When I was born, my parents were already into Cavaliers. At the time, with so few, the people that did breed Cavaliers were a tight knit group. We had a few other breeds ( singles) but the love of my parents life was the Cavalier. We spent weekends at dogs shows etc, with all of us walking and talking dogs all the time.. lol.
When I was 7, with my interest in showing dogs, my parents got me a minature poodle. She was smart as a whip, and quickly started her in obedience classes. When I started competing with her, I was surprised just how good she was in the ring- with constant scores in the high 190's.. By college time, I was already branching out into different types of competition, tracking, sch., and search and rescue with my first doberman. Then I got my first shepherd- and although I would also have the occasional other breed- I stayed with shepherds for the 20+ years. I got one borzoi half way through this, Buddy, and loved the breed in the calmness and gentleness. When he passed away- grief stricken but still I knew I wanted another Borzoi ( Hottie). The Borzois were not the breed to compete as the shepherds, but their elegance and nature in the home more than made up for this. I started judging, first as a 'draftee" in Herding, then Terriers.
Hottie had some problems as a youngster- with having broken his growth plate at the breeders at about 3-4 months. When I got him he was still healing. However he got well, and at 2 years old I started in lure coursing- a competition sport I had not tried before. ( It actually takes very little training- as its mostly instinct in the dog).
When we moved up on this mountain with 18 acreas and large great room, I was still waiting on my puppy, when I found Femka who needed alot of work, and an experienced owner. About a year later- Zubin came and it was back into the Breed ring in showing. 6 months after that Galinacame- originally for training for a show dog to build confidence- then stayed as a Member of our family. I doubt I will ever be without a Borzoi- probably end up a little white haired lady with her dog at her side..