My love started for the breed when I was just 5 years old. My dad got our first dachshund, and we named her Tootsie Roll. We loved her so much and the breed, that my mom brought home my Frankie boy when I was 7 years old... she brought him downstairs for me in my Christmas stocking! Tootsie Roll and Frank were my best friends growing up, and prompted my love and devotion to the breed.
My mom, Lana, started showing dachshunds when I graduated high school. She got her first show dog, named Bodi. He is pictured on the right with me. Our "BoBo Bear" is a very special boy that we love dearly. Knowing my love and passion for dogs, as well as the breed, I of course became interested in showing too. My mom allowed Bodi to come join me in college, and we went on together to achieve his championship title! Our very first champion! He is now retired living with my mom, chewing up lots of toys, and going on lots of California adventures! My mom recently became interested in the standard sized dachshunds, while I remain with the miniatures. My mom and I are very close, and we consider all of our dogs combined as one big family. We are a team!
I want to express how thankful and appreciative I am for my mentors that took me under their wing. Although I grew up with dachshunds, there was still much that I needed and wanted to learn. My mom introduced me to her mentor and friend, Charlotte Martin of Belgate's. I was very anxious to learn more about the breed, breed health, and all things showing. I believe that learning never stops, and my desire to keep learning still remains. Charlotte was happy to also take me under her wing, and I am so thankful for her mentorship that she has provided me. Her passion and desire to do what is best for the breed is very admirable to me. She was so kind to give me a beautiful dog and gift, my Primrose girl. I consider Charlotte family, and I will continue to look up to her and her beautiful dogs throughout life and my journey in dogs.
A couple years after starting my journey in the dog world, I was able to attend DCA week (dachshund nationals). I had a blast, and thoroughly enjoyed observing, learning, and meeting new people. Throughout my time at DCA, I met two very important people to me, that I also consider my mentors and family. Pam Gale and Shea Gale were also happy to take me under their wing and provide me mentorship. Throughout my time observing all of these beautiful dogs at DCA, their dogs strongly caught my eye. They even gave me the opportunity to take one of their dogs in, Marshall, into the ring for brood bitch. SO much fun! After DCA, and then again seeing one of their beautiful dogs at a show that I attended, I decided to reach out to them expressing my interest in a dog from them. They allowed me to take home a very special and beautiful dog, my heart and soul, beloved Prince Marshall. I will forever be thankful to them for the mentorship and friendship they have provided me with.
Bodi and myself
My mom, our Chester boy, and myself. This was the day Chester finished his championship!
My mom and her first standard dachshund, Rumer!