Graduate of the International Shiloh Shepherd Association's Breeders Training program and mentored by Vanessa Dutton of Guardian Kennels
So how did I discover the Shiloh breed?
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Growing up I was lucky enough to have owned a distant descendent of Tina Barber's famous dogs, long before I had ever heard of the original "Shiloh Shepherd" name. This dog was named Titan, a 130 pound, farm-born King Shepherd/Border Collie cross from Cambridge Ontario. He was a true angel, especially with all the children in my mother's daycare. Instinctually he always kept a watchful eye on young children. Often carefully placing himself in between the child and any potential threat, gently guiding them past. A truly special quality you just can't train.
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A photo of Titan in 2009 (Born in 2000) - 50% King Shepherd/ 50% Border Collie
Many years after I graduated from college, the fond memories of Titan are what started me on the long journey to where I am today. I manage to stumble upon the opportunity to adopt a large mellow "King shepherd mix" in the quaint town of Gibsons BC (Many may know this town as the home of Molly's reach from the "Beachcombers" having aired from 1972 till 1990). Having many of the same qualities I remembered my beloved Titan, I decided to DNA test him through Embark and oh was I in for a surprise!!! He came back as a mix of 4 breeds: Shiloh Shepherd, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, and German shepherd. So after many hours of researching each of the four breeds, I came to the exciting conclusion that those amazing family-oriented qualities and that distinct mellow, and intelligent temperament I loved about my previous dog were rooted in their Shiloh Shepherd ancestry. So what did I do? I started researching reputable Shiloh Shepherd breeders, and got on a waiting list for an ISSA puppy, from Guardian Kennels! And I have to say I feel blessed to have found everything I was dreaming of in my girl Mixal! Plus countless other great qualities that I didn't even know I was missing out on!
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How did I decide I wanted to work and breed dogs?
Compared to most other dog breeders my journey into the canine world originated from very peculiar roots! I started out getting a college degree as a Fish & Wildlife Technician, at Fleming College in Lindsay Ontario. I knew that I loved working with animals, and as a child in kindergarten, my answer to the famous question of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" was always met with an enthusiastic answer of "A BIOLOGIST!" After working in the nature center at Presquile Provincial Park, caring for the captive animals, I was convinced my childhood fantasy was the right path inspiring me to get my degree as a Fish & Wildlife technician. I worked for the Lower Tent Conservation authority helping to manage the spread of invasive species while helping monitor Benthic health in local creeks and streams. While working in the environmental sector I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful working dog, trained to find endangered turtles in wetlands. It was always amazing to watch him tirelessly work, carefully bring us each turtle to be measured and tagged! He was so effective at finding these endangered turtles in areas that field technicians had previously failed. We were able to collect enough data to protect an even larger conservation area to help with the habitat restoration and long term species management plans. Working with a dog had made a world of difference! It was a few more years before the idea of becoming a breeder would ever pop into my mind though! And it was my experience working on a fish farm that brought it to light. On the farm, they had a very successful captive-bred population of endangered white sturgeon. These are MASSIVE prehistoric species weighing up to 500 pounds in captivity and over 1000 in the wild! I found the Biodiversity program amazing, pit tagging every single breeding fish on-site (upwards of 30,000+ between the white Sturgeon and Coho on-site), while tanking a unique DNA test sample from a simple fin clip. The data gained from DNA testing was then used to maximize biodiversity and prevent hereditary mutations by developing new tests to screen for illnesses such as malformed caudle fins. So when I relocated in 2017 after purchasing my first home, an exciting new prospect occurred to me. It was possible to blend my love of science, and endangered species management, with my fondness of animals, care and husbandry. With love and passion, I already had for my own dogs!
Like a Keystone falling into place, interconnecting multiple aspects of my life.