My husband Bill and I are the proud owners of Rose, who turned three in February 2003. As of this writing, Rose had joined our household in central New Jersey just a week ago, traveling all the way from Ohio with her breeder/handler, who was enroute to Westminster. She has not been shown but was one of the breeder's "house" dogs.

We were concerned because Rose had never been separated from her mother and brother... and here she's the only pet. (Our cat died the week before she arrived.) Hence, the Big Red Dog to keep her company -- which she completely ignores.

I'm a freelance writer, primarily for high-tech and healthcare companies. I also volunteer my writing services at our local animal shelter, writing classified ads encouraging the adoption of shelter animals. Bill is in marketing for BASF.

And heeeeeeeere's Rose...