent nerves and completely lacked willingness to work. I couldn't believe chief and champ could be from the same breed because they were so very different. This negative experience forced me to question the books I had read about the breed. I began the sport of Schutzhund in 1993 with the purchase of my second registered GSD Sadie (shown above left). She was Half Ambred-Half German show lines. She definatly made me a better trainer since she was so difficult to work. She lacked basic willingness and drives necessary for work. She also opened my eyes to the extreme difference between the American and German types. Her breeder was surprised I was as successful with her as I was, which is a testiment to my determination and creativity.

I'm shown here with V-Lakota warrior v. Falcon SchH 3 at a Regional event.

Champ (our 2nd GSD)

Since my Humble beginning, I showed more than 17 different dogs in trials, shows and National events all over the United States, Canada, Germany, Hungary & the UK. 37 + events since 1995. I attended 13 seminars with top trainers. I have done helper work and have taught others how to read dogs so they can become helpers. I have been training dogs for over 35 years. I have owned and trained over 3 dozen GSD's, numerous other breeds and mixes to date, not including the puppies I have whelped.

The lines I used are so called "German show lines". The term "show lines" is a derogatory term used by sport extremists who do not understand what a correct GSD is according to the Breed standard. Please fully read: "The German Shepherd dog, in word & picture" written by Max v. Stephanitz 1925 so you can understand what a GSD is and isn't.

It was time to walk away.....

When your hobby is no longer fun, it's time to walk away. This is exactly what I chose to do at the end of 2004. It was no longer enjoyable to attend shows mainly because of the people who are involved in the breed not to mention the extremely limited space my dogs have to share. Cramped living conditions at home plus mean spirited dog people at the shows made me realize that the joy I once had for the breed was now gone. The quality of the breed has gotten so bad that there are no good dogs left to breed to, brokers now promote themselves as breeders and every dog in Germany is available for a price.

My German Shepherd Accomplishments: