As a child, I took my family's Basset Hound to the 4-H dog training group.  I quickly learned that a Basset Hound is not the best partner for obedience training!

My first Springer was a liver and white female named Brandy.  I showed her in 4-H and AKC shows as a junior handler.  I earned her AKC obedience CD title (Companion Dog.) In 1977, Brandy became my first dog with an AKC title, Young's Lady Brandywine CD.  I had Brandy 15 1/2 years!

I got a Springer was out of Champion Springcrest Declaration.  Unfortunately, he later had temperament problems. Nothing helped and sadly we put him down. 

I brought a puppy (supposedly with a guarantee) from a breeder (whom I won't name.).  Later when we discovered he was dysplastic, I told the breeder but she didn't honor her guarantee of replacing the puppy.  Disappointed.  Frustrated.  But also... smarter and wiser!

Not defeated, I acquired another puppy, a black and white bitch from a wonderful person, Judy Swain, breeder of Trademark Springers.   (Not associated with the folks in Florida. Judy was around since the early 80s.)   I showed Lindsey and I finished my first champion in 1987!  Champion Trademark's Temptress. 

More years passed.  More successes. More failures.  There were times when I was very involved in showing, almost every weekend and going all over.  And other times when I was working full-time and going to school full-time so I took my breaks from it.  But it's still my passion and I will continue in the years ahead. 

I established my kennel name "Lakeside" in 1985.  I chose it based on the thought of Springers running down by a lake.  Simply, that's it!  :)   There is a Lakeside, California.  No - I've never lived there!

Today, my family includes my husband, two children and our four-legged kids.

My husband is the "behind the scenes" guy.  He says he doesn't help much, but he's just being modest.  Whether he's hauling in dog food, loading the truck with crates, or letting dogs out to run, he truly is a big help!

Our children enjoy the dogs and the dogs enjoy them.  There is something special about kids and puppies playing together.

It takes creativity to keep a seven year old entertained

at dog shows.  I think we got a handle on it!

My continued involvement with my dogs are living proof that my childhood

passion wasn't just a passing phase, but a lifelong involvement.