My entire life I’ve been very fortunate to have been in the company of dogs. I was born in Philadelphia, and moved with my family to Hollywood, Florida, in 1952 when I was six. I grew up with a Cocker Spaniel named Sheba, who came with me as my “dowry” when I married Robert Fowler in 1965. Robert and I rescued quite a few dogs through the years. One of those dogs was an abandoned black Chow. To help him gain confidence and trust, I enrolled us both in a local dog training class in the early ‘70’s. I came to not only appreciate and enjoy the relationship with dogs that good, positive training provides, but to understand the value obedience work holds in everyday living with dogs. I continued with this class as a trainer for over ten years. I began showing in conformation in the late 70’s with a lovely red Chow, and handled a Smooth Fox Terrier and a German Shepherd for a friend for several years. I was also exhibiting Galiceno horses at this time, in halter, western pleasure, and hunter/jumper classes, and continued showing horses through the mid-90’s. We still have six very elderly equine friends on our farm. In 1993, I wanted to once again show dogs, but wanted to find a breed that was relatively unknown. I have always loved the northern breeds, and had come across intriguing information about the Chinook Dog. As I began my search for possible breeders, I found an excellent breeder in Ohio who had just had a litter of ten puppies. Our very first Chinook, Thule, soon arrived, and settled into our home and hearts! But Chinooks really are like potato chips – you can’t have just one. So shortly after Thule’s arrival came her handsome brother, Ali. Thus began my conformation work with Chinooks and the United Kennel Club. Since 1993, I’ve had the good fortune to be able to add several more dogs from established breeders with valued working and conformation lines. I have not bred frequently, but now have three “homebreds” showing that carry on those lines. I do continue obedience work, with one young Grand Champion getting ready to trial soon. Robert enjoys herding sheep with several of our dogs, one of which has earned her JHD. In the cooler months, we enjoy running our dogs in harness to a wheeled cart – the running blood of the first Chinooks still flow through the breed! Since showing Chinooks I have had many wonderful wins and honors given to all of my dogs. However, the happiest and proudest moments have come while introducing my Chinooks to children and families, either in my elementary school classes I taught or at our University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual Open House with thousands of visitors. Just seeing young children sitting next to my dogs, snuggling into their chests as a long Chinook tongue gently kisses them, says far more than words could. Ali and Thule began these visits, and younger dogs have continued every year since. I’ve recently retired from 35 years of teaching in the elementary grades, and I plan on showing and trialing with my beautiful Chinooks until they carry me away! |
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