Dorothea Barrett

Dorothea joined Spokane Dog Training Club in 1996. Over the past 8 years she has held the office of treasurer for three years (2000-2003), taught numerous classes, (usually puppy preschool and Beginning Home Companion), and has been Trophy Chairman for the Obedience Trials for several years. She is quick to say that she enjoyed all these activities.

She lists several reasons for becoming a member of STDC. "The first reason is that my stepsister Denise was already a member. Denise thought I would enjoy the people and the ideals of STDC. Another reason is that I was looking for something that my family could all be involved in. This kind of backfired though, they don't have a lot of interest in training their dogs. I also wanted something that I could do that would give me a sense of accomplishment. Finally, since I was a child I have always enjoyed animals of every kind, and here was an opportunity to work with, and for other people who had the same feelings."

"The first dog that I worked with at SDTC was a German Shepherd named Ashley. Ashley was 6 months old and actually belonged to my son Robert, but she thought she belonged to me. There were several occasions during her early training that I swore I was going to get rid of that "stupid" dog. Denise kept saying 'She is still a puppy,give her time.' It seemed like the day she turned 2 years old, everything hit at once. She knew almost everything I had been trying to teach her. (Not that she always did it,but she knew what I wanted!) I finally got brave enough to take her into the obedience ring. We registered for a SDTC show, both days, and she did her own thing! Instead if heeling by my side like she was supposed to, she decided to check out all parts of the ring instead. Shortly after that Ashley developed serious health problems. (No pancreatic enzymes) and we had to spend a lot of time on her dietary needs. She was definitely a family dog and is greatly missed by the whole family."

"I inherited my current dog Fashion, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, from my stepsister Denise. At first I was just borrowing her to encourage Truman, our male Corgi, to play and exercise. To make a long story short, Fashion in now a member of our family. She is a great dog but doesn't show much interest in the obedience ring. With her, I just want to have a happy pet. If she shows interest for obedience in the future I would like to get her CD or better."

Obedience is Dorothea's main training interest. "I really like to train for obedience. This seems to be the one activity that, no matter what I do with my dogs, is the most important. I am going to try herding with my present dog Fashion, I think she would really enjoy that."

"We have owned a variety of dogs including mixed breeds, Great Danes, a Cocker Spaniel, Cardigan Welsh Corgis and German Shepherds. As a child I had a fabulous Border Collie. She was my friend, companion, and helper. I have to say that German Shepherds are my favorite."

"Currently I am looking for a female German Shepherd puppy. I would like to go all the way in obedience with it. I am giving up my Cub Scout pack that I have worked with for the past 12 years so I will have more time to spend with my dogs and their training."