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Danielle Silverstein, President
I grew up with a wonderful Border Collie, who I took to basic obedience classes. Even if Samurai had not come in 1st place at her graduation, I was bitten by the dog/owner relationship bug. I have owned and loved several breeds and I put a CD on my Rottweiler Kirstin, but find my calling is best suited as support for all my friends that show. If you need help setting up at a trial, going for a latte or cheering you on, I’m your person. Keep your eyes open for Hellon the Frenchie, she’s going to be famous!
Betty Batchelder, Vice President
My first obedience dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback (Duke) who I got a CD on and then discovered he had hip dysplasia. When Duke was about a year old we got a Miniature Schnauzer for our kids. Fritz was a once in a lifetime dog. He took to obedience better than any dog I have ever seen. He and Duke went backpacking and canoeing with us all over the East Coast, Canada and eventually the Pacific Northwest. When we moved to Oregon, from Maryland, dog training was put on the back burner since money was an issue. On the east coast you belonged to a club for about $50 a year and trained with the club for free once a week. Not so on the west coast. Fritz never did get his UD but was a wonderful family pet. Next came a Giant Schnauzer who I did get a Championship on but no obedience degrees (not trustworthy on stays). Then there were 3 Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers- 2 of which were Champions and one Jazz (my soul mate) also had his UD. Kahlua had a CDX and McGee a CD when he passed away at a youn g age. Then along came JJ, a black and silver Miniature Schnauzer. JJ earned his UD and then enjoyed life being in charge of the other dogs. Through a fluke I ended up with Spencer, my Miniature Poodle ( was helping Mary Ann find one and it turned out that the one she wanted had a litter mate). Spencer just obtained his UDX and is proving that, if you are very lucky, you can have more than one once in a lifetime dog. My newest pup is a little white poodle and only heaven knows what is in store for me with this one. My dogs also compete in UKC however I have never earned a U UD but it is never too late.
Jill Faulmann, Secretary/Treasurer
I remember going to an obedience class with my Mother and our Boxer “Rex” when I was about 8 years old. I kept thinking how amazing my Mother was in her training of Rex, just say a few words and he obeyed. The first time I took him out in the front yard to see what I could do, I realized after he dragged me across the lawn that there was a little more to obedience training than just talking to him.
My parents then got a Miniature Schnauzer “Schultz” that I took to obedience school. He was one little nasty dog, but school was a definite plus for him.
My first own dogs were also Miniature Schnauzers who went to obedience school, but eye problems they had kept me from showing them. My Keeshond “Bear” had hip problems so his obedience days were also limited.
I worked at a veterinary hospital in the San Francisco Bay area for 21 years. In 1979 a very very sick little Rottweiler puppy came in. This dog was the first Parvo dog that was seen in our hospital, the disease did not even have a name yet. I spent 7 days and 7 nights with this poor puppy who was sicker than any animal I had ever seen, or probably have since. On the 8th day she started turning around, but no one knew what this dogs life would be like having been so devastatingly sick. One thing led to another and I ended up with her. In 1983, 4 Years later Kumars Xilli UD was my 1st Utility dog.
My next Rottweiler “Dux” was a beautiful conformation dog that I put obedience and tracking degrees on plus doing some search and rescue and therapy.
Back to the smaller dogs with Miniature Schnauzers Cloudy and Zelda, then big again with “Scout” Rottweiler.
Mikey, my Australian Terrier who I currently show brings the UD total up to 5, being the first to get his UDX.
The newest member of the family “Hellon” the Frenchie will start showing in obedience when she finishes her conformation career.
Although I do have a liking for specific breeds, there are certain dogs that capture my heart no matter what breed they are.
Jill Miller, Membership Chairperson
I always, always wanted a dog, but my parents did not like pets and so the desire was put on hold until I discovered that my husband (then boyfriend) was a dog lover. I convinced him that we needed a dog in college and we got a border collie mix from a shelter - not having the slightest idea what a border collie was!! We learned much later why she had so many peculiar behaviors! Soon after we were married we got another pet dog, a very sweet GSD with severe hip dysplasia.
I had never been to a dog show until 1986 when we went looking for a Belgian Tervuren, to avoid the GSD health problems. After learning quickly that I could not live sanely with a Belgian without obedience training I found myself at Animal School. Rhapsody never considered work as a way of life and I felt lucky to finish her CD. To make life easier, the next dog we got was a blue merle Sheltie (Valentino). He was a joy to live with and earned a CDX, NA but I did not know how to proceed to utility. I got another Belgian Terv (Jordan) thinking it would be fun to have a Champion obedience dog. He was a wonderful worker and earned a Can. CH Amer. CH UDT PT AX. However my personality was stretched to the limit trying to deal with his pushy temperament, so I sought and found my perfect soul mate - Gracie, my current Sheltie. She has a UDT MX MXJ and we went to the AKC agility national in 2005 - a great thrill. If her health allows, we will try our hands at TDX. I am currently training yet another Belgian Terv (my "husband's dog"), MeMe. She has an exceptional temperament and loves to work, so I hope she has a UD in her future with me.
