| About me... |
| I first became interested in Aussies while I was competing at a flyball tournament. I saw a little blue merle aussie and I was hooked. I was looking for a dog that I could compete with in conformation,obedience, agility, flyball, herding, and whatever else I decided to do. The aussie was a perfect match. After doing a great deal of research into the breed and breeders, I lucked out and found my first aussie Bear. I went to veterinary school at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon and went on to do an internship in small animal medicine and surgery in West Hartford, CT. I then moved to Penticton, where I practiced in a small animal hospital for 4 years. I have recently relocated to Sherwood Park and now work at an emergency clinic, which I enjoy. I am committed to preserving the health and versatility of the Australian Shepherd. I am very active in the Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association, currently sitting on several committees and the Board of Directors as Secretary/Membership Director. I am also active in the ASCA affiliate club, Australian Shepherd Fanciers of Alberta. In my spare time (those few minutes between working and training dogs), I enjoy cross stitch, reading, and movies. About my breeding program: At this time no litters are planned. All breeding stock at Concho Rio Australian Shepherds will have all health clearances (CERF and OFA, as well as MDR1 testing for drug sensitivity and ASCA DNA'd) prior to breeding. All offspring will be fully guaranteed against all genetic health and temperament problems, including Idiopathic Epilepsy. All my aussies used for breeding will conform to the CKC and ASCA breed standard. I follow the Code of Ethics for both the CKC and ASCA. I do not, and will never, breed Miniature or Toy Australian Shepherds. These are NOT a variety of the Australian Shepherd but are rather a completely separate breed or even cross breed. None of these breeds (Minis, Toys and North American Shepherds) are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club, Australian Shepherd Club of America, or the AKC. |