I was always surrounded by Wheatens. When I was still too young for school, and my mother was grooming dogs, I had a makeshift table, some craft scissors and always a stuffed animal in need of a trim. Every day, every family vacation always included Wheatens of various ages.

My first introduction to Beverly McDonald was when she was invited to judge junior handling at a Canadian National Specialty. My older sister and I both competed, and I won!

Beverly and Kevin McDonald became close family friends after we got Link (Am/Can BISS/BIS Ch Greentree Keepsake Tobasco Cat) from them. The next Greentree dog we got was mine. Surfer (Am/Can Ch Greentree Keepsake Surfin USA) and I shared many amazing adventures. In 2011 we won our first all breed Best in Show, he was 11 months old; I was 14 years old.

I was always encouraged to add my opinion concerning dogs and breedings. The first result of that produced the litter that included Am/Can Ch BIS, BISS Keepsake’s Soul Surfer. I piloted Brittney to WB/BW at the National in 2013 under Ms. Sally George.
A straight line could be drawn from those early days to now. I have spent years of learning, grooming and caring for Wheatens. I’m always willing to share what knowledge I have to encourage people in our breed.

I’m honoured to have been asked to judge the 2026 National Puppy Sweepstakes and I look forward to seeing some exciting puppies.