My involvement in the dog fancy began in 1986 when my wife Nancy and I decided to add an Irish Terrier puppy to our household. Somewhat intimidated by the dog show scene, we started out with a professional handler, Lanny Hirstein. Lanny taught us the basic skills we needed and encouraged us to become owner handlers.

In 1987 Nancy and I joined the Corn Belt Kennel Club. After ten years of showing and breed study, we had our first litter and have bred twelve champions.

I am an AKC Irish Terrier and Junior Showmanship Judge. I was the AKC Gazette Irish Terrier breed columnist for seven years and served as the editor for the centennial edition of the 1997 Irish Terrier Club of America Breed Book.

I am a past president of the ITCA. As a member of the ITCA's Judge's Education Committee, I assisted with the development of the Illustrated Study of the Irish Terrier Breed Standard.

Karen's Conformation experience has been limited to a single dog, several years ago. She was actively involved in obedience classes for many years and her interest in the sport of Dogs has remained constant. She is currently in the 2nd year of her 3rd stint as the Club Secretary.

Over the years she has actively participated in various committees including Obedience, Trophies, Match, Responsible Dog Owners Day, Cluster, and others. One interesting tidbit about Karen -- She has been a member through 3 different venues for our Show: ISU Horton Fieldhouse, McLean County Fairgrounds and Interstate Center. Karen has been a valued member of the Cornbelt Kennel Club since 1984.

I have owned and shown Old English Sheepdogs for 40 years. I currently have a special, Elvis, out with co-owner, breeder, handler, Jere Marder.

GCH Lambluv's Gambolon Blue Thunder (Elvis) is the Number 4 Herding Dog in the country. He is Number 1 in OES Breed points. I have rescued OES for 30 years. I also show in Obedience and Rally.

A new addition to my household is GCH Wincroft’s Freedom Fighter, Major. This little Havanese spitfire is shown by club member Rodney Vance.

In addition to showing dogs, I have owned and shown American Saddlebred Horses with my daughter Jennifer for the last 20 years. I am a mother of 4 and a proud grandmother of 4.