Julia got her start early with dogs, and at 17, is an accomplished dog show competitor. Dogs are definitely her main interest, but showing at dog shows is only one facet of that interest. She did her senior (high school) project on the subject of how therapy dogs benefit the community, and is passionate about "giving back" to her Seattle area community in Washington state.
She raises and trains (along with her younger sister) two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Annie and Angel. The dogs are half-sisters and both over 8 years old; seniors in dog years. Both dogs have been Delta certified, meaning that they pass specific health, training and temperament assessments to allow them to do therapy work in nursing homes, schools and hospitals. Julia and her dogs are a regular visitors to nursing homes in their community.
Taking it one step further, Julia started a program titled "Read with Annie" that is modeled after Reading With Rover (sm), a national literacy program that helps kids who have reading difficulties, especially trouble with reading aloud to others.
Julia's mom told me that kids who avoid reading aloud at all costs clamor for the chance to read to Annie, who sits patiently and attentively and listens. Annie's non-judgmental and complete attention during these sessions does wonders for kids who struggle to read, building self confidence and fluency.
If a child has trouble reading a page, they have noted several instances where Annie moves a paw over that page, preventing it from being turned. The child repeats that page, and Annie will move her paw away. Coincidence? They aren't sure, but Julia's mom noted that this happens often, and with accuracy.
Both Julia and her mom feel very strongly about responsible breeding and comprehensive health for their dogs. All dogs are screened for heart, eye, hip and joint problems and maintain detailed health records on all of their dogs.
Thank you, Julia, dogs and family, for this great interview. I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors.
See additional photos of Julia and her dogs and many more dogs in the Westminster 2009 Gallery.
