Page 360 - ShowSight - December 2019

Margaret Boisture continued
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? It is my vocation. Dogs thrive under my care, they and I enjoy our connec- tion, and I take great satisfaction from this work.
In making a list of mentors, there is always some risk of inadver- tently omitting one; for that, I apologize in advance. Among a few who come readily to mind, I would list my Portuguese friends Fati- ma Calamote Almeida and her son Pedro, Carla Molinari, Miguel Sabino, Nuno Ferro, and Henrique Passadinhas. Mentors among my own countryman include Darlene Devaney, the late Marilyn Piurek, Tony Raposo, Rose and Bud Hidlay, D’Arry Jone Frank, and my Aunt Gracie Carvalho, herself a longtime dog breeder.
The best thing about being a breeder is making a family happy by adding a healthy, happy puppy to their home.
The toughest part of being a breeder is the immense sadness of losing one of your own dogs to age, sickness, or accident.
I work full-time as Director of Administration for a manufac- turing company. And I work full-time as the owner and manager of Star Mountain Kennel, which has long since ceased to be a “hobby,” if it ever was. Balancing both of these can be very challenging and certainly makes for long hours and very late dinners.
My family is extensively involved in the day-to-day operation of the kennel. Our youngest son was a junior handler during his teens. One of our daughters tends the kennel when I am traveling and, on occasion, helps me at big shows. She also delivers dogs all over the country for me. My husband builds dog runs and houses, tends the dogs in my absence, and helps with the daily kennel chores.
I think breed clubs are very important and have far more poten- tial for advancing the good of the dogs than they have yet realized. I enjoy working within these clubs to contribute to their impor- tant missions. I am a member of the Portuguese Podengo Pequenos of America (AKC breed parent club) and the Portuguese Podengo Club of America (UKC breed parent club). I have served as Trea- surer and Director of the AKC club and President and Director of the UKC Club. I am currently serving as Chairman of the Media Committee and on the Judges Education Committee and the Meet- the-Breed Committee of the AKC Club. I strongly feel the President and board of these clubs should rotate often to prevent the club from becoming stagnate and exclusive.
I am also a member of the South Windsor Kennel Club here in Connecticut. I enjoy helping out at shows, especially serving as a steward.
We use our house, our kennel building, and a significant por- tion of our property to house and exercise our dogs. We whelp and raise our puppies in the house, using the Puppy Culture program to guide us day-by-day. We have several acres fenced to provide an exercise yard for the older dogs. We try to organize and use all of this to be sure we are keeping our promise to breed “happy, healthy hounds bred for form and function”®.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with the AKC? Our first Portuguese breed was the beautiful Estrela Mountain Dog. “Estrela” means “star” in Portuguese, so we were immediately “Star Mountain Kennel.” And, yes, the name is regis- tered with the AKC.
Do I co-breed or co-own with others? Yes, both. In selecting with whom I will partner, I consider the honesty and integrity of my partners to be as important as the quality of the dogs involved. Because I am very selective about this, I can rest easy that my part- ners will always act in the best interest of the breed and the dog.
My bred is very easy to place. They are small, healthy dogs that are eager to please. They do well in all types of homes. However, I caution they are not lap dogs. They are active and will hunt what is available. That being said, they are pack animals and are hap- py among their pack (family). They will live in peace with cats.
I mostly just use my website, starmountainkennel.com, and AKC Marketplace. I have many repeat customers and lots of referrals.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” will give breeders the recogni- tion they deserve? Out beyond the dog show world the title “breed- er” has become a naughty word. The more organizations that can help spread the truth about what we do, the better. We are preserv- ing all the generations of work that built all of these useful breeds so that they can continue to contribute in the future.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? This question could take up an entire interview itself. So I will focus on one thing they can do to help: Marketing of purebred dogs. All breeds. We need to get the word out.
The animals rights groups have gotten the “adopt don’t shop” message everywhere. We need AKC to do a huge marketing cam- paign that purebred dogs have a purpose. This would help all breed- ers in the long run. They need to do commercials all year on every network. They can promote their own marketplace also. Daily I get calls from people looking for breeds other than Portuguese Podengo Pequenos. My standard answer to these calls is to refer them to the AKC Marketplace. I am amazed that they have no idea where to go to get a purebred dog. This tells me that we have work to do.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Listen and take everything in but go consider advice carefully and make your own decisions.
I show some of my own dogs and also hire professional handlers to help show my dogs or campaign my dogs. I enjoy both the ring- side seat and the in-ring competition. This past February I had the handler show my dog at Westminster and sat ringside and watch. It felt odd not being in the ring myself to show the dog.
SANDI BRITT
How I got started in dogs? I joined 4-H and through time start- ed show in AKC with my German Shorthaired Pointers my parents raised at the time.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? The love of the sport and visiting with people who have the same interest.
Who were my mentors? Dee Gidday, Karla Cole and Sue Houck.
The best thing about being a breeder? Knowing that you are putting out quality puppies, but must of all puppy breath.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Letting the puppies go to their new homes.
Do I work outside of the home? No, I do not work outside the home.
Is my family involved? My sons used to show Jr. Showmanship, my husband doggie sits when I travel to shows.
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? Not at this time. My kennel/exercise areas described: 3/4 of an acre fenced in.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? I used to raise American Eskimos (1970) and my mom suggested it. No, it is not registered with AKC.
Do I co-breed and co-own with others? I do breed with others, at this time my breed doesn’t have too many others to breed with. I co-own one dog with 1one person. I usually do not co-own.
Is my breed easy to place? So far yes. My website and Facebook page is where I advertise.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an organi- zation’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? I think it could although I’m not to familiar with it.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Be there for them.
Do I show my own dogs? Yes I do.
356 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019
Breeder Q & A