I've been a member of Mount Diablo Dog Training Club for over thirty years. I'm a native San Franciscan and retired from the Brisbane School District after teaching Kindergarten and First Grade for thirty-six years. My husband, Michael, retired as Senior Vice President of Plant Operations from the Jelly Belly Candy Company, in Fairfield, California. We acquired our first Sheltie in 1986. I quickly enrolled Trixie in Obedience classes at Mt. Diablo that were being given at the Concord National Guard Armory. While attending classes there, I had the opportunity to observe dogs working in the Open and Utility classes and was so impressed with their performances. I was hooked!!! After attending classes and training for a while, I was invited to become an assistant trainer for the Puppy and Beginner classes, and was a substitute trainer for the Novice 1 class. I also served as Training Director, Chief Ring Steward for a number of our Obedience Trials, and served on the Board of Directors for several years. I was then asked to become one of a team of three trainers for Saturday classes. I have taught since then and love every minute of it. My training methods focus on positive reinforcement using lots of praise and treats, and play. I especially enjoy working with a variety of different breeds and adapting training methods to meet their needs. I am also an AKC Obedience Judge.

My previous Shelties and titles that they earned are:
Trixie - CD, CDX
Heidi - CD, CDX
Haley - M/BISS GCH Penelane's a Promise Kept UD - Haley became the first Grand Champion Utility Dog in Sheltie history. In 2003 she was the #10 All Breed Novice Obedience dog in the United States, and ranked #5 in the Herding Group.

Beau - CD, CDX - In 2006, Beau was ranked the #1 All Breed Obedience dog in the United States.

My current Shelties are:
Cash M/BISS GCHS CH Westar’s Run for the Money CDX, BN, RI, CGCA, TKN, ASSA AOM2
Cash was honored to be in the Top Twenty Sheltie Showcase at our National Specialty Show in Perry, Georgia.

Gabi GCH Westar Aratone Wildflower BN, RI, CGCA
Gabi needs 15 points to complete her Bronze Grand Championship and is Beginning to show for her CD title.

Ace CH Westar Aratone’s Cash Card CGC
Ace is currently “growing up” before starting to show for his GCH title and Obedience titles.