K. Carol Carlson

Carol’s involvement with Wheatens goes back to the late 1960s when she and Emily Holden imported a bitch and became Amaden Wheatens, Reg. Carol and Emily campaigned Wheatens throughout the US as part of the AKC recognition effort.

Carol was incredibly important to the SCWTCA, serving as the President in 1980-81 and 1987-89, and on the board for 12 additional terms. She was the Benchmarks Editor from 1990–2005 and SCWTCA AKC Delegate. She was often asked to handle difficult problems by SCWTCA presidents who knew she was the right person for a tough job.

As protein-losing diseases took hold in the breed, Carol was one of a small group that looked to research to help us. Her talent was in fundraising: one of her early efforts was to raise the funds required for an AKC Canine Health Foundation matching grant, easily tripling the goal. She chaired the Colony Dog fundraising project and raised over $100,000 for their research and care.

With the support of the then SCWTCA Board and other long-time fanciers, Carol drove the establishment of the Endowment and served as its chair until 2019. Under Carol’s leadership, the Endowment raised and donated hundreds of thousands for Wheaten health research and projects.

Carol was a dear friend to many and loved by all. As news of her passing spread, people from all over the Wheaten community had stories about her…, all describing a person who loved the breed and would help anyone interested in it.