Page 432 - ShowSight - December 2019

ROBERT SATOLOE
In the 1960s my aunt and uncle were with American Black Cocker Spaniels. I was hooked.
My first dog was an American Parti Cocker Spaniel. So the jour- ney started. I loved Spaniels, I simply desired a larger Spaniel which I could wrestle with.
I honestly had no clue this life’s path journey would I follow? I always was connected to all animals. Dogs and I had/have a sixth sense bond.
I had many mentors. Ann Clark would pat my head encouraging me it would be alright when I was showing as a youth. She know I was green and terrified. Truly the ones who dealt with my determi- nation were Andrea and Tommy Glasssford. They taught me to stay true, take no prisoners.
My true heart, the best thing about being a breeder has been to follow my heart. Follow the fact I studied animal science and genet- ics. I never bred any litter just for the sake of mass production to acquire, That Special One. I bred to do my best. Not every dog or bitch is show worthy. I held true knowing people, families out in the world loved my breed. My job to give those people the best I could produce with a breeding.
Toughest part of being a breeder, letting the pups leave after their first ten weeks of dedication. Like a contradiction, empty/fulfilled.
My home, my life, since 1983 when I started working with the public having a pet grooming and supply shop little did I dream fulfillment educating pet owners. Darn that English Springer who adopted me in 1982 would change my eternity.
I created Birchwood Kennels because so many pet owner fami- lies wanted my soul taking charge of their fur kids when leaving on vacations. Such this journey.
I have no blood family in the sport of show dogs. Honestly, I am blessed with extended families who have believed in my method to this madness of Dog. We are an adopted family.
I am connected with the Chattahoochee English Springer Span- iel Club of Atlanta. I’m very proud of those members who hold fast with their concerns for any member, event, endorsing their best for true sportsmanship.
Here at affectionately known as, Camp Birchwood. I have three major excessive yards for clients who order playtimes for their kids while boarding as well as the large inflow with day cares. Employees enjoy getting out, playing with the dogs and getting paid for it. Visit me at www.Birchwooodkennnels.com or on Facebook.
How I came up with my kennel name; I love Birch Trees. I grew up north of Chicago at Keystone and Birchwood. Keystone is the name of an English Springer Spaniel Club so that was out. Birch- wood, from what studies I viewed, was a kennel name from my breeds past and twice. I chose Birchwood for three times a charm. Seems I\this worked.
I do go breed and co-own with others. I have been very lucky to have a vast majority who will deal with my madness as to our con- nections. Not that this is required, I only in my entire career had someone use my position for gain. Sad. Such is life. Don’t dwell.
I am blessed I do not have to advertise any of my litters. I am well known, respected all over our tiny planet. I have no ego on this. I built my reputation with pure non-selfish honesty. Word of mouth. Today, Word of Internet.
Do I think “Breeders’ Showcases” as a special event at an orga- nization’s site will give breeders the recognition they deserve? Inter- esting point about Breeders Showcase. I am old school. To have US on hard copy to re-review in the future is invaluable. This Internet quick view gives no visual history for now shall be a click away. I think those shall follow in this 21st century. I have books where
I can chart my breeds history dating back to the 19th century. Great Read.
What can AKC do to help breeders attain great results? Large corporation; many issues. Cannot please the world as I know all to well being in business. Yet in all, when some of us with an impec- cable history turn to AKC with an issue which hurts the sport, I feel to support our legacy should take precedence.
Trial by error as a breeder; study, understand a pedigree at least within three generations. See the Sire, Dam, understand the stan- dard. Not to run to breed your line to the Top Best. Not always the best. Money can buy anything when there are so many other great dogs out here. My design I call the Diamond Effect: Bitch, Bitch, Dog, get to bitch, get to bitch, pick dog or bitch, line breed back to dogs lineage, out cross, pick the one thing you like doing so to breed with then carry on. Back forth and find one more piece to complete your puzzle.
A Robizum—My best way to place the above in writing.
I mostly have shown the majority of my dogs from the Bred By Class to make a statement. I know my breed and I’m here. Heck, as of this writing, 37 years later. I have handled many other breeds always making sure I was handling the best for those dogs stan- dards. My passion.
As for fun memories at dog shows...my pants ripped all around my below area and the judge saw this, had me go around the ring again, and again.
Mr. Lewis Bayne, circa 1995? Every time he sent me on an up and back the show ring next to mine screamed, cheered for their breed. My dogs tail dropped. Mr. Bayne stopped me asking if my dog would ever get his tail up? Out of pure frustration I blurted out, “Yes, if they would shut up.” I cringed, I was doomed. Mr. Bayne told me not to move. He walked over ringside, clapped his hands in the air loudly stating, “QUIET!” Then turned to me saying, Pro- ceed. I won ac4 point major and was not written up being excused.
MARIKO SAUM
How I got started in dogs: I purchased my first show dog in 1973, a Shetland Sheepdog. The breeder became my mentor and taught me so much about what it takes to breed for future genera- tions by understanding the pedigrees of what made my dog.
What made me know that this was what I wanted to do? My first litter of Bouviers.
Who were my mentors? Michael Hughes.
The best thing about being a breeder? Watching your puppies change lives.
The toughest part about being a breeder? Losing puppies during whelp and losing them when they are old.
Do I work outside of the home? I am now retired, but when I was working it was a tough juggle of time.
Is my family involved? My husband has learned enough to be able to help in all aspects
Am I involved with a breed club or all-breed club and held posi- tions within the club(s)? Yes, I am involved with Breed clubs and an All Breed Club. I have held Offices in both and I am currently Secretary of Hurricane Ridge Kennel Club.
My kennel/exercise areas described: we do not have a kennel. We have five acres, three acres are fenced and the dogs are free to use these as exercise areas. All our dogs live in the house with us and sleep in our bedroom.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with AKC? My husband combined Collie, from his Border Collie, and shepherd and Bouvier for the end result of Cobeauche. Yes, it is registered with AKC.
Breeder Q & A
428 • ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019