Me and Johnny (Ch.Withensea Johnny Thunder CD TD CGN RA RL1) in the park. September 2007

Hi There! My name is Lindy Wiebe, and I'm the owner of Withensea Kennels. I've had dachshunds for almost twenty-five years and now have standard wire-hairs only. I love this breed of dachshund in particular for its easygoing temperament and engaging appearance. I have two small children and the standard-size dachsie is sturdy enough to enjoy the rough and tumble of children's play, as well as being very forgiving of the occasional whisker- or eyebrow-pulling episode! Of course, interaction between any dogs and small children should be supervised at all times!

I live in Alberta, Canada, with my husband Rob and our two boys Andrew and Stephen. Our dogs all live in the house playing with the boys and our very bossy shih tzu, Sophie.

I believe that a dachshund is happiest when it's doing something with its owner, so my dogs are usually involved in some activity or another. My dogs actively participate in conformation, obedience, tracking, Rally-O, and earthdog tests. Over the years I have also tried flyball, herding (just for fun!), agility, and led a 4-H Canine project. An active dachshund is a happy dachshund! When I led the local 4-H Club's Canine Project for three years, my dachshunds were my demonstration dogs for obedience, grooming and first aid. They were muzzled, bandaged, clipped and manicured on 4-H nights and they still wanted to come with me--a true tribute to the happy nature of this breed!

I have been a member of the CKC since 1984 and a member of the Prairie Dachshund Club (PDC) since its inception in 1986. I am currently serving as the President and newsletter editor of the PDC, and I wrote the club's Code of Ethics in 1997. I serve as the secretary of the Grande Prairie Regional Kennel and Obedience Club, and was recently appointed as the Alberta representative on the Canadian Kennel Club Earthdog Council. I am also a Canine Good Neighbour evaluator for the CKC.