Valerie Whiterock is from East Hartford, CT and by day is an unassuming Pharmaceutical Research Scientist. She shares her home with three VERY active Jack Russell Terriers. Val has always liked dogs, but she didn't realize how much, until she met a tiny tan & white pup named Benny. She immediately fell in love with those big brown eyes, even temperament and carefree style. They started training and never looked back.

In the early days (1997) Val & Benny spent time at Terrier trials doing go-to-ground and racing, this was fun but soon they sought another outlet for their energy and discovered Agility and Flyball. They almost exclusively compete in USDAA Agility where Benny has earned his ADCH title (Agility Dog Champion) and Bronze Lifetime Achievement Award. Flyball has also been important in their life, they have competed since 1999. Benny earned his Onyx award (20000 points) in 2006. Benny has also worked as an actor and model, appearing in print ads, on stage, television and film. Ben loves any type of ball; his pet peeves are closed doors and baths.

Spritzer is Ben's little sister; she is unilaterally deaf & was given to Val in 2000 because she would keep her active in their ‘performance' home. Spritzer has dabbled in Agility and Flyball (she has her FD title), but is yet to find her niche. She is excellent for comic relief and adores floppy toys and guarding groceries. Vortex, who is Benny's true ½ brother, was added in 2004. They share the same father but through the magic of genetics; have proven to be polar opposites. Vortex is training in Agility and was a quick study in Flyball. Tex enjoys racing and has earned his FDCH-gold. In his spare time Tex irritates Val by barking at unheard noises and jumping up a tree after invisible squirrels. Val, Ben, Sprit & Tex can be reached at agljrt@sbcglobal. net