Suzanne D. Hemminger: Obededience and Rally
I started in the sport of purebred dogs in the early 1970’s. The very first dog that I handled was a Golden Retriever, “Rusty”. He wasn’t mine, but I had great fun showing him in conformation. I learned to lose with a smile. Concurrently, I campaigned my very first Obedience dog, Gyngere UD, a Labrador Retriever. In the 1970’s living in the Midwest one could show almost every weekend in the Spring and Fall. I put a whole lot of mileage on my car showing that dog. But then, gas was only $0.27 per gallon. (Sigh!) Gyngere absolutely loved Obedience and truly “played the crowd”.
I taught English and French in the Chicago Public High Schools for 34 years, until my retirement twelve years ago. I also bred horses and showed in the dressage arena for many years. We still have two horses at home and enjoy riding them for pleasure and love to just watch them wander around the pasture in the evenings.
Currently, I breed Golden Retrievers, judge Obedience and Rally Obedience, and also Labradors, Goldens, Chessies, and Flat Coats in Conformation for the American Kennel Club. I serve as President of the Land O’ Lincoln Golden Retriever Club in Illinois and Chair an All Breed Show for Stone City Kennel Club.