Our love for animals has always included the world of horses.  For several years we maintained up to three mounts to be used for cutting, western pleasure and mostly trail riding.  We particularly enjoy the gentle good nature, combined with athletic abilities of the American Quarter Horse.  Due to my health problems our horses have now been sold to good homes.  My remaining favorite horse, OJ, has recently been donated to the BVRH riding facility here in northern Illinois.  There he works with physically and mentally challanged adults and children.  He is one of their most prized mounts.  At the age of 28, he especially enjoys the love and attention the wonderful staff and pupils at BVRH bestow on him.

My original Sheltie came when I was seven years old in the form of a rescue dog obtained from Carl Kingston - a man who was dedicated to the rescue of dogs.  The original dog was a sable with pretty white markings and I named her "Cookie" after my favorite dessert.  She lived for several years with my parents, but died a premature death from kidney problems.

My first registered Sheltie came several years later.  We were working on obedience training when he developed epilepsy.  We did not have "Teddy" for very long, but I still have pictures of him.  He would look at my grandsons with so much love that he will always have a special place in my heart.

My first conformation hopeful was "Levi".  Although Levi went over in size, he and my daughter Kathy have done well in the obedience ring.  "levi" has become my husband, Jim's, dog.

Jim is sure to remind me on a daily basis what a wonderful dog Levi is.  Jim has refused all offers from people who have wanted to give Levi a home.

At one year of age, Levi's littermate, "Hunk" joined our family.  "Hunk" took us on an exciting whirlwind trip into the world of the conformation ring.  From there I have been bitten.

My main objective has never been to breed lots of dogs, but to have a few really nice dogs to show.  Because of this I have gone very slowly, have attended many seminars from health to training, and read everything that I could find plus viewed many training tapes.  My greatest hope is to do no harm to the breed, but to preserve that which was accomplished before me.  If I accomplish a small improvement, I will be overwhelmed with gratitude to my mentors.

It is my belief that every breeder needs to actively support their breed rescue, which I try to do.

Any dog we plan to breed must have the very best temperament.  We want to be able to live with our dogs as well as have them do well in the show ring.  We are looking for the total dog, not just flashy markings.  We perform health checks on our dogs, and work closely with our vets to insure health - as much as is humanly possible.

My favorite dog show is "Sheltie Nationals".  It is like being in heaven with hundreds of little angels all around you!  It is a great opportunity to see many of the top winning dogs, plus learn something new.  We are sure to attend as often as possible.