Spring 2017  Saber Tails 41    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

many friends in both breeds.  In addition to their gen-

erous contributions to local shelters, both the Spectors 

have made generous contributions to the PBGVCA Health 

Foundation, and other dog charities dear to their hearts. 

Carol’s house speaks to her love of the breed, a treat for 

anyone who likes PBGV collectibles. It’s like going to a 

PBGV museum, a virtual treasure trove of PBGV memora-

bilia.  Every time I am there I see something I hadn’t no-

ticed before.  Look around Carol’s house and you will see 

photos of her and Bob doing agility and obedience with 

their dogs along with ribbons, trophies and certificates. 

But most impressive is her treasury of “PBGV goodies.” 

Carol’s PBGV collection is extensive.  Her collection began 

when she first fell in love with the breed and over the years 

she has accumulated items purchased at dog shows, from 

different artists, or that she has commissioned an artist to 

create. There is no room unadorned with whimsical and 

charming PBGV items.  Even the laundry room and bath-

room host artwork, photos, or some PBGV treasure.

C

arol and Bob are unabashed animal lovers who have 

for many years provided home and haven to dogs in 

need of either a foster or permanent home. And it wasn’t 

just Beardies or PBGVs.  Often they helped find homes for 

dogs someone found, or if they learned of a dog in need. 

Over the years, 45 Bearded Collies were rescued by Carol 

and Bob, as were a number of PBGVs.  The Spectors found 

great homes for all that came into their care, and those 

they couldn’t find homes for, became permanent mem-

bers of the Spector household. Daisy, Marco, Evan, Trevor 

and Papi, to name a few, were all rescued by Carol and Bob. 

Trevor and Papi are the latest and enjoy a great home and  

life along with PBGVs Simcha and Tikva, and Border Collie 

(rescued) Farfel.  Papi’s story was previously told in Saber 

Tails.  He is believed to have been used by a puppy mill 

and when he was taken into PBGV rescue, his ears were so 

severely infected, he is deaf as a result.  His behavior was 

that of a feral dog.  He was out of control and screamed 

non-stop.  He would not be consoled.  It was so sad.  Carol 

and Bob took him into their home and hearts, and today 

you would never guess that the happy, well adjusted, 

loveable little dog was once considered unmanageable. 

He adores Carol and only leaves her side to run with the 

pack, but he always comes back to check on her and make 

sure she is still there.

A

nother of Carol’s favorite pastimes was to visit local 

nursing homes with her dogs.  It began as a visit to 

cheer a friend, but soon the nursing home was asking 

Carol to bring her dogs on a regular basis because the 

residents so enjoyed the visits. Chuckie, Mazel, Simcha, 

Tikvah, and even Papi have all been great little ambassa-

dors for the breed uplifting spirits and spreading smiles 

and happiness among the residents. The Spector PBGVs 

have also been involved in after-school programs help-

ing kids read through a program at the local Boys and 

Girls Club.  In the after-school reading program the PBGVs 

would snuggle with children in a bean bag.  The children 

read aloud to the PBGVs who  were avid little listeners, lav-

ishing doggie kisses, and wagging their tails to encourage 

the kids to read.

I 

can’t think of anyone I admire more than Carol, or who is 

more deserving of recognition for all she and Bob have 

done with, and for PBGVs, their community, and dogs in 

general.  And I can’t imagine a better name than “PBGV 

Heaven” to describe the Spector home.

Cont’d from p 30

Cont’d from previous page

Rescue: Pam Helmer has sent a request to Gloria for a list of all 

unpaid reimbursements and will work on them after the first of 

the year.  The Club is still in need of a Mid-West Region Rescue 

Coordinator Volunteer.

With no further business the board adjourned at 8:44 p.m. 

Central.

Respectfully submitted,

Stephanie Holoubek

Next Meeting:  January 9, 2017