I have to admit that I am very passionate about Dogs. I have 4 very wonderful, well-behaved pooches. 3 are rescues and 1 can be considered a rescue since she came from an irresponsible backyard breeder. Why do I love dogs so much? Well, in what other creature can you find completely unconditional love, devotion, loyalty and the willingness to please you even though you are gone for 8+ hours a day and and aren't always perfect. 
My love affair with dogs started at an early age. My folks got a Border Collie named Wiggles when I was in kindergarten. Wiggles became my best friend and started a lifelong love affair. We played together, won ribbons at the local 4-H fair and she was there during my teenage years with all the struggles and heartache.
There were years when I didn't have a dog, and those were some lonely times. Then about 9 years ago I decided
to adopt a dog from a shelter. I really wanted another Border Collie and was willing to wait until I found the right one. Well, his name is Max. He is definitely my best friend (next to my husband). When I met my husband, he also had a dog. She was a Rottweiler named Daphnie and just a year older than Max. Well, funny as it sounds, we decided early on to have the dogs meet. If they didn't get along, we would stop dating. Luckily for us, they are great pals and keep our newest additions, Missy and Wylie in line!
I've found a multitude of ways to feed my passion. I'm a volunteer for Mid-America Border Collie Rescue, 
I have my own dog training business, Bark Smart Dog Training, and I'm a volunteer leader for the Furry Friends 4-H Dog Club in Union County. I love talking about, teaching people and training dogs. I'm always ready and willing to talk dog! Even when I'm meeting clients, I've found that many are dog lovers and give us just another topic of conversation.
Unfortunately for some dogs they've gotten a bad rap. Although I have breed favorites, there isn't any breed that I consider "bad". There are however, bad owners, bad breeders, and bad trainers. We need to be a voice for the dogs that are often misunderstood, mistreated and misrepresented by the media. Just as racism toward people is wrong, so is racism toward dogs. There is one thing I would ask from everyone reading this: Support your local shelter, humane society or rescue. Many times they are surviving on donations from the public. Support doesn't even have to be money. It can be dropping off office supplies, collecting toys, blankets, cleaning supplies, having a link on your website, etc. It just takes a little time and effort on our part. And most importantly: adopt from a shelter, humane society or rescue group. 
Here is a picture....
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