Terry Yerger always loved animals. They have been her faithful, loving and joyful companions since she can remember. Terry's love for dogs has led her on an incredible journey to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  She will be taking her

Terry and Taylor showing off their communication and playfulness.

handsome Australian Shepherd Taylor. He has already earned the title of Grand Champion and will be competing for the title of Champion. Taylor will be showing with over 50 Australian Shepherds.

            The prestigious dog show began in 1877 when a group of sporting gentleman decided to hold a dog show in Manhattan.  The event has become the world's greatest dog show and is the second longest continuing held sporting event in the country.

            The magnificent dogs seen at Westminster are not competing against each other, but are competing against the breed standards set by the American kennel Club. The competition is to determine which dogs are the best representation of the breed.

            Taylor is an excellent example of the European breed perfected on ranches in America. Australian Shepherds are intelligent, tough, and loyal and possess an easy going personality. This breed has a strong work ethic and is eager to please. These traits are evident when you witness Terry and Taylor working together.

            Terry also owns Taylor's half-brother Hunter. He holds a Champion title and competes in agility and the three often travel to competitions together. Terry explained they are pets first and show dogs second. This sincere sentiment was clear when she said, "They are the light of our lives. There is no way you can't be happy when you are with them."  Dogs express incredible enthusiasm for life.

            Dogs have enriched Terry's life. After a family tragedy and the loss of her

Taylor demonstrating his enthusiastic show prance.  The physical, psychologi- cal, and emotional health of a dog is a  top priority.  Terry ensures her dogs are happy and healthy.

beautiful dog Orion, the universe graced Terry with another dog and a new life experience. Her life changed when she met Steve and Kathy Ostrander, breeders and trainers of Australian Shepherds.  They reside in a rural community in Northern Pennsylvania near the New York State border.

            Just like Terry, animals have been a focal point of their lives. They have been showing dogs for the last three years traveling up and down the East Coast. The Ostrander's are co-owners of Taylor. Steve will be handling Taylor at Westminster. Steve and Kathy own the sire and dam of Taylor. Taylor's father is a Grand Champion Platinum and goes by the name P.K. Rocks Running Like The Wind. His mother is a Grand Champion Silver and is named Rose Valley's Special Edition. 

            In another twist of fate, Taylor is related to another beloved dog of Terry's. Boomer passed on several years ago, but his memory lives on in her heart and in Taylor.

            An incredible amount of work and dedication is involved with breeding, training and handling dogs. It is a marriage. Training begins at puppyhood. The happiest dogs are allowed to be dogs. Terry's show dogs are country dogs at heart and happily live the life of farm dogs.  Diet and nutrition is pivotal and they receive whole foods such as lean meats, eggs, vegetables and supplements. Taylor and Hunter have gorgeous shiny coats, bright eyes and excellent conformation.

            Steve Ostrander was gracious in explaining his relationship with Terry and his dogs. It is apparent that Terry and the Ostrander's are friends as well as show partners. Steve said, "Terry is very special. She has been instrumental in the process and is eager to learn how to work with and raise show dogs. It is heartfelt." 

            Terry was equally complimentary of Steve and Kathy. She  described their kindness and patience in teaching her about showing dogs. Showing and breeding dogs requires an incredible amount of time. Why would someone show dogs? Steve replied, "It's for the love of the dog, the breed, and the quality time spent with the people you care about."

            Terry and the Ostrander's are typical hardworking people that come from rural farming communities. They have careers and other responsibilities, but find time to enjoy life and pursue showing dogs. They are humble and honored to be showcasing their great dog at Westminster.

            Their passion, love and enthusiasm is palpable and contagious.  The Upper Perkiomen Valley is cheering for them and Taylor.