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| My journey into the
dog world began before I was old enough to know what dog shows where all about, My
father owned and loved collies back in the 60's, he went on to breed and show collies,
it was my legacy! I first began to dabble in showing and training dogs through 4-H, competing with a Sheltie and later with other breeds. I then wanted to give a hand at real shows, so I convinced my dad to let me show one of the smoothes we had at the time. I paid close attention to the things my step-mother was doing, she would groom for hours it seemed, There would be friends over visiting my parents all the time, grooming, talking of breedings, and shows. I would sit and listen to what I now look back on as history in the making. They taught me all I know now..... and I thank them for this great gift, the legacy continues! I then went on to grooming school, Taking the time to learn all I could about coat care so when I began to show I would not only understand the coat, but also be able to advise people on how to get the look they wanted without all the trouble.... Once married with children I began to pursue my dream of being the best handler I could, focusing all my attention on learning the standard of the breeds I wanted to show. I took this a step farther and talked with breeders and other handlers on the presentation of a dog, I learned all I could before I began showing for anyone. The things I have been taught over the years has been a great help in knowing that not every dog shows the same, or is presented the same. I look back over the years and hope that I can be as much help to the new person starting as many of the people in my past were with me.... So now 18 years later, I am currently stepping out into other breed rings, I have requests for my services coming from all over the US and Canada, to better serve the public I must and will continue my education of the breed standards, and other grooming ideas. In addition to my education of the basics, I strive daily to learn as much as I can about health issues, and genetic problems of each breed. A quote from one of my owners and his dog: "If I was to try to explain her to you, I would say.... she talks with her eyes, she listens to the dogs, and can somehow make us four legged ones understand what she wants, her rules never change, she loves you even if you don't win, and most of all she always has a cookie ready, her pocket must be a mile deep. My last thought is.... to Danielle, my friend, my handler..... have a wonderful, ribbon filled millennium with that new slate of dogs!" In closing I would like to thank those who were keys to my future, some I can't remember the names of and the list could be very large, but here's to you each and everyone......... My Mother Pat Skeeters, for giving me the ability to love unconditionally and the knowledge to see when someone really needs your help. My father and step mother David and Cookie Skeeters, for teaching me all there was to know about being a great handler and groomer. And to those not listed, thank you for all the lessons learned, large or small, good or bad, they taught me what the world of show dogs is all about, and this learning still continues with good and bad people.... many lessons, many right turns, and few bad ones, because the bad lessons have taught me how to not allow my ego to interupt, its not just showing dogs, this is my Passion |