About the Breeder

As long as I can remember, my life has revolved around animals.  It seems natural that when I got my first purebred dog (a Golden Retriever) in early 1972, that I would be interested in training and eventually in showing her.  There began an adventure that has lasted over  30 years now, and is still a work in progress.

Goldens were part of my life until the early 90s.  Along the way, I also owned Gordon Setters.  I am proud to have produced several champions in these breeds, here in the US and more in Canada, as well as those very important performance titles - in obedience and tracking, as well as CGC, TDI and working certificate titles.   Since the majority of my puppies have always gone into companion homes, I've always placed a lot of emphasis on tractable temperaments and good health, as well as sound conformation and good type.  Knowing the origins of a breed, and why it was developed, have always been part of the focus of my breeding program too.  

In 1986 I began researching Akitas for a friend, and that was the beginning of my fascination with this breed.   I got my first Akitas in 1987 and they have been my main focus ever since.  In that time, I have owned and/or bred or co-bred well over a dozen champions, almost ALL owner-handled to their titles.  I am equally proud of the working titled Akitas I've produced, and their owners who have perservered with a breed not noted for obedience and agility!  My goals have always been to produce dogs that are good enough to be finished without the benefit of professional handlers, and dogs that have trainability and desire to work for their owners.  These same traits are equally important to the owner who just wants a good looking companion too.

I think we owe it to our animal friends to provide the best life we can for them, so I'm always searching for ways to improve things for my dogs.  Please visit my Raw Feeding page to learn more about BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) for our dogs.  I have similar issues about routine vaccinations and poisons like heartworm preventative, wormers, and various flea/tick products.  Stay tuned for pages on these things too!

This page was last updated on: January 22, 2005

All puppies or adults are sold on written contracts.  Companion pups are sold with spay/neuter agreements, and are guaranteed to live functionally sound lives or they will be replaced.  Knowing how attached we become to our pets, I do my best to insure all puppies produced will have good, strong immune systems and sound structure.  Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate 100%, but by insuring that all breeding stock has a healthy thyroid gland and immune system, OFA cleared hips and elbows, and ACVO cleared eyes, I feel the risk of a problem cropping up is cut tremendously.

Most show quality puppies are sold on co-ownerships, with somewhat negotiable terms.  I like to remain as flexible as possible to suit the needs of my puppies, potential purchasers and myself.  When grading puppies as show potential, only the top picks in a litter are ever placed into a show situation....and I'm just as fussy about potential homes for both show and pet quality puppies! 

Adding a puppy  to your household is a serious step.  I expect each potential owner to be making a lifetime committment to the puppy they take home.  That's 11-12 years or more for an Akita.   I do understand we aren't always able to plan ahead for unforseen events in our lives, and that's why I'm always here for any dog I have produced. 

This was my Rita - Ch. Birnam Wood's Rita D Riot Act CD.  She was my first champion, but more than that, she was my best friend, my constant companion, my soulmate, my heart dog.  My girl.  She is still sorely missed.  4/1/77 - 2/21/92.

Yup, that's me too, with my first Gordon Setter, Ch. Flintlok's Gloamin' Star.  Butter was my second champion, and a special girl in her own way.  That is, she did it ALL her own way!   She taught me it was better to have a sense of humor and not take things so seriously all the time!  5/77 - 9/87.

                                                        WHEN I AM OLD

I shall wear Turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts... and a bandana over my long, silver hair.....and I shall spend my Social Security Checks on Sweet Wine and My Dogs.......and sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen to my dog's breathing.

I will sneak out in the middle of  a warm Summer night and take my Nero for a run, if my old bones will allow... and when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I walk out and show them my dogs...and talk of them and about them... The Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today....

I still will work hard cleaning their runs and mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft, loving way... I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all...and my Children ...  who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends....

These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall...and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you .......as if you are a God.  With warm eyes full of  adoring love  and hope that you will stay and hug their big, strong necks...and kiss their dear sweet heads...and whisper to them of  your love and the beautiful pleasure of their  very special company....

I look in the mirror...and see I am getting  old.... this is the kind of woman I am...and have always been. Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me, accept me for who I am, my dogs appreciate my presence in their lives...when I am old this will be important to me...you will understand when you are old....& if you have dogs to love too.

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