To tell you
something about myself, I have been active in dogs all my life, but
in 1973, I began working at a pet shop in the San Fernando Valley,
California, and learning the dog grooming business. I worked at
the pet shop until I graduated High School and came back to it after
I graduated college awaiting my "real" job. These 7
years of experience allowed me to learn from those who were active in
the show circuit and taught me how to properly groom and care for the dogs.
Then, in 1981, I
became active in Rottweilers and wanted to learn the handling end of
things. While I took many handling classes and showed my dogs
myself, it wasn't until I met Cheryl Cates - a well respected
professional handler here on the West Coast, that I really started to
learn to handle dogs. Cheryl started showing my dogs for me
back in 1984 and through the years, she has taught me about handling
and professionalism in the world of dog sports. All those years
of watching and studying her as well as seeking her input whenever I
could, I learned how to handle dogs. To date, I owe her all my
gratitude for her time and patience with me and am thankful that she
is my friend.
In the
conformation ring, I have had the pleasure of showing several dogs to
Group wins and placements, multiple AKC National/Regional Specialty
and USRC National/Regional wins, as well as several to their
championships and pointed many more. In 2003, I traveled to New
York for the first time to Westminster and was fortunate enough to
show the dog that won Best of Breed and that was quite a thrill. I
use the word pleasure because it is an honor to show many of these
dogs and the dog itself is the winner, not me, and I am just a means
to presentation to these awards and recognition.
Daviann and
BISS, Multi V-1, Multi AOM CH
Shelkon's A Cool
Java Blend B, AD, CD, CGC, TT, HIC
in the group at
the Westminster Kennel Club Show.
Click
Here to see video of Daviann and Java at Westminster
At this point in
my life, I love showing dogs; however, my life does not revolve
around dogs or dog shows. I have a young daughter who is my
first priority and dogs are my passion, but in between, I try and
hold down a full time job. So to that end, I show dogs
professionally on a limited basis and occasionally board dogs that I
am actively showing. I show actively in the AKC as well as USRC and
occasionally go to Canada and Mexico. I try to emphasize local
shows and when I travel, it is usually for a specialty.
When the dogs with
me, I treat them as one of my own. They eat holistic dog foods,
typically Innova Evo Red Meat Diet, unless a special diet is
requested. If you would like your dog to eat a special food,
please bring it with them. I will medicate with any vitamins or
medication needed. The dogs have indoor/outdoor runs and have
an acre to run on for a few hours a day. The dogs sleep in
crates inside the house. The dogs are bathed the night before
shows unless time dictates otherwise.
Daviann and BISS CH Sierra Gold's Bea winning
WB at 12 months old at 2003 American Rottweiler Club National Specialty
and BISS at 2003 Seminole Rottweiler Club Specialty from the 9-12 class
A link to my rates
is below. All fees are due at the time of service unless other
arrangements have been pre-arranged. When traveling, all
expenses are divided equally among all dogs being shown.
Expenses include travel, hotels, parking, and rental cars, if applicable.