Page 439 - ShowSight - December 2019
P. 439

                  Bonnie Wagaman continued
I first started attending the Boxer National, Cheryl was somebody I admired and respected. Eight years ago, I would never have thought I would be somebody in her inner most circle. She and Keith have not only given me an opportunity of a lifetime, but they embraced me with open arms and have shared their knowledge and experience on a whole new level. Even more importantly, they have become very dear friends whom I love.
The best thing about being a breeder? No one thing is the best thing. What I love about being a breeder starts with that first puppy to take a breath and then grow to a mischievous, smart puppy. Shar- ing the one gift I have with others brings even more joy to my life because of the joy it brings theirs. The friendships and journeys I get to take with others and sharing in their excitement and joy (and sadly their pain/disappointments) are experiences and memories that are unmeasurable in words.
The toughest part about being a breeder? I think the toughest part of being a breeder are the heart breaks. Fighting for that puppy/litter who is struggling, and no matter what you do, nothing seems to work. During those times, I have my insightful husband to remind me: “Just do your best”. Truly that is all we can do as a breeder; The disappoint- ment when a promising puppy doesn’t pass their health testing; or when the time comes we have to make the decision to let one of our beloved companions cross the rainbow bridge. Those are just a few of the painful moments a breeder faces.
Do I work outside of the home? I am fortunate to be self-employed, where I have the flexibility to raise puppies and attend dog shows. All my “little businesses” as I like to call them have all stemmed from being a breeder/exhibitor. We developed the Ultimate Dog Stacker and Supreme Stacker from my inability to stack a puppy in order to get good picture. I convinced my husband to put his skills to work to build me a stacking device that provided more stability than those I found on the market. We have been selling the stacker for five years now. After being Show Secretary for our club for eight years, I have started a Show Secretary service for breed clubs. Clubs are struggling to stay financially sound. I love the opportunity to help them out and get paid to be at a dog show, and finally, with the ban on Boxers to fly, I have joined up with a Pet Transportation company to do their bookings and run their admin. So I am very fortunate to not only work from home, but it’s all related to the two things I love to do, breed and show Boxers.
Is my family involved? My family is very supportive, helpful and my biggest cheerleaders, but this is something where they let me shine. Am I involved with a breed club? I have been a member of the Box- er Club of Southern California since 2009 and a member of the Amer- ican Boxer Club since 2012 or 2013. Have I held positions within the
club(s)? I have been President and Show Chair of BCSC since 2012. My kennel/exercise areas described: we are a family kennel so we don’t have anything elaborate. We do have a 2000sf dog run with two 10x20 kennels and a puppy run just outside the house. Indoors we have a kennel room to include a large whelping box with
playground attached.
How did I come up with my kennel name and is it registered with
AKC? Our kennel name is not registered with AKC. When we first discussed showing Boxers, we had planning on showing a girl we bred named Cindy (my granddaughter called her Cinni). I often referred to my brindle puppies as Cinnamon swirls (the fawn coat color under the brindle). When I got my foundation and realized I needed a profes- sional kennel name, it came together. Cinni for our first “show dog” and the first letters of my name Bon to make for the cinnamon colored puppies: CinniBon.
Do you co-breed and co-own with others? Yes. In some cases it is not a mandatory thing. I do believe quality breeding programs need an extension of their program to ensure their pedigree/line. I also think co-owning/co-breeding can be a valuable tool to mentor others and
help them build a strong breeding program. We are stronger together. For seasoned breeders, I have often offered full ownership, but I have had the great fortune to co-breed/co-own with fabulous breeders/ owners. I did not see a question for my next statement but I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to express my gratitude and joy. In my short time as a breeder (10 years), I have met wonderful people/breeders and I have been blessed with amazing opportunities and achievements. To say that I have been lucky is an understatement. For all those who have been part of my journey, Thank you!
Is my breed easy to place? Finding companion homes for the most part are easy; however, show homes can be more difficult. There are many exhibitors who breed their own dogs and handlers have more access to those looking for show homes. I have a website and of course FB gives us a chance to showcase our puppies on a larger platform than somebody having to find the website. They aren’t sold on the internet, but hopefully it reaches those who may be looking for that special puppy.
Any hint or trick I can share with fellow breeders? Have lots of information to share, but that would take a lot of paper. First if you haven’t already, seek out a few breeders you trust to be knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge. Having a support base is key to growing/learning. Don’t seek out numerous mentors because too much advice/information can be conflicting and confusing. Regard- less of the information/advice you are given, do some research of your own and follow the advice that fits your internal compass. In the end, you are responsible for whatever decision you make. Own it!
Do I show my own dogs? Currently no, but I did show one of my Boxers to her championship and have pointed others.
The most amusing thing I’ve ever witnessed at a dog show? Gosh, I have lots of those, but rather than embarrassing others, I’ll practice a little self-deprecation. I had been breeding several years and knew the terminology, but for some reason was having another blonde moment. My dear friend Bonnie was telling me about one of her bitches in season she hadn’t planned on breeding, but her boy got to her for a brief moment. She was able to stop the action because it was an out- side tie. In several conversations over a course of a year, that breeding was brought up as an example of the topic we were on. On one occa- sion, I finally asked. “What makes you think breeding inside is better than outside? I do most of my breedings outside.” At that moment, we both laughed as I realized she was talking about the type of tie, not the location. Now whenever I tell her about a pending breeding, she reminds me to have an inside tie, outside.
MARY-JO WINTERS,
We purchased our first Poodle in 2000. When she became Addiso- nian, the breeder replaced her with a show quality puppy. Poodles are addictive and it just took off from there.
It just fit my life at that time. My kids were growing up and I had time for something new and different. The Poodles seemed a perfect fit.
My mentors, Ann Rairigh, Litilann’s Poodles in Kentucky, and Lynne Galloway, Lyric Poodles, Vancouver, British Colombia, Can- ada. Both of them have always been willing to share their experience from breeding and whelping to showing. Good mentors are essential, and I have been very fortunate to have them share their knowledge with me.
For me the best part of being a breeder is meeting the people who purchase a puppy from me. Knowing they are a good fit, and will love that puppy for the rest of its life is very rewarding. Of course watch- ing the puppy I keep from a special breeding grow up and do well in conformation, agility or obedience is exciting. And at the end of it all, the ones that grow into great companions and lap dogs are the reason we do this.
Breeder Q & A
 ShowSight Magazine, DeceMber 2019 • 435












































































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