Page 83 - Chow LIfe - 2019 Summer

Wisconsin Chow Chow Club

Vicki DeGruy, Secretary

As some of you already know, there will not be a
Wisconsin specialty show this year. We are exploring Kim believes that a successful Chow person must
locations for designated classes for 2020 and will let be an alpha, at least to the dog. The Chow should
you know what we decide. The Kettle Moraine KC see you as the family leader, not an equal. She's an
in West Bend and Waukesha KC are the most likely excellent socializer, often taking them to children's
choices. Both are July shows with air conditioning baseball and soccer games. Her home gets a lot of
and RV hook ups. company, someone's stopping by to visit almost daily.
It's been a great place for club members to send
Continuing our "Get To Know Our Members" puppies for socialization, too!
series, one of our highest seniority members is Kim
Johnsen of Franklin, Wis. She and husband Eric Kim can always be counted on to bring her Chows
have been members for almost 40 years. Kim has to the annual Wisconsin Dog Fair in the fall. She's a
served the club in almost every elected position and middle school teacher and for many years now, has
is currently our Vice President. Kim bought her first made presentations at her school that involve her
Chow puppy for $90 in 1975 from an ad in the paper. Chows. The dogs get to come to school and provide
Unfortunately, that puppy developed severe hip an introduction to the breed. The kids love them!
dysplasia, eventually bit everyone in the household, She's always willing to help the club however she can,
and had to be put down at age 6. even going so far as to dress up as a cow aka "Betsy
Bovine", to work the auction at the 1995 national
Since then, 8 Chows have lived in the Johnsen specialty.
household, three of them currently. Kathy Beliew
(then Kathy Porter) gave Kim CH Charkay's Jack In Kim's words: "I believe that the real beauty
Daniels, aka Bucky, after he finished his title. The of a chow lies deep. They don't have that needy
black male CH HuChu's Mighty Samson, bred by desire to please a human being. It is that primitive
David Cook and Brian Hooper, was a real family instinct, regal air, and independent nature that is so
favorite. He was acquired as a puppy and shown to captivating. You feel honored that they love you and
his title by Vicki DeGruy. A very laid back, gentle, want to protect you. Once you truly appreciate them,
handsome Chow! other breeds can seem stupid and annoying.

Kim and Eric have 4 children, all raised with the "I give my chows tummy rubs, hugs, smooches, play
Chows, and all now grown and married, blessing time, and lots of silly praise talk! They are funny, too!
them with 11 grandchildren. The Johnsen kids were Just the other day, Moxie went outside in the fenced
all raised to be respectful of the dogs and Kim is yard with her leash on and puppy Mojo ran out,
extremely vigilant when the dogs and children are picked up the leash in his mouth, and dragged her
together. She says parents must have an extra sense around the yard! What a sight! Two chows happily
that always knows what the kids are doing and what playing fills my heart with joy - enough to say a
the dogs are doing. She believes in fences, crates, and thank you prayer to God!"
baby gates. As she puts it, "You must never forget
that dogs are animals with primitive instincts and
reactions. They are not people."

This page sponsored by
Phil & Vicki DeGruy, Thunderhill Chow Chows

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