About Us
Photo by M Nicole Fischer Photography
Me at Sea World working with the Belugas! Best day ever!
My love for dogs started as a teenager. I was in High School when I got my first dog, a Cocker Spaniel named Princess who was awesome. She knew over 40 tricks and was on the Montel Williams Show in 2001. We also auditioned for Stupid Pet Tricks with David Letterman. She was the one who first piqued my interest in the sport of dog agility.
When I graduated High School, I got an ex-racing Greyhound named Darien who was my foray into conformation and Service Dog work. Sadly he passed away far too soon and unexpectedly from cancer in 2005 at the age of 8 1/2 years old.
My first Cardigan was a blue merle male named Elvis in 2004. He was a very difficult dog to show but everything happens for a reason, right? Because of him I met Kathy, who became my mentor and bred most of the dogs I currently own now. She handled Elvis for me to his Championship. Soon after, Elvis began having seizures, and was put down as a result.
I learn most by doing, and same goes for my dogs...I keep an open mind and an open book, not every dog is the same and I tweak my teachings to what the dogs love best.
My dogs and I earn titles because we find joy in what we do. Titles are not a "must-have", but I enjoy showing my dogs and testing our teamwork and training. Titles are icing on the cake.
Below: A toddler aged me and my mom's Old English Sheepdog, Jesse James
When I graduated High School, I got an ex-racing Greyhound named Darien who was my foray into conformation and Service Dog work. Sadly he passed away far too soon and unexpectedly from cancer in 2005 at the age of 8 1/2 years old.
My first Cardigan was a blue merle male named Elvis in 2004. He was a very difficult dog to show but everything happens for a reason, right? Because of him I met Kathy, who became my mentor and bred most of the dogs I currently own now. She handled Elvis for me to his Championship. Soon after, Elvis began having seizures, and was put down as a result.
I learn most by doing, and same goes for my dogs...I keep an open mind and an open book, not every dog is the same and I tweak my teachings to what the dogs love best.
My dogs and I earn titles because we find joy in what we do. Titles are not a "must-have", but I enjoy showing my dogs and testing our teamwork and training. Titles are icing on the cake.
Below: A toddler aged me and my mom's Old English Sheepdog, Jesse James
So, what is with the name Octane?
The name is a bit unusual to have for short legged dogs - but it started because of my Greyhound Darien. I ate up everything with Greyhounds and racing dogs. He was my first dog with a pedigree and I came across this amazing once in a lifetime Australian racing greyhound named Pure Octane. He was AGRA's Dog of the Year 2005, and built like a well oiled machine. I aim to have dogs with that same wow factor - be it walking down the street or in a trial.
I am also an auto racing fan, and scientist by schooling. So it was only fitting to have it to pay tribute.
I am also an auto racing fan, and scientist by schooling. So it was only fitting to have it to pay tribute.