🧭My Philosophy & Approach

Manchester Terrier Preservation | Ethical Breeding | Education | Advocacy

I consider myself a preservationist, advocate and educator for the Manchester Terrier, protecting not only the breed’s future, but its history, temperament, health, and present-day purpose as a companion. My goal is to promote responsible ownership, ethical breeding, and lifelong support for Manchester Terriers through the sport of purebred dogs, breed rescue, education and active participation in the AKC parent club for our breed.

Our dogs are family pets first and also compete in conformation, lure coursing, earthdog, animal-assisted therapy, and other performance activities. We believe in raising versatile, well-rounded dogs who thrive both in the home and in public.

👉 You can read more about my philosophy on responsible breeding here.

🐕Three Decades in Manchester Terriers

Over 30+ years, I have collaborated with respected Manchester Terrier breeders such as Regal, Fwaggle, Burmack, and Rustic Lane, and have mentored several new breeders entering the sport. In 2025, I was approved for my AKC Judging Permit to judge Manchester Terriers at licensed AKC dog shows, a milestone in my journey as a preservation breeder.

📜Early Beginnings – A Lifetime of Dogs

^{Above left: Michelle at age 17 winning Best in Standard Variety and Best of Opposite to Best of Breed with a client dog out of the 12-18 month class at the AMTC National Specialty. Above Right: Michelle with her Toy Manchester Terrier, William, in college.}

My passion for dogs began when I was just 5 years old. In the late 1980s, my mother became the only approved foster home for the local dog pound. I grew up surrounded by dogs in need, watching her rehabilitate and rehome countless rescue dogs. She later moved into the world of purebred dogs, and I trained and showed dogs alongside her throughout my childhood.

At age 10, she brought home our first Toy Manchester Terrier, Princess, followed by Kitty. By 13, I was showing dogs under her Bleu Springs kennel name, and other breeders began asking me to handle, groom and train their dogs.

Although we found success in the show ring, my mother never left rescue behind. Her belief in responsibility to both the breed and the unwanted shaped my life and guided my career, volunteer work, and values. That legacy continues today.

Education & Credentials

Though my degree is in Public Relations & Communications, I have spent a lifetime immersed in canine education, mentorship, and applied learning.

Credentials & Professional Skills

• Professional writer & media spokesperson for dog-related organizations
• Studied canine genetics, structure, breeding, training, therapy, service work & behavior
• AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator – testing & certifying manners training
• Advocate for ethical breeding, rescue, legislation, veterinary health, and owner education

💼Professional Experience

I began my career in public relations at the American Kennel Club (AKC) – a nonprofit institution that regulates dog sports, promotes responsible dog ownership, donates to canine health causes, and advocates for dog owners.

Five years after leaving AKC, I was invited to become an AKC Delegate – a governing role responsible for representing member clubs and shaping policy. I accepted in 2015 and continue to serve in this capacity today.

I currently work in Public Relations & Communications for a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that breeds, raises, and trains service dogs for people who are blind. My work includes:

• Media relations & publicity
• Event coordination & awareness campaigns
• Fundraising & donor engagement
• Brand strategy & communications
• Social media management
• Spokesperson & community outreach

🤝Volunteer & Advocacy Work

🐾Animal-Assisted Therapy

I began therapy dog work with my Ibizan Hound, Alydar, and now continue with my Manchester Terrier, Solar. We are certified through:

• Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs
• Crisis Response Canines

Alydar made twice-weekly visits to hospitals, including the emergency wing at Morristown Medical Center. Today, Solar follows in his pawprints, helping provide comfort to patients, families and medical staff.

🐶Raising a Guide Dog for The Seeing Eye

In 2023, my husband and I raised a puppy for The Seeing Eye, preparing him to be a Seeing Eye dog for someone who is blind.

Leadership in AKC Parent & All-Breed Clubs

American Manchester Terrier Club – Parent Club for the Breed

Current Roles:

• Member since 2001
• Board Member since 2023
• Health Chair since
• Rescue Chair since 2014
• Breeder Mentor Chair

Awards & Honors

• AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award (2014)
• Judge of the 2nd Annual Manchester Terrier of the Year (2017)
• Sweepstakes Judge – AMTC National Specialty (2021 & 2025)

🔬Health Research Leadership – JDCM Genetic Discovery

• Joined international research team in 2010 to study Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy (JDCM)
• Became team lead in 2013
• Led community to raise $15,00 for research in 2015-2016
• 2016: Mutation discovered – DNA test now available to protect breeding stock

🧠Breeder Mentorship & Education

• Launched AMTC Breeder Mentor program for current and aspiring Manchester Terrier breeders
• Released AMTC breeder health-testing webinar (2023)

Ibizan Hound Club of the United States

• Member since 2005
• Rescue Chair (2008 – 2023)
• Helped approximately 100 Ibizan Hounds
• AKC Delegate since 2015
• AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award (2016)

Schooley’s Mountain Kennel Club

• Current Secretary
• Past Board Member, Scholarship Program Administrator & Conformation Handling Class instructor

Boone Trail Manchester Terrier Club

• Founding member (est. 2025) – working toward full AKC recognition as a regional Manchester Terrier club

Ramapo Kennel Club

• Current member

New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs

• Delegate for Schooley’s Mountain Kennel Club