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Laura Edstrom-Smith
Introduction
Having 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 which drew her attention to the breed. 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 very 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 once owner handled; Best of Breed at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship once owner handled, Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club in New York; and multiple Best of Breeds at all-breed shows mainly throughout the Southeast.
In the past 20+ years, Laura Edstrom-Smith 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 the Anatolian Shepherd Breed Standard.
In 2001, the Board of Directors of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America appointed Laura Edstrom-Smith Education Coordinator. Laura's extensive knowledge and understanding of the Anatolian Breed Standard and her professional career as an intensive-care pediatric nurse requiring a thorough background in anatomy made her the most qualified club member to coordinate the ASDCA'S national judges education seminars, general education seminars, Meet the Breed educational materials, and other educational programs as requested. Laura also writes articles relevant to the Breed Standard for the ASDCA's national publication, the Anatolian Times. Laura Edstrom-Smith resigned her position as ASDCA Judges Ed. in March of 2010, she served for eight plus years.
Laura Edstrom-Smith has found it a very satisfying experience coordinating educational programs for the ASDCA and being actively involved in a wide variety of AKC educational and conformation events. "My education will never be over and I am committed to protection of the integrity of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Breed Standard of Excellence. Her goal is "preservation not innovation."
Laura was elected to the ASDCA Board of Directors in 2008. She resigned 18 months later as she was not able to support the Regime at that time. She remained supportive of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
In October 2012 Laura was again asked to serve on the Judges Education Committee for the Anatolian Shepard Dog Club of America. It is my privilege to again serve in the capacity of Judges Education as a member of the Illustrated Guide Committee. She is an active member and willing to serve her beloved Anatolian Shepherd Dogs.
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