Eugene Morris

*Who or what influenced your interest in Dogs and Dog Events

I have always loved dogs. We had a miniature poodle when I was a kid. I did not have another dog until 1987, when my wife and I got two miniature dachshunds from a pet store. We were both practicing medicine and knew nothing about dogs. Although we loved these poorly bred and out of control dogs, they destroyed our house. A friend of mine from the hospital told me we shouldn’t have gotten pet store dogs and told me I should take them to obedience. I scoffed at the idea. Well, one of these dogs lived until 14 1/2 and the other to almost 19. 

About three years after we got Jake and Jock, my wife surprised me with a chocolate and tan female dachshund, Jesse. I had an interest in dog shows and she was to be my show dog. Of course, I knew nothing about showing dogs. My friend, Diane McClurg, got us in touch with a handler. Jesse had a 4 point major and another point before her top line went off. She was always different from the boys until she came home. She became more undisciplined. My friend, Diane, told my wife I needed to take her to obedience. This was the beginning of a thirty plus year hobby. 

My interest was enhanced by my great trainers, Cathy Niles and Peggy McConnell without whom none of this would have happened.

*How long have you been participating with your Dogs

I have had dogs in AKC events since 1991.

*What Breeds have you owned

I have owned five dachshunds, three were in obedience and four papillons.

*What are your Goals

My goals are to have my dogs be as good as they can be.

*What is your favorite Memory involving a Dog

I have two favorite memories. The first was when Flip got his OTCH. The second is when Nitro became the number one all breed obedience dog of the year.

*What events they’ve Attended

My first papillon was a breed champion. My second was a grand champion. My puppy just got his grand championship. 

Zeke, my male dachshund, was a field champion. 

Since my third dog, all have been shown in obedience. Jesse had a CDX, Toby had a UDX6, OGM. Sophie had a CD. Flip had an OTCH, a UDX 10 and an OGM. Nitro was an OTCH 11, UDX 15, OGM.

*Contributions to LSDOC

I was on the original board of LSDOC. I have been on the Judges Selection Committee. I am now vice president.

*Favorite Location where you have shown your Dog

My favorite location to show my dog was, of course, Bonham. There are very few places I have not enjoyed showing my dogs. I miss many of the shows that no longer exist.