In this industry, nothing is more draining than surface-level interactions or the constant negativity that often surfaces in breeding communities. I thrive on a “breeders helping breeders” mindset, where we remain friendly, support one another, and never tear each other down. My favorite people to be around are those who share this vision—the ones who […]
Where My Beloved Boots Have Taken Me with Duty Danes
My favorite pair of shoes is a worn-out set of waterproof muck boots that have spent more time in the kennel than anywhere else. They have carried me through icy Michigan winters and muddy spring mornings, standing steady while I’ve raised generations of Great Danes. These boots have seen the first shaky steps of newborns […]
The Healing Power of Dogs: My Journey with Tovi
The best gift I have ever received didn’t come in a box; it came with four paws and a heart of gold. Tovi changed my entire world. She isn’t just a dog to me; she is my own psychiatric service dog, and the bond we share is something I can’t even put into words. She […]
My Biggest Challenges Right Now.
The road to building Duty Danes has never been a simple one, and lately, the challenges feel like they are coming from every direction. My biggest hurdle right now is the balancing act of finishing my Bachelor of Science degree while simultaneously managing and growing the kennel. It is a constant race against the clock […]
How Am I Creative
How am I creative My creativity is found in how I raise my puppies to be confident and brave. I follow the Badass Breeder puppy curriculum and use their amazing guide as a foundation. I do not just use a standard kennel. I use a custom nursery in my camper where I stay with the […]
My Inspiration and Guidence
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 […]
Healing Hearts: My Journey with Great Danes
Growing up in a small town in Michigan, I always knew I wanted to work with animals. From working with horses to raising various dogs, my love for them has only grown. A story about my grandfather’s black Great Dane, Thor, sparked a fire in my heart. Years later, that seed sparked when I got […]