10 Questions ...

Profession: Retired special-education teacher

Dog-sport involvement: Conformation since 1978

Hometown: Youngsville, North Carolina

Astrological sign: Aquarius

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

I always wear purple underwear.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“Jeopardy!” Everyone knows not to call me when it is on!

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

I would find another way to allow more qualified people to attain their judge's license. There are many super "dog people" who deserve a license, and qualifications should be on a more individualized basis.

I would also lessen the number of shows so competition would be keener.

4. Most valued material possession?

A life-sized bronze head study of my dog, Flavio, done by Jim Gion.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

I have that New York exterior, but am a softy inside.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy being green!

7. What are you “famous” for? 

I would hope that I will be remembered for breeding good examples of Irish Setters ... Having no children, dogs will be my legacy.

8. What website do you visit most often? 

It's hard to decide between InfoDog and Facebook.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? I move on from the disappointments and focus on the things that make me happy.

Winning back-to-back national specialties showing my homebred bitch will never be equaled in my eyes. I still tear up remembering the crowd cheering their approval.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“Would you like another glass of wine with your second helping of King Crab legs?”