Experiencing the Opportunities and Love that a Purebred Dog Brings
by Kara A. Nelson

From an early age, I have had the opportunity to experience the enjoyment that purebred dogs bring and teach us. Stephanie, a black Labrador, was the first canine companion and playmate in my life. Though scarce, because of my age, pictures are the memory players of her in my mind. Shortly after her passing, my family relocated and went on a doggy sabbatical for a few years.

As my sister and I became of age to take on responsibility and help care for a new four-footed, tail-wagging member of the family, we set out on the puppy hunt. We did much-needed research and finally decided on a breeder of Golden Retrievers located in the mountains about an hour from our homestead. I can vividly remember how the drive seemed like ten times as long to reach our doggy destination. The drive was worth the wait. We drove home with our new special friend snuggled in the carrier between us. Because of her beautiful color, that perfectly matched the jar of cinnamon on the kitchen shelf, her name was settled at Cinnamon. As the years passed, Cinnamon proved to be an exceptional purebred dog. I helped train her in obedience in the beginning, and later, as I grew older, went on to train her for therapy dog and agility. She also had a litter of beautiful purebred puppies who have all gone on to make excellent companions. One from this litter went on to become part of the guide dog program.

My interest in dogs and cats has not only been enjoyable for me, but has taught me how to run a business. My sister and I started a pet care business in our neighborhood, which has flourished over the years. People now call to check our availability before planning their trips and vacations. At one point there was such a plethora of jobs to fill, we inevitably had to turn them down. I have also had the opportunity to train my neighbor’s Shih Tzu in obedience, and another neighbor’s Keeshond in obedience and agility. In addition, I had the opportunity to train and handle a Bichon Frise in obedience and agility. Many first place ribbons were collected with this little purebred.

Going to agility competitions regularly, my family and I would see how Border Collies were prevailing in the taller height classes. Around the time, my sister also caught the agility bug and yearned for a dog of her own. Cinnamon was also getting older. Therefore, to my mother’s astonishment, my dad gave my sister and me approval to obtain two Border Collies, one for each girl. We again went on quite an intense search for the perfect purebred Border Collies with good working lines. My sister and I were required to work to earn money to pay for our best purchase ever, our dogs. In essence, my sister got a year-old dog from a reputable Border Collie breeder. Through recommendation, I found my dream puppy from a breeder in Minnesota. Since we live in California, he was flown to me at an appropriate age for travel. I will never forget that wonderful day that my eyes fell on my new puppy for the first time. He has proven to be another exceptional purebred dog, expressing all the idiosyncrasy of a true working, devoted, and loyal Border Collie. He excels highly in agility, as he competes with the best in the excellent classes. Due to school schedules, I still compete but not as much as was allowed before.

Now that I am a high school senior, and my focus is much on my future vocation, my dogs are good examples for me to slow down and enjoy life aside from school and vocation. It is a joy to come home to see my faithful companions excitedly waiting to give a little love and provide for me an outlet for the simple things in life, like a wet ball. I hope to continue to have the time to train and compete in trials with my Border Collie while in college.

Though life is going through a lot of changes right now and into my future, I look forward to introducing my future family to the enjoyment, blessing, and responsibility of a fun-loving companion to enjoy and learn from for years to come.