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Monday through Friday, you can find me at the International Headquarters of the Whirlpool Corporation. I'm blessed to be able to say that I love my job, which consists of the administration of special compensation programs for the corporate executives, as well as assisting our employees from some 24 countries as they move and acclimiate to new countries for 1-3 year assignments. I've met the most fascinating people in this job, and find my days just fly by as I'm consumed with interesting and varied tasks. However, most of you know me only for what I do "after work." I've loved dogs for as long as I can remember. "Lassie" books and movies filled my imagination as a child, and a Collie was my dream dog - until I discovered Belgian Tervuren. While I've developed a great appreciation for many different breeds of dogs, the Tervuren is the breed of my heart. I love their beauty and the many strengths of character they possess, but in true fancier form, I also embrace their weaknesses. I know there is no perfect breed of dog, but Tervs come darned close to meeting that criteria for me! Eli was my first Terv, some 15 years ago. He showed me the way into the obedience ring, as well as the tracking field and sheep fence. He also saw that his breed was firmly embedded in my life. I also have Eli to thank for the many wonderful dog friends I've met along the way. What a special old boy he was. I currently share my life with two Tervs. Holly is my little sweetie. She's not very brave, but she's a world-class snuggler. She's taught me a great deal about training dogs, as we worked to overcome many of her fears together. And then there is Yanni . . . This dog has accompanied me to the fulfullment of many life-long dreams. He holds the key to a great deal of my heart. I'm hoping (and yes, praying) to add a puppy to the household next spring. It will have been 9 years, by then, since I've had a puppy! (What? Of course it will be a Terv!) There is one other special Friend who has shared my life for the past 24 years, and His name is Jesus. Since I met Him, there has never been a show win or high point in my life that He didn't share with me - and there has never been a heart-ache (in dogs or otherwise) that He didn't see me through. I firmly believe He created each of us with unique strengths, weaknesses, and passions. I'm grateful daily that He placed in me a passion for dogs. How else could I have come to know all of you??? |