For centuries, dogs have embedded themselves deeply into our lives. While most people like dogs, some absolutely love them and form special relationships. Like

Kelly Diehl, 15, of Green Lane with Zander, a 5-year-old  Great Swiss Mountain Dog.  Diehl showed hime a the West- minster Kennel Club Dog Show.  Zander currently holds the title of Bronze Grand Champion.

Kelly Diehl. who, from an early age, showed an affinity for these loyal companions.

            Kelly inherited the dog-loving gene from her mom, Kathy Diehl. The latter is a life-long dog owner and trainer. Dogs are an intrinsic part of her life. Kathy owns the Dog Daze on Main, a dog daycare in Pennsburg.

            In 2019, the Town and Country wrote a story about Kelly and her dog Zander, a Great Swiss Mountain Dog. In the summer of 2019, with Kelly as his handler, Zander won the title for his breed. The duo has gone on to win many titles and championships. In 2021, Zander ranked in the top 20 nationwide for his breed.

            He is such a special dog that the Diehls bred him and kept one of his puppies. Her name is Zoey. Kelly has started working with her as well. She has a unique personality and teaches Kelly a lot about dog handling.

"When we got Zoey, I knew I was going to show her. Training and showing with her is completely different from Zander. She is a lot more difficult and has taught me a lot," Kelly explained.

            Success in the show ring led Kelly and Zander to the prestigious Westminster

On June 22, Kelly Diehl and Zander, a Great Swiss Mountain Dog appear for the first time at the Westminster Dog Show held in  Tarrytown, NY.

Dog Show. This is a huge accomplishment for anyone that shows dogs. In Kelly's case, there are only a few junior handlers that show "Swissies" as she endearingly calls Zander.

            "My favorite thing about Westminster this year was being able to be at the biggest, most well-known dog show in the world and getting to present my dog," Kelly related about the experience.

"There are only a handful of juniors in the country that show Swissies, so I was very proud to be able to present as a junior. I definitely plan on attending Westminster in the future. I hope to be able to take Zander again. I also hope to take Zoey in a couple years as well once she is a little older."

            Kelly explained the relationship that is formed when working and showing dogs. "When training or competing, having a bond with the dog you are working with is very important. It is also important that the dog trusts you. You have to build up the bond and trust so that you can be successful with the dog. The relationship with every dog is different. I love all the different relationships I have formed with the different dogs I have handled."

            The family was at the show to support and cheer Kelly and Zander on throughout the event. "The grandeur of Westminster was awesome to see," Kathy, Kelly's mom, said,

"But honestly, the best part was just being there, sitting ringside, watching our 15-year-old daughter battle the nerves with such poise and composure, and doing what she loves.  She and Zander have become a beautiful team to watch.  We had friends that made the trip to watch them, so that was very special as well."

            Kelly and Kathy shared the special connection they have with dogs.

"My dogs are my best friends. Part of the reason I love dogs so much is because they love you with all their heart. All they want is to be loved in return. They are so willing to please and make you happy. I love the bond you can form with a dog," said Kelly.

            Kathy has encouraged her daughter to cultivate a genuine relationship with the dogs she works with. She has a natural connection and love for dogs as well and clearly understands the bond that is formed when working regularly with dogs.

"?One thing I think not all dog owners understand is that training with your dog forms a bond ... and the more you train with them, the deeper the bond becomes.  There is a trust that, quite frankly, you don't often get with human relationships.  And while no one likes to lose, when things don't go as we may have hoped, we still get to go home with our best friend," she said.

            There is no doubt that Kelly, Zander, and Zoey will do well in anything they do together.