My Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are my hobby. I enjoy the challenge of training a dog that asks why. I've hear it said that a well trained dog is the best toy, and while I don't view my dogs as toys, I totally agree with the sentiment. I bring my dogs everywhere I can, even to work, and thoroughly enjoy their company.
I've been a member of the GSMDCA (our national club) since 2001, I previously served as the president (2016-2020), on the board of directors (2009-2014), was the chair the versatility committee, the awards chair and working titles chair. Additionally, I belong to the local swissy club for New England (SCONE) for which I am the treasurer, as well as the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club, and ASCA (Australian Shepherd Club of America, as I compete in their herding events). I was the treasurer for the 2008, 2014, and 2017 GSMDCA national specialties and am on the show committee for the 2021 GSMDCA National Specialty (the 26th for the GSMDCA) and the first in New England. I am also on the board of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Health Foundation.
In 2015, I was award the Friend of the Swissy Award, for my service to the GSMDCA in the preceding year. In 2022, I was award the AKC Sportsman Award by both the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club and the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America.
Feel Free to contact me, if you are interested in a swissy, you'd like to meet up a dog event or stop by and see how the dogs have taken over my house.
I was a university research professor, an environmental microbiologist, who studied microbial fuel cells, other interactions between electrodes and bacteria and other applied microbiological processes. After 20+ years of writing grants to cover all of my salary, I decided to not continue. I spend my time, managing my farm animals, training my dogs and coaching youth ice hockey. I also enjoy scuba diving and traveling, Africa is my favorite.
