I have been involved in the Beardie community since 1991 when our first Beardie joined our home. My family started breeding in 2002 under the kennel name Blessings and over the years we have bred 8 litters. With each breeding we have tried to focus on improvement with our line both structurally and in health. From our limited breeding we have unfortunately produced dogs with the following health issues: allergies, hip dysplasia, SLO, IHMA, hypothyroidism, SARDS, microphthalmia, Addison’s, heart murmurs, liver masses and hemangiosarcoma.
Early on we were told not to discuss major health issues as it could reflect badly on other breeders that were involved with dogs in our breeding program. As time passed, I have come to realize that this mindset does a major disservice to the breed. We have had dogs die as young as 7 years and others have lived to 17. As a result of these too numerous health issues stemming from multiple dogs, my approach to researching health issues has changed dramatically. I do my best to be open and honest with anyone who inquires about my dogs.
On a less serious note, for fun I currently compete in conformation, rally, and agility with various organizations. I wish I could resume herding but right now instructors are hard to come by in my area.
As for my professional life (I do need to earn some biscuit money) I currently work for our local hospital system in the IT department supporting various applications throughout the organization. In previous jobs I have worked for private practices as a medical technician and ophthalmic photographer. While working in private practices I was able to be a part of at least 22 clinical trials and was named as a contributor in a medical publication (mostly due to the images I obtained). I also have a background in Biology with a focus on Zoology (back when I was studying to be a veterinarian).
As a result of my professional background and training I believe I bring many strengths to the board. I have a working knowledge of clinical trials, web design, page layout, data management and customer service. I also bring with me my love for the breed and a strong desire to improve the health of our Beardies. I am a strong supporter of genetic testing and open communication.
When asked what ideas I had for the future of BeaCon, I would have to pull from other folks across the world who I have been communicating with recently. I have been intrigued by Laurie Lo’s recent Facebook posts regarding Haplotype testing that has been studied in Europe. I am also interested in a potential research project that Dr. Bill Craft in Florida shared with me while at our 2023 National. Dr. Craft is hoping to look at SLO with a focus on absorption issues in dogs since many dogs respond to supplements added to their diets. I also find the risk index calculations that Wolfgang Hunze can provide folks; it is based on pedigree analysis. I think there is a potential for more conversation on the BeaCon Facebook page, too and perhaps this can be used to get more people involved in caring for the health of our breed.