Story Created:
Jul 7, 2010 at 4:46 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 7, 2010 at 4:46 PM CDT
A Grand Island High School assistant principal does something very different from his education career when he leaves work. NEWS 5's Dennis Kellogg shows us how his day "goes to the dogs" when he gets home, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
When you talk with Doug Jensen about doberman pinschers, he speaks with a purpose and a passion.
"This dog again is a a square breed so you want the legs perpendicular to the ground," said Jensen.
Doug, a high school administrator, breeds dobermans through his Cedar Knolls kennel. He and his wife have shown their dobermans for nearly four decades. You can see their love for the dogs throughout their home.
"We have had a dog in our home, at least one dog in our home, since we were in college. We bought a dog when we were in college so, since 1969 or 70, we have had a dog. We took a dog on our honeymoon with us, so we have always had a dog," said Jensen.
These ribbons — just a few of the many he has won — illustrate his success. Success that has all come with this one breed.
"The doberman is extremely intelligent. They are a great house dog. They are a great companion. They guard your home. They live with you. They know a boundary," said Jensen.
When he is not showing his dobermans like Tasha, Doug is often evaluating other dogs. He is an internationally–recognized and AKC–approved judge.
"I have been to Japan to judge, Australia, New Zealand, and almost every state in the United States," said Jensen.
Opportunities he said he never would have had if it were not for his involvement with dogs. And all of his efforts in breeding, judging and showing dobermans is focused on improving the quality of the dog.
"When we breed dogs, we breed specifically to improve the breed and we show those dogs. That is what we do is show dogs," Jensen said.
Doug's passion for these dogs extends beyond the animals themselves to his artwork where does beautiful sculptures of the dogs, something he puts his heart into.
"The first piece took me 4 years to do," said Jensen.
Now, he completes one to two new pieces a year. Creating art, which Doug started in college, is something he does for himself.
"It is not a business. It is a hobby," said Jensen.
Yet, his art work is also attracting attention.
"It is kind of nice because I have collectors around the world that are buying my pieces and they buy a piece like every year," said Jensen.
While his bronze sculptures are centered on Dobermans, they are each different in their own way. Like one he calls "Reflection."
"Our breed is very inquisitive so, this is not unusual to have dogs look at a mirror. And that is what this is is a two–way mirror," said Jensen.
Doug said he will continue to focus on dobermans in his artwork because that's what he knows best. After breeding, showing, judging and now sculpting these dogs for so many years, there's no doubt when it comes to doberman pinschers, Doug Jensen has earned his best in show.
"That is kind of our life in dogs and we enjoy it," said Jensen.
Doug serves as president of the Grand Island Kennel Club and has been the educational secretary for the Doberman Pinscher Club of America for about 25 years. If you would like to see more of his artwork visit http://dobermanbronzeart.com/
