 My first Australian Shepherd came to me in 2002. A blue merle boy named Pride. At the time I was in a local 4-H group training my uncle's purebred working lines Border Collie, "Kelsey Joe" in Conformation, Obedience, Agility and Rally. I was so impressed by how quickly she picked up on the training. The two of us learned very quickly together about the dog world. I became fascinated by the breed, and loved their ability to do just about anything. But when I became good friends with another fellow 4-H'er and met her Australian Shepherd, I instantly fell in love. I loved the amount of loyalty that she had, as well as the versatility, without being too intense. I wanted a dog for myself, to be able to work with everyday, and not just at classes or the occasional weekend. A dog who could become more of a partner, friend and family member.
I started showing in ASCA and AKC that winter with Pride, and started making new friends, learning more about the breed, and also myself. Pride and I became a great team as we practiced more and more. We aquired our first three novice wins in AKC Juniors our first three shows, and also moved up to the open class very quickly in ASCA. By the end of 2004, I was ranked the Number One Junior in New England, and one of the Top 10 in the USA. I was so amazed that we had done so well; we decided to repeat our winnings the following two years, and came through Number One in 2005 and 2006. Also with the help of Sandra Landry (Vinelake Aussies), I was able to co-own Vinelake's Smoke And Mirrors aka "Prank" as a juniors dog, and also showed him to most of his AKC championship, including a Best of Breed win over top ranked specials.
In 2007, many things changed for me. I recieved an amazing job offer to move to Fort Edward, New York with Australian Shepherd breeder and Professional Handler, Melissa Hammond (Shamrock Aussies). I decided to make the move, and for roughly six months, lived in her home and helped Melissa at shows, and with her own dogs in her breeding program, as well as her boarding kennel and grooming business. It was most definitely the most amazing experience I have ever been through, and I am thankful every day for everything Melissa has done for me and taught me. Melissa gave me the chance to co-own her bitch Passions Wanna Be A Hilton, also known as "Paris". I took Paris out and she finished her championship in 5 days of showing, earning a back to back 4 and 5 point major, as well as a 3 point major at a Herding specialty show. The two of us also did some agility training which she loved!
I then moved back home and met Kathy Hubbard (Copper Hill Aussies), who gave me an amazing puppy named August. I will always be so grateful for her! She is everything I have ever wanted in an Aussie and more. She is definitely my favorite Aussie of all time. I love her so much and look forward to her being the foundation of my breeding program.
I am a proud and active member of the following clubs:
- United States Australian Shepherd Association
- Australian Shepherd Club of America
- Australain Shepherd Club of New England
- American Brittany Club
- Cape Cod Kennel Club
We will not breed very often and when we do it is by following these guidelines: OFA hips & elbows, and an annual CERF clearance on both parents. We believe in breeding for health and temperament first, proper structure, and, of course, versatility. Our puppies are sold with a contract with an AKC/ASCA registration.
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