~ Bio and SunRumba Sighthounds~
Robin Freeman Castillo of Queen Creek, Arizona formerly born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Owner and Personal Experience with the following breeds:
Ibizan Hounds-Basenji Hounds-Great Danes-Labradors-Schnauzers
Closely been mentored in the following breeds:
Whippets-Rhodesian Ridgebacks-Greyhounds-Greater Swiss Mountain
I started an interest in animals (dogs especially) as a toddler hanging out in Kansas with my Uncle's hunting Weimaraners (Pete & Babe, gosh I can still remember their names)! By the age of 2 1/2 years I had my own fawn Great Dane called "Star". After her arrival you could never keep me sleeping in my own crib/bed!
Eventually more Great Danes and a Minature Schauzer accompanied me through my school years, along with crossing paths, training and dog sitting with other dogs of family and friends. Each November was a holiday for me...not just Thanksgiving but the annual AKC Dog Shows held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come On Dad, please take me there EACH DAY, HURRY OR WE'LL BE LATE! I wanted to be a part of everything; so I would find a trashed armband number and wear it proudly on my arm the rest of the show day. Of course I had to go explore the grooming and preparation area as well! Some years I would even wear my Great Dane T-Shirts I collected over the time. Oh and I never missed Westminster on TV! So you guessed it, I would practice and play "show" at home with my own critters and even attend a few Cat Fancier's Shows! I gave my hand in grooming for awhile but it just wasn't enough...I wanted to see what was going on in the rings.
I also had the pleasure of training and spending time with sporting dogs (mainly Labradors). Then raising the ducks, quail and pheasants to enhance the sport and preserve them.
Having a long time family background in the Arts and Music trained me for the feeling and seeing of beauty. The love of dance and the allegro in music carries over into everything I do. Which brings me full circle today...... the exhibitor in the ring as an adult, living my childhood dream!
SunRumba got its name watching my first Ibizan Hound (Pirate) dance and stomp at handling class greeting time when Ibizan Hound buddy (Quinlin, w/Kasey True) arrived. Watching the two of them dance and posture was exhilerating!
Win, Place, Play or Practice makes it all a joy!
~Dedicated to my Ibizan Hound "Jilly"~