I thoroughly enjoy obedience whether trialing or stewarding. It has been a wonderful social experience and fun challenge.
Joeanne Butler, Sunshine Committee
In 1980 I finally convinced Bob to get a dog. He agreed, on one condition - the dog would have to get "trained". Well, one thing led to another and I soon found myself in the ring with the first of my seven Miniature Schnauzers ! (Gretchen, Trudy, Heidi, Oprah, Liza, Kizzy and Tilly) All my girls have had at least a CDX put on them in both AKC and CKC and most have achieved Utility titles as well. I enjoy showing my dogs, visiting my friends and stewarding, especially the Novice classes. I enjoy the many friends I have made along the way, and try to make at least one new friend at each dog show. Sometimes I lose a friend or two, so it tends to even out over time. One of the highlights of any show is going to dinner with my friends. I have put a lot of miles on my cars over the years, but a good dinner is the perfect ending to any show day ! I love making new friends and have enjoyed mentoring some of the newer competitors to our sport. It is fun to share my experience and help them feel more comfortable in the ring.
Bob Butler
Fell in love with a dog-crazy woman. After dragging her around to my softball games and tournaments for years, she repaid the kindness by dragging me to dog shows from California to Canada while she competed in trials for the next 20-something years. a.k.a. Joeanne's husband and Tilly's best buddy.
Sally Wells
Obedience Rules Geek (ask and I will find!)
Currently working with a rescue Sheltie and a rough collie waiting in the wings.
Jan Franz
My first dog was a basenji/Fox terrier. My love for dogs was fostered by this ferociously protective little dog who adored me, listened to all my "problems" and took me from childhood to adulthood. While working for a vet during high school, I inherited my first Miniature Schnauzer and was smitten by the bearded breed. After moving to Oregon I decided to step up to the Standard size. My friendship with Joeanne Butler led me to her obedience instructor for some help with my somewhat unruly puppy. Two years later we entered our first dog show together. It's been a thrilling ride so far and we are looking forward to more ! So far a CD, U-CD and one leg of our U-CDX. She and I are also therapy partners through Dove Lewis D.L.A.A.T.E. program.
Chris Franz
Jan's husband and the guy who provides the opportunity for Jan to trial Rosie (and attend seminiars) while carting our three kids around to various weekend activities. Kids are Matt age 11, Megan age 9 and Emily age 6.
Carlyn Draneas, Public Education Coordinator
Chris Robinette
I adopted my first dog, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named "Truman", in 1990. With Truman, I discovered my love for competitive obedience and tracking. I have owned a total of 4 Corgis, with two UD's and various other obedience and tracking titles. I belong to both the local and national Corgi clubs, and enjoy attending their specialty shows. I have been the tracking chair for our national specialty show for several years, organizing TD, TDX, and VST tests inseveral states. I currently have just one dog: a lively two-year-old Corgi named Jorja. Jorja just finished her Rally Novice Title and is in training for future trialing in obedience. I love to train, and I spend time working with Jorja every day. In my "other life" :) I am a mental health therapist in private practice. Jorja goes to work with me every day as a therapy dog. I have met many of my best friends through my dog activities. I live in the countryside east of Salem, and treasure every single minute I can spend with my friends and my dogs.
Linda Reudy
My first dog came into my life as a newlywed. I chose the breeder from an ad in Dog World because they were close to where we lived in Eastern Washington. My criteria was a male that would be ready to be place in June when school was out so that I would be home with him. I was so naive about dogs that I was appalled when we went to pick up the puppy that the litter was in the lady's dining room surrounded by her grandchildren, a very loud television set and a husband with a booming voice. This was 40 years ago long befoe the word puppy socialization was in vogue. Well, this little Westie (Ginn Phizz) turned out to be bomb proof. He loved kids, loud noises and was healthy as a horse. He was 17 when he crossed the bridge and I still think about him every day. We only achieved a CD--the dumbell was an issue. If I had the training knowledge I have now I am confident he would have been a star. We added another Westie 18 months later. Tawny also got a CD but then life i.e. two babies put an end to competition. When Tawny died (at 13) it was another 10 years before I got another dog. Rylee, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier became part of my life after a 3 year search for a breeder that would trust an unknown with their dog. Rylee was supposed to be my competition dog but her personality is more suited to supervising the world to make sure things are done correctly. She did get her CD at age 7 in 4 shows with three placements but it was a mighty struggle. She is 13 now and content to make sure Keegan and Nelson toe the line. Keegan, SCWT is my current competion dog and my first CDX, UD dog. He is my sole mate and a dream teammate. He loves to do the right thing and tries very hard. My journey with him has been an adventure in learning for both of us. Not quite ready for competion is Nelson, a Papillion who truly has wings on his feet. He is bright, quick and makes me laugh every day. This will be a whole new experience for me.
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