Carol and pups. (Taking puppy pictures is always interesting... the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.)
AN INTERVIEW WITH CAROL HARRIS (BO-BETT FARMS)
by Bonnie Guggenheim
C arol Harris of the Ocala, Florida, area passed away on August 7, 2021 at age 98. She was amaz- ing to work with while creating the following article, and an incredible woman of Quarter Horse fame as well as Whippets and Italian Greyhounds. The Bo-Bett farm was such a beauti- ful place—and Carol’s favorite place to be. Our sympathy to her children and friends in the dog and horse fancy; she will be missed by all of us. This article previously appeared in TNT and is being reprinted to honor Ms. Harris’ memory. Carol Harris, breeder of 500 cham- pions and the matriarch of Bo-Bett Farms, became charmed with dogs when she was given a Collie at age ten. Her interest continued after much success in Quarter Horses, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Dalmatians, and Whippets. Her in- terest in Italian Greyhounds was a result of her love of Whippets, and gave her the knowledge to see struc- ture and understand function as well as utilize strong points in pedigrees. Carol was voted by her peers in 2009, (and a second time in 2012) as “Out- standing Breeder of the Year”—an honor achieved by few. It’s interest- ing that she says, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” It was her attitude and acquired knowledge that positioned Carol to purchase Tekoneva’s Dario in 1990. “Dario” became the breed’s all-time top-producing sire with 108 champi- ons to his name. He was purchased
“Dario”
One of Carol’s favorite photos; “Dario” is pictured with two judges who liked him enough to give him the Group and then BIS—Vera Bistrim and Mrs. Denny Canino, respectively.
“Ruby” and “Dario” produced 22 Champion pups together.
30 • T op N otch T oys , A ugust 2021
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