Contributor

Laura Edstrom Smith

2 published articles

IHaving grown up with dogs, Laura Edstrom-Smith purchased her first Anatolian Shepherd, named Early Warning, in 1990. The Anatolian Shepherd's unique abilities as a livestock guardian whose strong maternal instincts make it an excellent companion dog are the characteristics that drew her attention to the breed. ASDCA CH Clearlake’s Early Warning soon became the love of Laura's life. Her life-changing journey with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog had begun. Laura joined the national parent club, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America (ASDCA) in 1990. Over the years, Laura has owned several male and female Anatolian Shepherds. In 1992, Laura began exhibiting dogs. Since 2002, Laura has been successful in the show ring. Her lovely Anatolian Shepherd bitch, with Laura as owner-handler, has won many top honors, including: Best of Breed at the ASDCA National Specialty twice, once owner-handled, Best of Opposite Sex at the ASDCA National Specialty twice, once owner-handled; Best of Breed at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship twice, once owner-handled; Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York; and multiple Best of Breeds and Group Placements at all-breed shows, mainly throughout the Southeast. In the past 30+ years, Laura has devoted most of her free time to involvement with her dogs. This commitment has included: Researching the origin and history of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog; learning obedience training techniques, proper handling, and ringside etiquette; and in-depth studying of the Anatolian Shepherd Breed Standard. In 2001, the Board of Directors of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America appointed Laura Education Coordinator. Laura's extensive knowledge and understanding of the Anatolian Breed Standard and her professional career as an intensive-care pediatric nurse (now nurse practitioner), requiring a thorough background in anatomy, made her the most qualified club member to coordinate the ASDCA'S national judge’s education seminars, general education seminars, Meet the Breed educational materials, and other educational programs as requested. She had served in that capacity for about nine years. At the current time, Laura is once again a member of the ASDCA BOD, and again Chairman of the Judge’s Education Coordination Committee as well as Public Education. Laura also writes articles relevant to the Breed Standard for the ASDCA's national publication, the Anatolian Times, and other dog-related magazines. Laura has found it a very satisfying experience coordinating educational programs for the ASDCA as well as for the public. She enjoys being actively involved in a wide variety of AKC educational and conformation events. "My education will never be over, and I am committed to the protection of the integrity of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed Standard of Excellence.” Laura’s goal is "preservation not innovation."