While college takes up a lot of my time, I still find time for some hobbies. Besides being an avid reader, I also enjoy crocheting and music. In the last couple of years I have started creating computer graphics and making web sites for myself and others.

I have bred performance Australian Shepherds for over 10 years now, and enjoy teaching others about the breed. In fact, I founded MASCA, the Miniature Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc., a national organization formed to promote and protect the miniature Australian Shepherd. Forming the club was very fulfilling to me. In forming the Board of Directors I needed to find breeders with diverse backgrounds who may have different priorities in their breeding programs, but shared the same overall values for the mini Aussie. We then needed to create and implement policies and procedures. Working with this great group of people was stimulating and rewarding. I learned that I really enjoy working in a group, recognizing each person's qualities, and finding ways to maximize each person's strengths while working toward our mutual goals. Helping each person communicate effectively with the others, even during differences of opinions, helped me learn more about my own abilities. My three years as MASCA president helped me realize that I do have qualities I can use as a counselor.

My breeding program has also helped me learn more about myself. For over 12 years I have spent hours each week talking to people throughout the U.S., and even the world. I have had to educate people about the miniature Australian Shepherd, what makes the Aussie different from other breeds, its strengths and weaknesses, genetics, behavior, training, and more. This breed isn't right for everyone, and some people shouldn't own dogs at all, so tact is a must. People will come to me distraught over losing a beloved pet, so I've had to be a sort of grief counselor at times.

Even in its most basic form, being a reputable dog breeder requires extensive interviewing of potential dog owners. We don't sell our dogs to just anyone. We've put years of study and effort into trying to produce the 'perfect' dog, and we want them to have the best homes possible. This requires matching the personality and lifestyle of the family to the temperament and energy level of the puppy, etc. I have to ask each person many questions, and listen closely to their replies, to what they tell me and don't tell me. This takes time and tact. So my work as a breeder has also taught me a lot about my abilities with people. I really enjoy working with people, even complete strangers, helping them through difficult times, and sharing their happiness when they find what they're looking for.

To see pictures of my family, pets, crafts, and websites I've created click here .

 

This is a personal homepage and does not represent the opinions of San Diego State University