Page 86 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

An Interview with a Handler

Do you own any dogs of your own? Please tell As a teenager, I fell in love with the Australian
us about your past and present dogs. Shepherd and I decided I wanted to breed them. I
There have been so many great dogs which I've was very lucky that Terri Collins came into my life,
had the pleasure of owning, I could go on for who is my best friend and co-breeder; Terri had
days. One of my most remembered from my past already been breeding Aussies but let me co-own
is Siberian CH. Toviks Pretty Fly for A White Guy, Deuce, CH Vinelake Collinswood Yablon with her.
"NV", he was the first all-white male Siberian to As most people know Deuce is the first and still
win a Group and went on to be a Top dog in the the only Australian Shepherd to win the group
US. The moment I saw a picture of him as a puppy at The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and
I knew I had to have him; I called my good friend was also a National Specialty Winner and Top
Kelly Boyd who was his breeder and asked if I Herding dog in the US. Deuce was the mother of
could have him, Kelly sent him to me and Johanna CH Collinswood Sparks Fly, who Terri and I co-
Coutu, Michelle O'Brien and I co-owned him bred and own. She was a multiple Best in Show
and he was campaigned as an adult. Of course, winner, all breeder/owner handled, as well as a
Deuce will always be at the top of my list of most top dog in the country. The second breed which I
cherished dogs I've owned. fell in love with is the Schipperke, CH Whispering

86 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023