My name is Cathy Miles and I live in Michigan in the USA. I've owned dogs all my life, most of which were mixed breeds and a few were rescued from shelters. In 2000, when our boys had moved out on their own and our last two dogs were in their senior years, I decided I wanted to have a purebred dog. I got my first Welsh in 2003 after researching all the AKC registered breeds and visiting the top 6 on my list. The Welsh was the last because I couldn't find one.
In an email, a Canadian Welshie breeder (Beth Marley) suggested I attend the 2003 WSSCA National Specialty in Ixonia, WI. What a weekend!! There was a building filled with only Welsh Springer Spaniels and they were just like I'd hoped they would be.
Originally, I thought I just wanted a 'pet', but by the time of the 2003 Nat'l Specialty, I had decided that I wanted a 'show' dog. Three months later, I flew to Baltimore to pick up Cedar.
Cedar and I learned together about the world of dog shows and showing dogs. I am fortunate that we have weekly handling classes put on by Mr. Fred Dieball. He is gentle with the dogs and helps the young ones learn that showing can be fun, and he's great at offering instruction for handlers. I train with my dogs at Companion Dog Training Club in rally and obedience. We have also started field training which the dogs just love. Such a joy to watch them work!
Turns out there is a LOT to learn about dogs, handling, grooming, socializing, training, structure, breeding, whelping, etc. I have attended several wonderful seminars, and have accumulated a library of books on all these subjects. I have a Breeder's Education Certificate from the AKC for successfully completing the Home Study Program: ABC's of Breeding, along with helping whelp 5 litters that belonged to my friends Andrea Pease, Betty Oister, and Rhonda Kuhn. So much to learn and what a joy to have the challenge and opportunity to learn everything I can about dogs and Welshies in particular. I've also had so much help from Welshie breeders with years and years of experience. I thank them!
When searching for a kennel name, I asked Susan Healy (WSSCA Historian) for assistance, as I didn't want to choose a name already in use or used in the past. After looking at my list of possibles, she had her own suggestion: Milestone. Voila', it was perfect!
My husband, Jack, and I live with our 3 dogs and an ancient rescued cat on ten acres in rural Michigan. We have a pond for the dogs to swim. If you are in the area, please call. We'd love to have you stop to visit us and get to know the dogs.
In an email, a Canadian Welshie breeder (Beth Marley) suggested I attend the 2003 WSSCA National Specialty in Ixonia, WI. What a weekend!! There was a building filled with only Welsh Springer Spaniels and they were just like I'd hoped they would be.
Originally, I thought I just wanted a 'pet', but by the time of the 2003 Nat'l Specialty, I had decided that I wanted a 'show' dog. Three months later, I flew to Baltimore to pick up Cedar.
Cedar and I learned together about the world of dog shows and showing dogs. I am fortunate that we have weekly handling classes put on by Mr. Fred Dieball. He is gentle with the dogs and helps the young ones learn that showing can be fun, and he's great at offering instruction for handlers. I train with my dogs at Companion Dog Training Club in rally and obedience. We have also started field training which the dogs just love. Such a joy to watch them work!
Turns out there is a LOT to learn about dogs, handling, grooming, socializing, training, structure, breeding, whelping, etc. I have attended several wonderful seminars, and have accumulated a library of books on all these subjects. I have a Breeder's Education Certificate from the AKC for successfully completing the Home Study Program: ABC's of Breeding, along with helping whelp 5 litters that belonged to my friends Andrea Pease, Betty Oister, and Rhonda Kuhn. So much to learn and what a joy to have the challenge and opportunity to learn everything I can about dogs and Welshies in particular. I've also had so much help from Welshie breeders with years and years of experience. I thank them!
When searching for a kennel name, I asked Susan Healy (WSSCA Historian) for assistance, as I didn't want to choose a name already in use or used in the past. After looking at my list of possibles, she had her own suggestion: Milestone. Voila', it was perfect!
My husband, Jack, and I live with our 3 dogs and an ancient rescued cat on ten acres in rural Michigan. We have a pond for the dogs to swim. If you are in the area, please call. We'd love to have you stop to visit us and get to know the dogs.
