It Was Never Just About the Dogs

Every great love story begins somewhere. Mine began long before Canine Quarterly had a name.

It began with a Basset Hound named Bogart, grew through the unconditional companionship of my beloved Bella, and flourished alongside my husband, James (JP), who encouraged my dreams and shared in the adventures that made life so wonderful.

Although JP is no longer physically beside me, I carry him into every new chapter. His heart still beats beside mine, and his love continues to inspire the life I am building.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered that the greatest gifts our dogs give us aren't measured in ribbons or championship titles. They're found in the friendships we make, the families we build, and the love that remains with us long after the moments themselves have passed.

And that, in so many ways, is where the story of Canine Quarterly begins.

In July 2026, I attended a dog show in Rhode Island with my husband, James, my mother-in-law, and my Basset Hounds. It was one of the first shows I had navigated without my mentor beside me, and although I was finding my footing, something wonderful happened.

I felt completely at home.

That day, my Basset Hound, Laurelwood-L'ile de Feu's Jene' Sais Quoi—affectionately known as Jean Luc—was awarded Best of Winners. I was on top of the world. But beyond the ribbon, it was the friendships, conversations, and genuine warmth of the people around me that stayed with me.

Somewhere that afternoon, the idea for Canine Quarterly was born.

I wanted to create something that celebrated more than competition. I wanted to tell the stories of the people, families, and dogs who make this community so extraordinary.

Then, in September, my world changed. My husband, JP, passed away unexpectedly. And in the moments and days after, I felt completely alone.

In the weeks that followed, however, the very community that had welcomed me so warmly surrounded me with kindness and support. My Basset Hound family and friends from the dog show world reminded me that the relationships we build through our dogs extend far beyond the ring.

What began as an idea became a passion project I knew I had to see through.

Canine Quarterly is, in many ways, a love story.

It's a tribute to James, who always believed in me and supported my dreams. To Bogart, who wasn't meant for the show ring, but sparked my enduring love for Basset Hounds. To Bella, my kindred spirit, who was always by my side.

And it's a continuing story, written alongside Guinevere, Jean Luc, and little Atticus, whose adventures will undoubtedly find their way into these pages.

Through this column, I hope to share the laughter, the challenges, the triumphs, and the remarkable people and dogs I encounter along the way.

The family I've lost will always be part of my story, inspiring the path I choose to follow.

Because if this journey has taught me anything, it's that it was never just about the dogs.

It was always about family.