I have been interested in purebred dogs since before I can remember. My childhood in Michigan consisted of several pet dogs, and I became interested in dog training, competing in agility with my Pomeranian. I eventually moved to NYC and acquired a French Bulldog, who was a wonderful companion.
Fast forward to post-grad school life and acquiring a second dog. I met Chris Maxka of SunDiata Basenjis, who with 50 years of experience, would become my mentor and friend. After meeting with Chris at various dog shows over several months, she offered me the pick of her latest litter with the expectation I would show my boy in AKC conformation. What can I say, I got the bug! Chris, among others, continues to mentor me as I develop my knowledge in my quest to become a top breeder, owner, and handler of the basenji breed.
With Chris’ guidance, I have become an eager student- continuously developing my eye for the exquisite basenji type, as well as studying the various health considerations and genetic heritability present in the breed. I have ventured in to breeding, and co-bred my first litter with Chris in 2019. I have continued upon my breeding program under my Malachite kennel prefix, with a goal of producing healthy, sound dogs with classic basenji type and solid temperaments.
In my other life, I work as a Nurse Practitioner and live in Dallas, TX with my little cozy pack.