K9 Kloud9 Dog Columnist Ron Hevener:

Author/Artist RON HEVENER specializes in animals and the romantic, adventurous people who love them. Mr. Hevener owns one of oldest dog show kennels in the U.S.("Lochranza," specializing in Collies since 1945). His dog "Kane" (Ch. Amberlyn's Bright Tribute) was featured in his popular novel "The Blue Ribbon."

His interest in Arabian horse racing goes back to the early days of Delaware Park, now one of the leading Arabian racetracks in the US. His stallion "Nahgua" (Nugui El Khamsin) was one of the first Arabians to race at Delaware Park and inspired Mr. Hevener's novel, "Fate of the Stallion."

Along with racehorses and show dogs, Mr. Hevener's interest in Greyhounds started with the adoption of a retired racer and led to a full-fledged racing kennel inspiring his novel, "High Stakes." Today, he owns sons and daughters of major Greyhound racing sires from the US, UK, Ireland and Australia.

An accomplished artist who started by selling handmade souvenirs to tourists at farmers' markets, Mr. Hevener's collectible figurines and the prints from his novels are now bought and traded throughout the world. His original paintings and sculptures are sold in galleries, displayed in museums and can be found in many private collections.

Growing up in the farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Ron Hevener was surrounded by horses, dogs and county fairs. "Along the way, I raised every kind of animal I loved. Even a kid or two, and I don't mean goats!" he laughs.

Today, Ron Hevener's illustrated animal stories are published regularly in magazines, newsletters, newspapers and on websites around the globe.

Ron Hevener is a member in good standing of the Arabian Jockey Club, Quentin Riding Club, American Kennel Club, National Greyhound Association, Collie Club of America, Dog Writers Association of America and American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Mr. Hevener is currently on tour, speaking at bookstores, libraries, theaters, schools, gift stores, pet stores, dog shows, art shows, horse shows and public events. "Life is a movie," he says. "On With The Show!"

www.RonHevener.com