I became involved with Maltese 6 years ago. I had a Maltese as a teenager and wanted another one as an adult, so I bought Tinkerbell. Not really knowing better at that time, I just found one in the paper and went and bought her. I picked her up at 6 1/2 weeks old on my way to my family's house for Christmas (absolutely the worst thing I could have ever done). Everything about how I obtained her was wrong. She was always rather sickly, skin problems, etc. She had behavioral problems that I felt were from having been weaned way to early. She has now gone on to the rainbow bridge due to health problems, but because of her, I have learned much.

For my second Maltese, I went to a show breeder. I waited for a litter and then I waited for the puppy to grow up. This puppy was Mattie. The breeder that I obtained her from spent much time teaching me grooming and how to show. I will always be appreciative to the time he took with this and so I also try to help those that are new.

I have continued to be involved with showing my Maltese. I am a member of the California Central Valley Maltese Club. I am also a member or Nor Cal Toy Dog Fanciers.

Here I am pictured with my golden retriever, Shasta. She was my first dog as an adult. She has gone to the rainbow bridge and is greatly missed.