I am a retired software engineer, currently live in the wonderful state of Colorado, just outside of Denver. Long ago, I fell in love with my first Keeshond and have been active in the dog world since 1988 when I started my first dog in Conformation and quickly added Obedience and Agility. Through the years, my dogs have earned titles in Conformation, Rally, Obedience and more recently Barnhunt, FastCat and Scentwork. But early on, Agility became my focal point and quickly consumed our lives. We’ve been privileged to earn multiple championships and had dogs qualify for almost every National and Invitational, even making it to the Finals at the Invitationals several times.
I started teaching both obedience and agility in 1990 and enjoy watching dogs gain confidence as their handlers learn to direct their exuberant canine partners around a course. I feel our four legged friends give us so much love and agility is such a wonderful way to enhance that bond. I entered the AKC agility judging corps in 1997 to give back to the sport which gives me so much joy and I have even had the honor of judging at the AKC Agility Nationals. I really love watching teams of all types, noting the varied ways each pair traverses the course, but most importantly, when they celebrate the partnership at the end of the run, Q or no Q.
My current agility Kees, Quasar, is 6 years old and has really come into his own, very steady and consistent. I also have a young Kees, Trek, that has just started showing in agility, using the FEO option. He is going to be very fast and a lot of fun.
I’m very honored to be invited to judge here in Hawaii. Hopefully you’ll find our courses fun and challenging. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck!