Carol Dean with GCh. DeLaPassion Valdinera ByReQuest
CAROL DEAN DeLaPassion Poodles BREEDER INTERVIEW BY ALLAN REZNIK
Where did you grow up? I was born in Greenwich, Connecticut. I grew up and went to school in Carmel, New York, in southern Putnam County. Do you come from a doggy family? If not, how did the interest in breeding and show- ing purebred dogs begin? I grew up in a dog and horse family. We had pet dogs from my earliest recol- lection. Our show dog experience began with my step-father who was the Director of Parks and Recreation in Bedford, New York. He became associated with Peggy Westphal, accomplished Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel breeder, and a noted art- ist who was active in community events. We had two pet Dachshunds with many health issues. In his interaction with Peggy, she enlightened him to the difference that a quality, health-tested animal makes. He purchased for our family two Dachs- hunds that Peggy wanted finished, and that sparked our interest in dog shows. My mother, Ann Smith, then Dolan, grew up in Scotland. She owned Bearded Collies as a child. Once we started attending dog shows, she became interested in the process of getting them recognized in this country. She imported two British dogs, became involved with the foundation of the Bearded Collie Club of America, the keeping of the stud book, showing them in the Miscellaneous Class and, finally, seeing them AKC recognized. It was a huge undertaking and I have a lot of respect for the people behind the new breeds that I see being recognized today. Who were your mentors in the sport? Please elaborate on their influence. My earlier mentors were Peggy Westphal and Judy Anderson. They empha- sized honesty and good sportsmanship, but most of all that showing and breeding dogs should be fun. The family atmosphere at dog shows at that time was what I remember most about it. I also actively showed horses at that time, so the dogs were something I dabbled in more than dedicated myself to.
42 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, SPRING EDITION
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