At the tender age of 12 my parents brought home a dog from the Lost Dogs Home. Ranji the Kelpie X and I embarked on a journey that has forever changed my life and now my own families lives. Ranji and I began Obedience training at Werribee Obedience Club and very quickly found I had a talent. I titled Ranji CDX ADX in Obedience and Agility and became absolutely hooked on Dog Training.

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You might be wondering what this has to do with Australian Shepherds?

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Well, 5 years after bringing Ranji home I began looking for my next working dog. While perusing a Dogs Vic Magazine I came upon a full page advertisement for Sugargum Kennels proudly announcing the arrival of their two Australian Shepherds from the USA. I immediately fell in love with Chance their Red Merle Male and contacted Sugargum.  The ad took pride of place on my bedroom wall as I saved my pocket money and waited for their first Litter.

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In 1995 Dakota came into my life. A shy little Blue Merle Male who became my pride and joy. He was followed 5 years later by the little Black Power Pack, Montana and Blazintails was born! We have since always had an Aussie or two or three by our sides. My family and I would not call ourselves Breeders or Kennels, more Aussie Enthusiasts. We love the Breed with a passion. We love our lines, we know them well. Our Aussie family lines are now entwined with our family lines. 

 

I currently work with Phoenix and her Daughter Utah in Obedience, Rally and Agility after having a break from competition to raise my own children. We aim to keep our Aussie lines going with a litter or two in the future.

 

My Love of Dogs, Training and Animals in general led me in my career choices also. I worked from a young age as a Veterinary Nurse at Laverton Veterinary Clinic and after nearly 10 years I moved on to follow my training passion and became a Zookeeper at Melbourne Zoo where I have trained numerous species including Elephants, Seals, Birds and even Reptiles. I moved to Werribee Open Range Zoo to train Maremma Guardian Dogs to Guard Eastern Barred Bandicoots and now work with Lions, African Wild Dogs, Cheetah, Servals, Meerkats and Occasionally Gorillas and Vervet Monkeys!