Why Akitas?
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I was introduced to Akitas in 2010. Most Sunday mornings I would take a drive looking for new and interesting things to see and do. During one of these journeys, I came across a sign on the road that said: AKITA PUPPIES FOR SALE! Being a dog lover, and always having room for another dog, I stopped to have a look.
The sign led me to a big country farm. The first thing I noticed as I pulled up was the 5 dogs on the property. They were all interacting peacefully together. At the time, I knew very little about Akitas. My understanding, like most people, was that they are aggressive and don’t get along with other dogs. Seeing these dogs interact made me question what I knew about the breed. At the farm, I met the breeders. They were more than happy to fill me in on the Akita’s true nature, a nature that only someone who lived with Akitas would understand. They explained Akitas are loyal, smart, and confident.
Obviously I couldn’t walk away with a puppy that same day, but I left that day ready to do some serious research and prepare. I was in love. In the following months I waited for the breeders to contact me about the next confirmed litter. While I waited, I couldn’t help but visit those cute puppies. Each week that I visited, I would get to know their character and demeanor a bit more and I fell more in love with the breed.
About 6 months after my initial visit, the breeder announced that one of their females had a litter. At this point I was pretty keen on what kind of markings I wanted on my future dog and there were a few puppies with the markings I wanted in this litter, but I still didn’t feel ready. I waited. Three litters passed and each time I visited the pups and got to know them. I even took a few of the puppies that hadn’t found homes yet on adventures with me.
Finally after many months I felt ready and my turn arrived. When Karma was born, I was up all night. Each time Jerry, her mother, gave birth the breeders sent me a picture of the puppy. I knew I wanted a female with black markings and each puppy that arrived was either male or brown. My heart sank; I thought I would have to wait for the next litter…then it happened. Karma was the 2nd to last puppy born. I knew it was my girl the moment I saw the picture. The breeders knew it too. Her name was picked. She was my good Karma!
From that day forward it was only Akitas for me. I like other breeds and I wouldn’t be against owning another breed, if my husband insisted, but I will always have Akitas in my family.
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A Bit About Us
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Although I didn’t grow up on a farm, I am a true farm girl. I have always had a passion for animals, nature, and being outdoors. Beyond my dogs, I also own two cats Goose and Charlie. Our new home does not have as much land to keep the farm animals we would like so just chickens as for farm animals at this time. We use to have some pigs and horses around. I use to own horses and one day will again. All good things in time.
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In addition to working with dogs and raising puppies, I work a full time job, I am a Practice Manager at an amaazing Vet here on Vancouver Island called Mahalo Veterinary Hospital where I also run OFA clinics. I currently run the Akita Rescue of Canada (ARC) as well as work with shelters and rescues that have Akitas arrive in their facilities. I offer to provide my services to the new family that adopts an Akita. I love to share my knowledge on the breed; to help both owner and dog succeed. I strongly believe the sky is the limit when it comes to your own success.
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I was born and raised in Ontario and made my way west right after high school and have been back and forth. Like most people, I fell in love with the mountains and ocean and I have made Vancouver Island my home. I have explored more of British Columbia with each passing year.
I live with my husband who is from England and is the owner of a carpentry/contractor company called Driftwood Carpentry. His work is becoming a part of our home. He is hard working both there and at the house which make him a true keeper in my eyes. He loves all our animals and honestly what more could a girl ask for in a man really? Together, we frequently explore B.C. with our dogs. New adventures are always around every corner here.
