As a junior handler I made the decision to become a professional handler. My mother, who bred miniature poodles under the prefix of Navereau, had instilled the love of poodles in me at a very young age. Upon turning 17, on a mission to pursue my dream, I left home, and went to work for all-breed handlers, Bob and Elaine Whitney in Canada, where I studied, and worked to learn all that I could. After four years apprenticing with Bob and Elaine, I then moved to the United States, and began working for Micheal Pawasarat. After that, I decided to strike out on my own, but realizing I needed more experience, I went to work for, and apprenticed under Barbara Humphries in California. It was during that time that I met Jason, who was to ultimately become my husband, and life partner. We married in October of the year we met, and in March when I became pregnant with Victoria, the decision was made to move to Louisiana in order to be closer to Jason’s parents, who, were of course, elated about the idea of a new grandchild. After having Victoria we began showing dogs, and during that time period, we finished several dogs, and campaigned a miniature poodle named Rosie, who we piloted to multiple Group wins, and also an All-Breed Best in Show! As our daughter, Tori was growing and maturing, we knew that we wanted to offer her the best of what we had as parents, and that was “time”. In order to provide the time we felt she needed, a decision was made to put “showing dogs” on hold so our child could receive from us what she deserved. We were then blessed with two wonderful boys, Jacob and Cody.

Naturally, my love of Poodles, and showing poodles was always there, and so I maintained connections with the folks I knew in the dog show business, and kept the fire alive. I missed being in the ring, but I am convinced that the trade we both made, was the right decision. As the saying goes, “There is a time for everything.” So, I started showing dogs again because several people asked for my help. It was then that I met Dawn Zack, of Calliope Poodles. Dawn had purchased a beautiful toy poodle named Navy and she needed a handler. Of course I was thrilled to have the opportunity to show Navy, and that became a BIG reason for me to begin showing dogs once again in a serious way. His second weekend out, he won the Bluebonnet Poodle Specialty from the classes, and of course the excitement of the win, reminded me of how much I love to show dogs. Jason now has the bug as he purchased his first show dog, a beagle named Tilly.