I was born in Australia and had the privilege of living in Singapore and Malaysia during my early childhood. At the age of 7 I was given my first horse. I rode competitively until I was 19years old when I left Australia and came to Canada in 1982. I have always loved and been good with animals and in Canada my love of horses was transferred to a love of dogs, it was a little less expensive and more practical. As I am extremely competitive I could not have a dog and not do something with it. I very quickly got into Obedience trialing and it was an easy jump from that into agility given my horse background. The particular dogs I have had over the last 12 years have each taught me something about dog training and competition.

My first dog was a Hungarian Kuvacs. Archer was the first dog that I trained and after the first couple of obedience classes it was suggested that I try to compete with him. He taught me the very basics of dog training. Sadly, Archer came down with severe allergies and had to be put down at 16 months of age. My next dog was the first of many Labrador Retrievers that I have owned. Quiggly is a big yellow male Lab who taught me patience and humility. He use to like to wiggling across the ring on his bottom during the sit stay in Novice. He figured that if his butt was on the ground it did not matter that it was moving. Quiggly finished his career with his CDX. He developed a chronic elbow injury at about 2 years and could not continue to compete. He is 10 years old and a sweet and gentle if gimpy boy. This leads me to Kes. Kes taught me to shoot for the stars. She is my heart and soul. She is a little yellow Lab who has out done any expectation I have ever had. She has excelled in both agility and obedience, making the Top 10 All breeds for Obedience in 1999 and 2000 and winning the 22" Specials Division at the AAC National Championships in 2002 and the 16" Specials Division in 2005. Kes was awarded the Lifetime Agility award in AAC in 2005. She continues to run agility but has retired from the Obedience ring with her MOTCh. She is 9 years old. Next was Repeat. He is my 7 year old black Lab who is so soft my training methods took a real overhaul. He has taught me how to approach a soft and gentle dog and gain great things. I always go into the ring with Repeat expecting him to melt into a puddle at my feet but he always surprises me. He has his OTCh and his ATCh and his Silver Agility Award. Then there is Zoom, she is my almost 5 year old bombshell. If it is possible to have two heart dogs then I have them, this little black girl is part of me too. I wanted an agility dog and, boy, did I get it. Her first ever agility trial was Alberta/NWT Regional championship, I entered for ring experience and fun. Zoom finished with an easy qualifier for National championships and a first place in a Jumpers round. She went on to be the youngest dog at the 2003 AAC Nationals and finished 6th place in the 26" Regular division at 21 months of age. My learning curve with Zoom has been exponential, she has made me work harder than ever before. Zoom has her CDX. Zoom has her ATCh and her Silver award and she also has titles in CKC and USDAA agility. I have had the privilege to compete at the 2005 and 2006 Cynosport World Games (USDAA). The latest addition to the family is Swift. She is a female black Lab who is Zoom's niece. Right now she is 7 months old and I am having great fun with her as she is a real bright light. I love them all and they have made dog sports the center piece of my life.

I started judging agility in AAC and CKC approximately 6 years ago. It was a natural extension of the fun I have while running my own dogs. I love watching agility and being the judge gives me a really up close view. It never gets boring because their will always be some dog who will come along and do something to make you think or make you laugh. I also enjoy writing for Dog Sport magazine and teaching agility and obedience on a regular basis. My goal in teaching is to try and help each dog and handler better understand each other so they can live and play with each other more happily.

In the other half of my life I work as a Dental Hygienist in Edmonton, Alberta and live with my two very busy, wonderful, 18 year old boys and their Dad, who tolerate me travelling all over the place. I am thankful for their patience. I have a full life!