40 Saber Tails Spring 2017

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

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I 

first met Carol Spector on the PBGV-L chat list and soon 

our love of the breed drew us together as friends.  She 

and Bob lived in Ocala, Florida, a little more than an hour 

away from us so we planned to get together and meet 

each other’s dogs.  The Spectors shared their 15 acre 

homestead with Bearded Collies and PBGVs.  We were in-

vited to visit and bring boy Kuper, our only PBGV at the 

time. I will always remem-

ber the sign on the gate as 

you entered their property, 

which read “Welcome to 

PBGV and Beardie Heaven.” 

T

he Spectors love of all 

things PBGVs began back 

in the 1980’s when they first 

saw the breed while doing 

obedience with their Bear-

dies. They soon acquired 

their first PBGV, Amy, from 

Helen Ingher.  Bob and Carol 

enthusiastically embraced 

obedience work with their 

new breed.  They soon found 

to their chagrin and amuse-

ment that PBGVs were not 

always as consistent as Bear-

dies, but certainly just as en-

joyable. Amy was joined by 

Kugel, Breezy, Lambchop, 

Evan, Oreo, Mazel, Chuckie, 

and several others over the 

years, most acquired from 

Lynne Crownsberry. Their 

Kugel was the first PBGV to 

compete in obedience and 

was featured in Front and 

Finish magazine.

B

ob and Carol, as members of the Beardie Club, have 

graciously hosted the club and allowed them to use 

their property to host a yearly gathering called “Beardie 

Fun Day.”  I think as many Beardie owners attend the an-

nual event as do a PBGV National Specialty.  Naturally, 

over the years, “Beardie Fun Day” evolved into “Beardie/

PBGV Fun Day.”   Tom and I attended an annual Beardie 

Fun Day and PBGV Free For All not long after we met Carol.  

We couldn’t believe the attendance.  It was truly amazing 

to see so many dogs running around having a great time 

and getting along just fine.  Like a mini National Specialty 

it was complete with auctions, competition events for 

the dogs and owners, 

and raffles.  And ev-

eryone contributed a 

dish to share.  Over the 

years we took Kuper, 

Odie and Rusty who 

enjoyed the day and 

went home exhaust-

ed.

I

magine a huge back-

yard, replete with 

dozens of Beardies of 

all ages, along with 

all the PBGVs running 

and romping freely, 

chasing each other 

around, playing tag, 

while their owners sat 

around visiting, grill-

ing and enjoying the 

day. Surprisingly, all 

the dogs get along 

with each other. My 

pack managed to 

check on me from time 

to time and promptly 

returned to explore 

the yard or chase an-

other dog. I attended 

my last one two years 

ago. There were 97 dogs 

in attendance, most were Beardies, but the PBGVs were 

definitely well represented.

C

arol’s love of her dogs is evident in her involvement 

with both breeds over the years, and she has made 

Angels Among Us

The Story of Carol & Bob Spector

Written by Sandy Bustin