ABOUT US
I have lived my entire life with Muscular Dystrophy. I use a power wheelchair and other adaptive technology to manage my daily life and rely on my beloved animals to help keep me grounded in the world of nature. I have been fortunate enough to have very supportive family and friends and all things considered have lived a remarkable, adventurous life. I have enjoyed college, 3 careers, marriage, kids, and have travelled to 4 countries. I can't wait to see what God brings next!
I have worked in animal behavior and pet assisted therapy for over 30 years, including 15 years in the assistance dog industry, where I worked for Canine Companions for Independence in many capacities. I have had the privilege of sharing my life with 5 different Assistance Dogs over the years and have worked with hundreds of others.
In 1988 I moved to Oregon and started The Adaptive Riding Institute, an equestrian organization serving people with disabilities. It was there that I met and married my husband Del. For the next 22 years I lived on a ten acre horse ranch in the foothills of the Cascades. Although fairly remote it was never lonely. We shared our home with a menagerie worthy of Dr. Doolittle including, my Assistance Dogs, several family pets, numerous dogs belonging to ranch staff, and up to 18 barn and house cats at one time, who continue to come and go at will. We've had one very friendly male peacock, and a goat who still tries to convince us he should live in the house. The 30 horses lived predominantly outside, with the exception of the 2 minis who were occasionally brought in as part of their training in preparation for visiting schools, hospitals and other therapy settings; and of course my mustang PJ who visits me in my room when illness or harsh weather prevent me from venturing out.
A few years ago a friend introduced me to Cavaliers and my life has never been the same. I have never met a breed of dog more endearing or personable, and I have known a lot of dogs! Although I have no desire to show my Cavaliers, I now breed individuals of the highest quality and best health. (I feel very strongly that inferior animals (of any species) should never be used for reproduction). I am aware that the Cavalier, like all pure bred dogs, has the potential for hereditary defects which of course I am eager to avoid. My adults are all heart and eye certified. I breed them on a limited basis for pets, pet therapy and as companions for the elderly and disabled. They come from good stock and are free from any known physical or mental defects. I'm not interested in trophys, I want healthy, intelligent, good tempered dogs. I breed with an emphasis on pets who are loving, healthy and smart.
In 2008 my sister Traci and her husband Peter who live in Salem Oregon joined me in my passion to help produce healthy, well socialized, highly intelligent Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Sadly the gene pool for these incredible dogs is being rapidly polluted by puppy mills and disreputable individuals who breed solely for profit with no regard for the genetic health of the puppies they produce. The practice of inbreeding has further compromised Cavalier health by concentrating genetic defects. Our goal, along with other responsible breeders is to "add some chlorine to the pool" and perhaps one day eliminate these defects through careful screening and responsible breeding practices.
Puppies are born and raised in our homes (both richly stimulating environments).
Recently I discovered that I was suffering respiratory issues as the result of a sensitivity I have developed over the past few years to the molds and fungi common to our beautiful but damp Pacific NW. So after visiting the various climatic areas existing in Oregon, I settled for the semi arid high desert in the Bend area. Now I am renting a small acreage where I live with my horse PJ, my CCI Assistance Dog Nancy, 5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and two human roommates. My husband commutes over the mountain Sunday afternoons and works at his old same job M -Th, then drives back over the pass and spends Fri, Sat & Sunday with me.
This weekly commute has brought some unexpected benefits. Our puppies, (whether born in Salem or Bend) can now experience both city and country life adventures as soon as they're old enough for car rides. These enriching life experiences boost their confidence, expand their awareness of the world and teach them versatility. In addition, now people living in both western and central oregon can easily drive to one of our homes to visit or purchase puppies from either location.
Each puppy comes with an unconditional guarentee and AKC registration. Puppies are current on vaccinations, started on house training, crate training, and comfortable walking on a leash. Each puppy is raised in the house and played with daily. They are taken for frequent car rides and are well socialized. Shipping is available for anywhere safely possible within the United States. We don't have lengthy applications or contracts (which only work for honest people anyway.) Instead we take the time to get to know each buyer and help each person choose the puppy best suited for their home and lifestyle.
Each new owner is provided with their puppy's medical history, AKC registration papers, puppy food, a sturdy pet carrier, leash and puppy harness.
We welcome visitors so please feel welcome to arrange a visit with our wonderful dogs, and be sure to let us know if there are any other questions we can answer
Kerrill
