Life with Dogs
by Charlotte Anderson

I have been involved with the dog fancy my entire life, and my “dog family” saw more of me growing up than did my real family. My interest in dogs has driven me to make it my career, and I have applied to the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I plan to specialize in canine medicine, and have a special interest in canine nutrition.

I was lucky enough to be raised in the sport of dogs, as was my mother, and began helping my parents as soon as I was able to. At five I was planting birds while my dad field trained, and taking the neighbor’s Miniature Schnauzer to obedience class with my mom. By eight I simply could not wait any longer to compete, and began to show one of our English Setters in Best of Breed competition. I also showed him in Junior Showmanship when I turned ten. After my parents were convinced that I was entirely committed to the dogs, a Whippet joined our household to be my dog. He is Ch. Kamada’s Justice For All CD, SC, NA, CGC. These titles qualified him for the American Whippet Club’s Champion Award of Versatility, and I am the only junior that has qualified a dog for this title. Adam has retired to a life of sleeping on my bed and waiting for me to come home from class. My second whippet, Ch. Kamada Where There’s Smoke, has not had as much training in versatile events due to my busy college schedule. I am determined, however, that he will have a CD before I start vet school. I have stayed involved in dog shows during my college years by handling occasionally, since I am not able to add another dog to my household. This past summer I was thrilled to finish one client’s dog with three specialty five point majors in one month. I am specialing him this year with hopes of an invitation to the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational.

I have been a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for the past three years, pursuing a degree in Animal Science. My lifelong career goal has been to become a veterinarian, and I will be notified in early March of my admission status to the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As I get closer to starting my veterinary training, I have been exploring possibilities for my career specifically oriented to canine health. Canine nutrition has become a major interest of mine. The variety of supplements fed by dog people seeking either to grow coat or get a faster lure courser has led me to wonder why people doubt the balanced nature of a premium kibble. I am interested in researching the specific dietary needs of performance dogs, and developing a balanced food that meets these needs.

I plan to stay very involved in the sport of dogs for my entire life and have a strong interest in judging. At this time I am applying to judge junior showmanship, and would like to become a breed judge in the future.