We got our first Dalmatian, Macy, before I was born because my Mom wanted a medium sized dog that was unique.  Everyone had either a German Shepherd or a Golden Retriever.  She did some research on breeds and decided that the Dalmatian was for us.  She met Margaret and Ralph Schools, who started the Hapi-Dal line in the early 1950’s, and they became wonderful mentors.  We had our first litter of puppies out of Ch. Hapi-Dal Jim Dandy ”Jimmy” and Macy when I was 6 months old.  We kept a liver bitch named Fancy out of that litter and I always felt a bond with her because we were the same age.  She was a very affectionate, playful and loving dog.  I think she deserves the credit for my fondness for liver Dalmatians.  

I had always loved the dogs, but was more interested in softball than dog shows.  I didn't start showing in conformation and junior handling until I was thirteen.  I fell in love with an adorable liver boy puppy that we bred and I convinced my Mom to keep him, even though he was not the pick of the litter.  He grew up to be "Goody" Ch. Hapi-Dal Mr. Goodbar.  We had a lot of fun together and became a real team in both the juniors’ ring and the breed ring.  He finished with 3 majors in tough California competition entirely handled by me.  It is completely his fault that I am hooked on the dog shows.  

Since then, I have shown many Hapi-Dal's to their Championship.  We moved to Colorado in 1989 and became members of the Greater Denver Dalmatian Club in 1991.  I am currently the club secretary.  For more information on Hapi-Dal Dalmatians, please visit our website at www.geocities.com/hapi_dal.