Ch. Claire de Lune Etoile CDX, ROM (1978-1992).
"Sunshine" was Viva's grandmother and the start of Avatar Belgians.

I have owned and been actively involved with Belgians since 1973. Breeding infrequently, I have bred and/or owned over 40 champions (six ROMs) and also earned many advanced obedience titles with my dogs. I am a strong supporter of the promotion of the incredible versatility of the Belgian Sheepdog.

Having served the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America as 1st Vice President and Treasurer, I am currently 1st Vice President and the club's Rescue Liaison, an AKC-licensed judge for the three Belgian breeds, and I serve on the BSCA Judges Education Committee. I was a founding member of the Chicagoland Belgian Sheepdog Club and served as vice-president and director for many years, and I was also a founding member and former president of the Heartland Belgian Sheepdog Club of Greater Chicago.

Most recently, I have been president of the Raritan Belgian Sheepdog Club, and am currently the vice president and newsletter editor. I am the current Belgian Sheepdog Club of America AKC delegate, and in April 2002, I judged the BSCA National Specialty in Dallas, Texas. In my non-dog life, I am a retired editor of two national trade magazines and do free-lance editorial work.

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All photos copyright 2002 Barbara Swisher
Graphics copyright 2002 Julie A Cantrell