Suzie

ASCA Registered Name: Cross Keys SuzieQ STDs JV-N RV-N

AKC Registered Name: Overboard Snow Squall NA NAJ CGC JHD

Born: May 5, 1999

Suzie is my heart dog. She's my first Aussie and the reason I got involved in this breed and in dog sports. Before I got Suzie I didn't know that people did so much stuff with their dogs. I thought purebred dogs only did dog shows of the Westminster Kennel Club variety. I thought obedience school was for bad dogs. Dogs on ranches herded cattle and sheep, pet dogs didn't. Nobody in their right minds herds ducks. Suzie was a door to my further education in dogs. Or, I should say, her breeders were.

Sheila and Pete Dolan of Overboard Aussies bred Suzie and her two sisters. Suzie was the first born and quite a shock with her white coat. White is a disqualifying color in Aussies, even when the head is colored as Suzie's is. But what a beauty!

Sheila is my husband Kevin's cousin. We were up visiting the Dolan's for their daughter's wedding and went down to the basement to see Annie's 2.5 week old puppies. I held Suzie in my hands and fell in love. Fortunately, they were looking for a companion home for Suzie. I convinced Kevin that a third dog would not be a problem since I work at home. We went back to pick up Suzie a couple months later and began the adventure.

Sheila mentored me through early socialization, puppy education, training (for me) and feeding. Eventually, she even convinced me to try a herding instinct test for Suzie. I was hooked and started regular lessons on sheep. Once we got going on that, we started agility training. Now Suzie has titles in AKC and ASCA.

We've gotten involved in our local ASCA club and Aussie rescue, and I assist Sheila with the production of the multiple award winning Australian Shepherd Journal for USASA. I go to New York City to watch Westminster, and I've taken Suzie to a few USASA National Specialty shows and the 2007 ASCA National Specialty. Suzie is my partner and best girl, she is my heart.

Click on the first thumbnail and travel through Suzie's world!