Congratulations on your win!  Non-writers/artists often ask this question.  Why did you start creating?

I have always been creative, and my Mom encouraged and guided my ability at a very early age. I dedicated my Award to her.  She was my greatest teacher and inspiration to pursue art/writing/photography, as did my grandmother.

Tell us about your experience and expertise, and how this relates to your entry.  What target audience did you write for, and why?

One evening I was watching my German Shepherds play in the front of our property, and it inspired me to write the poem. My love for the breed and its beauty of dogs just being dogs at play, coexisting in harmony…I had to write it!

What prompted you to submit this specific entry?  Why do you think it struck a special chord with the public and the judges—and with you?

As Editor of the GSD (German Shepherd Dog) Review, it was an appropriate piece for that issue of the magazine. I felt others who have the same love for the GSD would appreciate it. My words were meant to “paint the picture” so they would “see it.”

How large a part have dogs played in your personal and professional life?  Was there a particular dog that sparked your interest in interacting with the public?  Tell us about this special dog, and/or the dogs in your contest entry.

My father brought home my first GSD when I was three years old. I told my grandmother when I was five that, “I don’t like kids, I’m having puppies,” and the rest is history. My GSDs have been my first love and a part of my life for 65 years.

When my sister introduced me to my husband of 46 years, I also met his GSD Spike,  and once again a GSD dog directed my path. The dogs that were playing together in Shepherd Sunset were my Golden Girl and Mickey Dog, both VERY SPECIAL Heart Dogs. Totally different types, but impeccable temperament and the foundation to my future in the breed!

How large a part have people played in your association with dogs?  Family?  Friends?  Do you have any favorite writers/bloggers/media or graphic artists?  How have they influenced your career?

You MUST be a student of your Breed, and I was fortunate to have a wonderful mentor to guide me, Peggy Douglas, Judge, GSDCA Board Member & Longtime Breeder.  She instilled invaluable knowledge of our breed and how to show them.  My father was integral in my love for the GSD and all animals.

He was raised on a dairy farm, and I learned animal husbandry from both him and my grandfather, who had Tennessee Walker horses. I should have become a veterinarian, but I was focused on pursuing a career in Journalism and didn’t see the forest for the trees!

When you consider both your personal and professional canine-related achievements, which one of each stands out the most?  And why? What is the driving force that sparks your work?

The recent DWAA Award was absolutely the pinnacle of my career in writing. I have served on many National PR/Marketing Boards, and won their awards, but this award means more than all of those.

It is from the heart, and a reflection of my love for the German Shepherd Dog as well as writing. The driving force of my current work on the GSDCA Board, Web, and publications show my love for the German Shepherd Dog, and my desire to share that with others.

What ongoing or future canine projects do you have planned?  Are they personal (cuddling your favorite pooch or volunteer work) or professional (selling articles and books, training, dog shows, or conducting medical research)?

Winning the DWAA award has inspired me to pursue what I have been told many times, to publish a book of my Dog Poetry. I have many other poems and I’m going to give it a whirl!

What would you recommend to those peers who wish to enter your winning category in next year’s contest? 

Always paint the picture with your words.

To conclude this interview, what thoughts would you like to share?

I want to thank all the DWAA folks that welcomed me to New York at the DWAA Awards Banquet!  It was inspiring to share ideas and talk with so many wonderful creative folks! The camaraderie was fabulous and the event was so well done from start to finish!  Merrie Meyers (contest chair) is just the BEST. I can’t thank DWAA enough for the lovely certificates for our Web & GSD Review Team members!

Congratulations again on your win.