The first dog show I attended in 1965 was the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills. I was there with my Aunt and Uncle, Mary and Norm Bowker, of Bowmanor Kennels, and was immediately hooked. When I discovered that it was possible to make a living by devoting my life to purebred dogs, I decided to make that my goal. My first breed was Dalmatians, and I finished my second Dal in 1968, and handled him to Best of Breed at Westminster in 1969, while still in high school. In fact, my kennel name of “Shamasan” is derived from my first three show dogs, Dalmatians “Shadow” and “Major”, and Bedlington Terrier “Sandy”.  As I became a handler's assistant, I needed a smaller, more portable breed, and I had always admired Whippets. I acquired "Amy" in 1972 from Susan Vargus (now McCoy), of Westgate Whippets and Amy became BIS Ch. Westgate the Enchantress ROMX. Thus began my love affair with the breed. 

In the mid 70s, two things happened that influenced my perspective. Through my friend Pat Whiteside, long time kennel manager at Stoney Meadows, I met Mrs. Doris Wear of that famed kennel, and Mrs. Wear became my mentor and friend. Through her I also met Mrs. Cora N. Miller of Hound Hill, and our friendship continued over the years with many successful joint ventures in breeding and showing.  I still miss them both immensely. I also had the good fortune to get to know Doug and Mary Beth Arthur of Marial fame, and attend some NPR race meets, which allowed me to appreciate the total whippet in all it's potential.

I served on the Board of Directors of the American Whippet Club (AWC) in the 1980s, and also as Secretary of the Club at a time when we were going through many changes.  It was a challenging time, yet very fulfilling.  I have been a breeder, a handler, a photographer, an all-breed show chairperson, and a regional AWC specialty chairperson. I have been the AKC Gazette columnist for Whippets for at least 20 years. I have shown, raced, and coursed my Whippets, and had many others represent my breeding well in obedience and agility. I have been fortunate to breed Whippets who have Best in Show, Best in Field and Race Meet wins.

 Since the early 80s, my focus has been on breeding Whippets who can enjoy every facet of competition. And since this is truly a "color immaterial" breed, I have also taken my lessons from the Stoney Meadows rainbow of colors, and sought to compete with quality Whippets of every color. I want a Whippet that is typey, curvy, muscular, and sound, one of impeccable temperament who is fit to work, and who also has the beautiful head and intelligent expression that drew me to the breed in the first place. 

I have devoted my life to purebred dogs in general, and Whippets in particular. I admire everything about Whippets, from their flawless temperament and their versatility, to their health and longevity, and my goal is to maintain all of those attributes in equal measure. My personal goals have been to be able to breed a Whippet who, regardless of color and markings, can compete successfully in all areas of Whippet activities at the same time.  It has been a lofty goal in this age of specialization. We are always striving for more. The quest continues.