Susan Rodenski’s ongoing love affair with bulldogs began with her marriage to a Marine who wanted a Corps mascot of his own. While researching the breed, Mrs. Rodenski found a nearby breeder she’d read about in the one breed book on the shelves of her local library.

Before long, the family had its first bulldog puppy. Just for fun, they entered him in a large match sponsored by an area all - breed club and to their surprise and delight, came home with the Best in Match prize.

Inspired by the match show win, the Rodenskis continued to enjoy showing, but after nearly two years of exhibiting without winning a single point, the couple concluded the best way to acquire a truly exceptional show prospect was to breed one of their own. Choosing the kennel name “Fidelis,” they bred their first litter.

The Rodenskis are both listed in the BCA’s Breeders Hall of Fame, so far producing ten champions. A bitch they bred, Champion Mardel Fidelis’ Bianca, is in the BCA’s Top Producers Hall of Fame.

In 2008, one of their puppies was named an official Marine Corps mascot, U.S. Marine Cpl. Chesty VIII.

As the BCA’s national breeder referral contact since the mid - 1990s, Mrs. Rodenski is chairman of the BCA’s Breeder Referral Committee and, with husband Robert, is a member of the BCA Breeder Referral Network.

For the past fifteen years, she has also served as the breeder referral contact for her local all - breed club, the Greater Fredericksburg (Virginia) Kennel Club.

Mrs. Rodenski is active in obedience and performance training, both as a trainer and instructor. The Rodenskis currently breed, on average, one litter each year.

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