The concept of the Scottie Rally began in the winter of 2000 shortly after our first Scottie, Shayna was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (commonly known as bladder cancer).  What began as an idea to gather a few families on our property to celebrate our relationships with the Scottish Terrier quickly grew into the formation of a non-profit organization for the purpose of fellowship, education and fundraising for Scottie health research and rescue and an annual gathering attracting attendees from across the globe.

We have been blessed to have been owned by seven Scotties and currently share our home with Finnegan, Sparky and Katie. We understand the pain in losing one of your clan and also are confident in our hearts’ ability to open and love another, yet never forgetting any of our furkids.

Since Michele and Tom believe in supporting the specialty organization that is committed to the maintenance and ethical breeding practices they are members of the Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) and the Scottish Terrier Club of Chicago (STCC).  Their decision to join STCA nearly two decades ago has resulted in the recognition of and respect for the work that is done by DCSR.   It’s clear that since 2001 the Door County Scottie Rally has grown into a year-round labor of love and a legacy to every single Scot that has enriched all of our lives. Michele and Tom are grateful for the support of past and present Board members and all volunteers who make DCSR a success year after year.

Laurie has lived with Scottish Terriers since 1978 when she fell instantly in love with a pet-shop Scottie, whom she named Hanna and brought home, despite living in an apartment that didn’t allow dogs. Since then nine other Scotties, all rescues or rehomed, have lived with Laurie and her husband, Jim. They currently share their home with two Scotties, Hemingway and Nessa.

Laurie has been a member of both regional and national Scottish Terrier Clubs, serving on the Board of the Scottish Terrier Club of Chicago and as the editor of their newsletter. She was an editor by profession, but spent her free time on dog stuff: as a mentor on a canine epilepsy list, taking classes with her Scotties in obedience and nose work, learning to groom her Scotties, and attending numerous canine health and behavioral seminars, including a wolf intensive at Wolf Park in Indiana. She and Jim have adopted many special-needs Scotties and are devoted supporters of Scottie rescue—fostering, transporting, and donating freely, including from their Scottie collectibles.

Laurie and Jim will be receiving the Door County Scottie Rally Braveheart Award in 2021 for their long term self-less contributions to assisting numerous physically challenged Scots live their days with joy and love until they crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Phil and John Poole were in Door County around 2004 with their sweet Scottie, Scout, when someone stopped them and asked if they had been to the Door County Scottie Rally. They had never heard of the Rally and fortunately they decided to chance attending! They felt that they should fully expect there to be some kind of a “row” and for certain they would be asked to leave. Phil recalls fondly that “I am happy to say it went well and we have been coming every year since!”

The Pooles both love Scotties and are so amazed by their personalities, intelligence, and loving nature. Their contributions to DCSR have been original pieces of art including spectacular quilts which have brought in substantial bids in our LIVE and on-line auctions. Additionally their volunteer activities have included assisting with pre-Rally set up activities and working the LIVE Auction. As a family they are committed to the Rally mission and look forward to more involvement. Although Scout has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, they are both basking in the nuances of having Skye, an energetic, happy young lass fill their hearts and home! Phil continues to work as a Nurse Practitioner when she is not spending time with family and friends.

During her life Nan has enjoyed the company of several kinds of dogs, and explains “I knew nothing about Scotties until my younger daughter, then 12, decided that was what she wanted and managed to persuade me. So tiny Queen Jane arrived and ruled my life and my heart until she flew to the Rainbow Bridge in April 2018 at 15.75 years old. She led the way, several years ago, to our adoption of two rescue boys:  George, now 11 and Joey, soon to be 12.” Nan, Joey, and George “ have played agility, rally obedience and barn hunt & we enjoy spreading the word that Scotties can do anything they decide they want to!” Nan and her husband, Dan, have two adult daughters, both are also Scottie devotees.

Nan has been an active volunteer and advocate for Scottish Terriers for many years, serving as Secretary on the board of a Maryland-based rescue group, and also as Event Secretary for several rescue fundraisers. Retirement in Spring of 2017 resulted in their relocation from Maryland to return home to Green Bay in December. Thanks to Facebook, Michele learned of the relocation plan and the seed was planted to welcome Nan to the Scottie community in NE WI. Within 2 months of her relocation, Nan was recruited to help DCSR launch online fundraising on Facebook. Her organizational skills and attention to detail quickly positioned her to lead our Auction team- and in late 2020 agree to serve as the DCSR Treasurer.

Kari Endvick might seem a little Scottie obsessed if you saw her traveling to Scottie Rally headquarters. Perhaps it’s the fact that the Scottie census is currently hovering at eight! Kari got her first Scottie at age ten after working all summer to raise enough cash. Following a long ride to Iowa with her parents, she purchased Ruffy with her hard- earned cash, and admits that he likely came from a puppy mill.

At the age of twenty-two she acquired Hercules, a retired champion from breeder friends (Scott & Susan Jacobson) in Minnesota. What followed was her decision to try showing dogs and it didn’t take her long to acquire a champion on her first male, Blade. Soon after she purchased Delilah who became her “foundation bitch.” She states “I loved that dog. She was my heart dog and my breeding line all comes from her.” Her continued showing and planned breeding has resulted in her being one of very few Scottish Terrier breeders in Wisconsin. She has several champions in her line of Talisman Scottish Terriers, and her explanation for her Scottie census is simply, “They are very easily collected.”

After Michele Geiger-Bronsky purchased a wheaten Scottie from Kari in 2017, a friendship developed, and Kari has been instrumental in mentoring Michele in breeding Scottish Terriers. You’ll be certain to see Kari and her two daughters, Lauren and Izzy, actively volunteering at Rally headquarters before, during and after Rally. Kari admits, “I love my dogs and could never have another breed. I hope to continue to raise and show Scotties and to help with the Door County Scottie Rally in any way that I can.” Kari is the owner of Four Paws Grooming and Boarding in Stanley, WI.

Sue Fronsee holds the distinction of being a 2001 Charter Door County Scottie Rally attendee and a Charter Board Member in 2004 as DCSR began the work of incorporating as a non-profit organization.  Since 2004 Sue has been instrumental in a number of Rally activities including establishing the rapid Buy It Now sale of “surprise” boxes she creates and fills with treasures; gorgeous baskets for our Silent Auction, the creation and placement of Garden Stones around the Scottie Totem Pole Garden, launching our Garden Stone Workshops and so much more.  Sue has been well known to rapidly hop out of her vehicle when she sees a Scottie to tell their owner about DCSR.  It is no surprise that Sue was the first recipient of the Spirit of Shayna Award  and is a consummate advocate for the Door County Scottie Rally.

She and her spouse,Tom have been generous with their resources including the donation of innumerable Scottie vintage and collectible items, time and talents. One example of this is the large custom Scottie Sign that is the last thing Parade viewers see on the back of the DCSR haywagon.  This signage helps to advertise our organization during the transport of parents and pups in the DCSR Parade of Scots and the 4^th of July Baileys Harbor Parade.  Thanks to the Fronsees the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden features a PAW garden stone for each of the nine original Scottish Terriers that attended the 1^st Rally in 2001.  Lastly Sue holds the distinction of being one of a handful of Charter Scottie Rally attendees who have never missed a single Rally.  In 2005 she was awarded the distinction of being an Emeritus Board Member and is often consulted for her perspective on what the Rally does as an organization.