10 Questions ...
Profession: Dog-show supplies and now professional handler
Dog-sport involvement: Lifetime in dogs, from Junior handler to breeder
Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin
Astrological sign: Pisces
1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?
Yes. Each dog has its own lead, and it stays with them if they win in it.
2. TV-show guilty pleasure?
I like several shows, from “Project Runway” to “The Walking Dead.” I suppose it depends on my mood. Politics always leads me to “The Walking Dead.” But I do enjoy braiding and making show leads while watching TV, and my husband makes the very best popcorn.
3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?
There are a few things that I would like to see changes in. But I guess I don’t agree at all that mixed breeds should be called All-American dogs. Why as AKC would you want to celebrate a mixed breed when we are clearly trying to promote purebred dogs? They should be called “mixed breeds.”
4. Most valued material possession?
My custom Best in Show pin that my husband had made for me after my first Malamute BIS.
5. What is something no one would guess about you?
I have been showing dogs since 1968. And not only did I grow up in this sport, but I grew up in a zoo with many wild animals to raise and take care of.
6. Who would you compare yourself to?
I suppose mostly my mother, Nancy Russell. Although she is stronger and tougher than I am.
7. What are you “famous” for?
Alaskan Malamutes. Growing up with Storm Kloud Kennel, the top-producing kennel of champions and BIS dogs worldwide, and for me maybe I’ve been told I am best dressed at it!
8. What website do you visit most often?
Infodog.
9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?
Toss-up between winning BIS at the International Friskees invitational and my first BIS on Viking. Or this last year placing at Westminster with a Malamute bitch, Amahya.
10. What do you wish someone would ask you?
Anyone can ask me questions. I am always happy to help if I can. But for me, I would love someone to say to me ... “Can I be your personal secretary and organizer?”