I was introduced to the Doberman Pinscher in 1975 by my husband. His parents had a Doberman when he was growing up and really liked the qualities they possessed. We began our search and met a young woman who had bred her bitch to Ch. Brown's B-Brian.

We purchased a black male, Almaron's Baron, and were soon invited to go see the sire of this litter. Everyone who bought a puppy came to Jack and Eleanor Brown's home to meet them and their dogs. They had prepared a great barbeque and we all were introduced to three generations of Dobermans. They were Gi-Gi (Ch. Brown's Dion ex Ch. Brown's Bridget), B-Brian (Ch. Tevrac's Top of the Mark, CD ex Ch. Brown's GiGi of Arbel) and Ellie (Ch. Brown's B-Brian ex Ch. Willowbrook's Tiffany of Albon). We had a lot of fun and I knew I would be back.

This was really the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Jack and Eleanor Brown. After spending some time with them, Jack decided I needed to attend some conformation classes with Baron. Then after a few classes, he decided I needed to enter a few fun matches. I entered a match in St. Louis and Baron and I went Best in Match! I was so excited.....the show bug had biten me and I was hooked!

The breeding was repeated to Brian and I got the only black bitch in the litter. Almaron's Brooke. She and Baron were a pair. I knew I would never be without a Doberman nor would I ever have one dog again.

I entered shows as frequently as I could. I worked full time as a Registered Nurse and weekends were just a mandatory part of the job. I learned a great deal from Jack and Eleanor. I still have the picture of Brian and Marj Brookes taking Best of Breed they gave me. Fond memories!

Time passed and my career took a turn. I was now teaching and graduate study was required. I left the dog show world for about 10 years to complete my masters degree and doctoral study. During this time, I always had a Doberman even though I wasn't showing.

In 1990, I returned to the conformation ring. I bought a male out of Ch. Marienburg's Peg of My Heart by Ch. Lilly's Ode to Apollo. Stinger was to be my first dog to complete his championship. In 11 weeks and 25 shows, at the age of 10-1/2 months, he became Ch. Equinoxx Stinger Marienburg. I showed Stinger as a special for 2 years. This was a great experience and I met many great handlers along the way. You all know who you are...and I thank you for the knowledge you shared with me.

I decided I wanted another black bitch, so I purchased a lovely girl out of Ch. Datelis Enuf Said Alisaton by Ch. Soquel's Distant Thunder. Owner handled, she became Ch. Datelis SpeakEasy Equinoxx. Bizzy was to become the foundation bitch for CATERA Dobermans.

I am the past President of the Doberman Pinscher Club of Missouri and current member of the Doberman Pinscher Club of America. As of June 2006, we have moved to our new home on 90 acres in Linwood, Kansas, just west of Kansas City, Kansas.