I got my first dog, Heidi, a purebred English Springer Spaniel, when I was four years old ... and instantly became an official “dog-lover.”  Since that day I have not been without a dog (or two or three) in my life.  I helped my dad breed and raise Springer’s for hunting and trained them in obedience.  Over the years my husband and I have raised purebred Shelties, German Shepherds, Labs, a Dachshund, Irish Setter, Alaskan Malamute and a few mixed rescues.  Then I got my first Doberman.  That was over 25 years ago and they will always be part of my household and family.  I am an owner/handler in conformation, obedience, agility, barn hunt and dock diving … so far.