The Master Program: My Journey
I have had to learn many things the hard way on my own because there are not many people left to guide you in this business. Because of that, I have built my own village of mentors. I stay a new breeder at heart, always learning and researching, and I never let the fear of the hard way stop me from performing at my best. I have been through the school of hard knocks, dealing with the heartbreak of diseases like parvo when people brought it into my home. Those hard lessons taught me how to weed out the bad and keep only the best of everything I have picked up along the way.
Beginnings with Wolf Dogs
My journey really started with deep research into wolf dogs and hybrid books in 1999. I got my very first wolf dogs from a man who ran a wolf dog rescue group in South Carolina. The wolf dogs are a separate part of my history that taught me the raw difference between primitive and domestic. From them, I learned the true structures of the pack and a deeper understanding of what it means to have a high content wolf versus a domestic dog. They taught me the foundational body language that you can only learn from the wild side.
Exotic Animal Experience and Responsibility
My time at Julie’s Jungle was foundational for my sense of responsibility and dedication. Working with exotic animals taught me the critical importance of safety protocols and precision. Because we worked with so many baby animals, I gained extensive experience in neonatal care and the specialized needs of newborns. Julie truly taught me what it means to be fully dedicated and always present for the animals in my care.
Lessons from the Horse World
My horse sense comes from years spent with race horse and show horse trainers who taught me deep ethical lessons and the true meaning of responsibility. I learned the hard way what to do and what not to do when it comes to the care of high performance animals. Even today, many of the health practices and remedies I use for my dogs are things I first learned in the horse world. Those trainers showed me that your word and your ethics are everything when you are responsible for an animal’s life.
Formal Studies and Psychology
My formal studies in animal health and behavior are the current focus of my life. For my school work and my understanding of dog psychology, I look to Cesar Millan and The Pack Leader. They are the ones who inspire me to learn more about dog language and how they think in a domestic setting. I also use the AKC Canine College as my go-to resource for genetics and health articles to master my coursework.
Constant Research and Genetics
My commitment to research is constant. I spend a lot of time on various research sites studying genetics, including health genetics and coat genetics, to stay ahead of the curve. I also pay close attention to the critics and people who bash others in the industry; watching them helps me identify exactly what not to do and what pitfalls to avoid in my own program. It is all about learning from every angle to ensure I am putting only the best into my work.
Mentorship and Breed Focus
My connection to Boxers is personal because I got my very first puppy from Merry Lou Newton at Jazzy Boxers. She taught me so much, especially about the hands on side of things like whelping. Getting that first puppy from her taught me the weight of responsibility that comes with being a breeder. Boxers will always be a deep love of mine, and I was lucky to have personal mentorship from Ken Kaiser. He gave me invaluable lessons on enriching coat colors and protecting the bite. He showed me that if you see a bad trait, you don’t put it in your bloodline because it will haunt generations. Alongside Ken, people like Mary Lou Newton and Rick Justice have helped me maintain the highest standards for health and drive.
For the growth and health of my pack, I follow Big Ant’s Bullies. He is a huge advocate for raw feeding and taught me that a breeder has a duty to take care of their dogs. He showed me natural remedies and home fixes for common issues that have changed how I handle my dogs health. I also look to QBN Kennels for their quality production standards.
While I love all my dogs, Great Danes are my absolute heart dogs. This is where my passion truly lives. I look to Flat Rock Great Danes as my main inspiration for a world class program and follow the Better Breeder Chronicles to stay on top of the highest AKC standards.
Leadership and Resilience
Managing a pack takes a specific kind of leadership and resilience. Brandon Edmonds taught me the value of transparency. He shows the good and the bad, and I love that he keeps it real. Gerald Antoine and Jeanette Forrey helped me understand that it’s okay to feel frustrated and that you have to build thick skin because people can be cruel in the breeding business. My timing and communication skills help me manage the hierarchy of Alphas, Betas, and the Omegas who keep the peace.
Mission and Personal Growth
Jeanette Forrey gives me so much hope because she is doing exactly what I want to do. Her mission is the same as mine: she wants to see people happy and see their lives change. That is my ultimate goal. I want to be able to help change someone’s life for the better through the dogs I produce. It’s about more than just the animals; it’s about the impact they have on the people who love them. On a personal level, this work is healing me. I deal with severe social anxiety, but every time I meet new people through these puppies, it helps me heal and grow.
Because I have been there and I know what it feels like to be treated cold and cruel by others in this business, I am always willing to help those who are just starting out. I am not the type of person to look down on anyone. If someone asks me for help, no matter what the question is, I am there for them. I believe there is no such thing as a stupid question, only good questions that deserve an answer. I want to be the mentor for others that was so hard for me to find. Everything I have learned from my village of mentors combines to help me perform at my best and be the best breeder I can be.