This is a little about me and how Jumpstart came to be...

The Past.....

The 1970's

My start in dogs was in Junior Handling, when I was about 9 years old, I had a love of German Shepherds and Trialed my first dog to Utility level obedience, we also did scent hurdle racing, which was a big sport at that time (1970's) before flyball existed, and dabbled a bit in Schutzhund as well. I grew up in Saskatchewan and found the dog show world friendly and helpful as a junior.

I began apprenticing obedience classes in my early teens and soon started teaching on my own. I have instructed conformation, obedience, and Junior Handling Classes. My favorite way of training is with a clicker!

I did very well in Junior handling as a young girl...

and was soon bitten by the show bug.(yes I showed many different breeds....trying to get a feel for what I wanted for myself ).

Although I loved German Shepherds, I loved the working lines...which do not do well in the conformation ring..so I sought out to find "my " breed.

Looking through a Dogs in Canada Annual back in the mid 80's I came accross the Amstaff ads, and immediately fell in love. Soon I was a new owner of my first Amstaff, Jessie, from Cathy Prothro (Barberycoast) , and I haven't looked back since. Cathy is a worldwide authority on the breed and has taught me so much.

After moving to Alberta, I decided to get into a smaller breed as well and found the Manchester Terrier. My foundation bitch , Weegee came from Marla Brick in Nebraska... Marla is one of my mentors in the breed and has given me a true love for Manchesters. Danielle Green of California (Raingsong Manchesters) has now also become a big part of my Manchester world. She has entrusted me with co-ownership in a few very nice dogs.

Jumpstart came about in the 1980's. The first Jumpstart bred dogs were Amstaffs but soon evolved into Manchester Terriers as well in the 1990's.

 

The Present....

My Amstaff bitches Nala and Tinkerbell are down in New York with Deb Meetze of RCA kennels. Both have attained their U.S. Championship and we are looking forward to future litters.

Patti Taylor of Calgary is a big part of the Jumpstart family, as she is very involved in the training and condition of our dogs, both Manchesters and Amstaffs. We are in the process of planning future litters. Tammy Sawatsky of Calgary and Diva are also now a part of our doggy family, and we hope to have a future litter with Diva as well. Weegee is officially retired (except for the veterans ring).

The Future....

Right now , I am waiting for a Toy Manchester Terrier puppy from the USA. Patti and I are planning a future litter with Cali.