Though Scimitar Kennels started in the fall of 2010, fulfilling a lifelong dream, dogs have always been in my life. I have been involved in conformation, obedience, and schutzhund, Borzoi have been in my life since 2001. I am a member of Borzoi Canada and the Canadian Kennel Club.
My first dogs were not registered, and I quickly realized the limitations that came with that. While I was a member of the Thunder Bay Kennel and Training Club, I was not allowed to take my dogs to the trials and conformation shows. I did participate as a Junior handler, begging and borrowing dogs to show. I spent the show days at ringside, watching. Through the generosity of people like Barbara Berst, I also took classes in ring-stewarding. This is a wonderful way of getting to understand the whys and wherefores of dog showing in the ring.
My first dogs were from the Herding and Working groups. Borzoi, being sighthounds, are totally different animals. They are not for everyone. If one is looking for a dog that follows them and hangs on their every command, only asking how high to jump, then the borzoi is not for you. Borzoi demand creative handlers to take them into the obedience ring. They can do well there (the top Canadian obedience dog in 1982 was a borzoi), but it will not be an easy task.
I have many people to thank for getting to the point of starting my own kennel. Borzoi Canada has many knowledgeable people,and most are very willing to share that knowledge. My special mentor has been Cherie Hunchuk (Elance Kennels). Thanks also to Henri Goldner (Echovesna Kennels), and Dr. Richard Meen (Kishniga Kennels). I owe much to you. Thanks for entrusting your dogs to me. My husband Randy deserves even more thanks. He has helped me through thick and thin, and always supported me in my endeavours with dogs. Greatest thanks goes to Jesus to whom I owe my life, and all I have. I am truly blessed.
My first dogs were not registered, and I quickly realized the limitations that came with that. While I was a member of the Thunder Bay Kennel and Training Club, I was not allowed to take my dogs to the trials and conformation shows. I did participate as a Junior handler, begging and borrowing dogs to show. I spent the show days at ringside, watching. Through the generosity of people like Barbara Berst, I also took classes in ring-stewarding. This is a wonderful way of getting to understand the whys and wherefores of dog showing in the ring.
My first dogs were from the Herding and Working groups. Borzoi, being sighthounds, are totally different animals. They are not for everyone. If one is looking for a dog that follows them and hangs on their every command, only asking how high to jump, then the borzoi is not for you. Borzoi demand creative handlers to take them into the obedience ring. They can do well there (the top Canadian obedience dog in 1982 was a borzoi), but it will not be an easy task.
I have many people to thank for getting to the point of starting my own kennel. Borzoi Canada has many knowledgeable people,and most are very willing to share that knowledge. My special mentor has been Cherie Hunchuk (Elance Kennels). Thanks also to Henri Goldner (Echovesna Kennels), and Dr. Richard Meen (Kishniga Kennels). I owe much to you. Thanks for entrusting your dogs to me. My husband Randy deserves even more thanks. He has helped me through thick and thin, and always supported me in my endeavours with dogs. Greatest thanks goes to Jesus to whom I owe my life, and all I have. I am truly blessed.