Well-known Crivitz resident Amy Shaffer and her Standard Schnauzer, "Etta" were guests Wednesday morning, Sept. 24 on the nationally broadcast Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. The show can be seen locally on Channel 14, WIWB-Fox Valley TV.

In a four-minute segment, Shaffer debated a lady from the Humane Society on the pros and cons of clipping dog's ears and cropping their tails. Shaffer said there are good medical reasons for the practice, including clenliness and fewer infections.

Shaffer and her husband Mark, own and operate Shaffer Park Resort five miles west of Crivitz. They also raise Standard Schnauzers under the kennel name, "Crivitz Standard Schnauzers," and show their dogs all over the country.

Shaffer said she and Mark currently have five dogs at home. They raise one litter a year, and sell some of the pups. The ones they keep are trained for show. They are working toward "Conformation Championship" for dogs that will be used in their breeding program.

Shaffer said Juliet called on Monday afternoon with an invitation to be on the show, and she said she really had to rush to get everything done in order to be on the plane with Etta on Tuesday morning.

She had to go to Fond du Lac last night to pick Etta up at the home of a friend who had been showing her over the weekend. Then, early Tuesday morning, Etta's veterinarian, Dr. Linda Michalski had to come in early to give the dog the physical exam she needed in order to get medical clearance to fly.

Shaffer said before calling her, representatives of the Morning Show had contacted a friend and fellow Schnauzer fancier on the east coast, and she referred them to her.

Shaffer said before leaving Crivitz she was told arrangements were made for the plane out of Green Bay. She would be met a the New York airport by show representatives carrying a sign with her name, and then would be transported to a Manhattan hotel where she would spend the night. She said this is her second ever trip to New York City.

She will get no pay for her appearance, just the experience and the chance to explain her views on national television.

The Shaffer dogs and their pedigrees were in the December edition of the Purina Breeder's Showcase. They also are pictured in a book by Atlanta author Jerry Hope, "The Breeder's Guide to Super Star Dogs." Shaffer said Hope was impressed by how socialized the dogs from Crivitz Standard Schnauzer's Kennel are.