My name is Dawn and I have been in love with animals, especially dogs, my
whole life. As a young girl, I used to dream of being a professional handler. I
would watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on TV and then grab my dog at
the time, a Cocker Spaniel named Medley, and parade around outside with him.
Then I would set up little obstacle courses (now known as agility) and teach
him to go through it. Sadly, Medley developed cancer and he left us when he was
only 8.
After Medley passed, I took my time researching breeds to find the right
dog. My mom mentioned how much she always loved shelties and after researching
the breed, I contacted a local breeder. Once we met with her, I told her I
would really like to do Jr. Show and obedience. Seeing my true passion for
dogs, she offered me an adorable sable boy named Boots (who became known as my
Laddie.) Laddie came home with me that July day in 1993, and my life has not
been the same since.
Laddie was my start to the addicting world of dogs sports and he showed my just how smart and loyal this incredible breed is. Sadly, a testicular issue forced us to neuter him and, at the time, I was not able to have another dog so we focused on obedience and later, agility. I quickly became addicted to sport of dog agility and it has become a passion of mine.
While waiting for another dog to show in conformation, I bought every
sheltie book I could find and purchased as many back issues of breed magazines
I could. I went to all the local shows and soon joined the local sheltie club.
Several local breeders and handlers were kind enough to let me hang out at
their setups and learn some grooming and handling tips. My strong background in performance sports helped me to understand and appreciate good structure and temperament! In college, I took some genetic courses and soon found myself applying the information to shelties. The rest they say is history.
I have been blessed with many incredible shelties in my life but, in September of 2007, I was blessed to find the dog of a lifetime, my sheltie Nina. She took me on a journey I would never have dreamed of. You can read more about her on her own page. I lost her unexpectedly to cancer in December in 2018 and part of my heart went her.
I also own my small business, Beyond The Q Dog Sports, where I help
coach and train dogs and their handlers in the sports of agility and trick dog.
I also make various dog toys and gifts! In my spare time, I love doing
photography, web design and graphic work.
