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

I like telling stories.

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

I have shown dogs and my bloodhound “Boomhauer” for several years. This winning article originally appeared in the American Bloodhound Club’s Bulletin magazine.

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?

My wife is both the editor of the American Bloodhound Club’s Bulletin magazine and a member of the Dog Writers Association. She believed it be a good idea to send in the article.  It appeals to readers, and conveys the relationship between a person and their best four-legged friend.

How large a part have dogs played in your personal and professional life?

I have had dogs and animals in my life since I was born, either as a pet or when I showed cattle professionally.  Now I show dogs as a hobby.

Was there a particular dog that sparked your interest in interacting with the public?

It would probably be my first bloodhound named Pippa. Bloodhounds are not common dogs.  People were always interested in meeting her, and seeing what her ears felt like.

Tell us about this special dog, and/or the dogs in your contest entry.

Pippa brought the world of bloodhounds into our lives. After her, we got two more, then another, and so on. I wrote two children’s books featuring Pippa. She has since passed but is still in our hearts.

Boomhauer came to us at the age of 14 months old due to circumstances beyond his control.  I worked to help him move beyond his negative past.  We became inseparable, and hit the show road as often as we could. He still lives with us and is in retirement.

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?

My family has always supported having dogs.  We all love them.

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?

I am a teacher by trade, and my dogs have visited my classroom on several occasions.

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)?

I continue to work with my wife on the magazines she edits, and write when I have a great story to tell.  My spouse owns a publishing company that sells several of my books. (See below*).

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

Just because you weren’t a finalist or winner this year doesn’t mean you won’t be one in the future. Keep writing and keep entering.

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

I consider this to be a very high honor and look forward to entering more articles in the future.

Thank you and congratulations again.