Boone joined our family in 2009 at 3 years old under the saddest of circumstances . . . his owner, Sharon Rich, passed away from ovarian cancer at age 52.  I’m honored that Sharon entrusted me with Boone’s future, and grateful for the excellent foundation she gave him.   Always a fun yet capable dog in training and competition, Boone matured into a gracious service dog as well.  Coming out of show retirement when he was nearly 10 years old, Boone won a JAM in Best of Breed at the 2015 National Specialty, and he continued to enjoy a fun and active life until we reluctantly sent him along to meet Sharon at the Rainbow Bridge just two weeks before his 11th birthday.

When I got Sonic from Chrisel Crain, I knew right away that I’d want another Akka baby so I got on the list for the next breeding.  I didn’t really plan on it happening so soon.  Or Tex’s arrival in the meantime.  Zealot and Tex are great dogs, despite being 4 months apart in age.  I work really hard to achieve the goals we have so far while still working with Sonic and keeping Icon active in the show ring.  The youngsters all get along well, even though the “wrassling” gets to be a little too much for me sometimes!  Zealot has been a natural in the field, picking up the birds on his own and delivering to hand.  He tries hard to avoid distractions in the obedience ring, yet still loves everyone he meets.  He is steady and honest in all rings.

Jurel, no longer a puppy, is still one of the most cheerful and unassuming dogs we have ever owned.

Her name (pronounced hoo-rel’) is the common name for jacks (a group of racey gamefish species) which occur in the mid-Atlantic area but are more common in southern waters. The species most commonly called jurel is a pretty fish also known as a blue runner.