Announcment

My name is Melinda Douglas. Since 2005 I have owned three NSDT retrievers. My mentor Breeder of NSDT retrievers Wendy Lee always kept me busy learning something new on every dogshow we went to. She challenged me to think on my own and come up with my own ideals on what is important in dogs and what is important to be a good dog owner. During that time I showed and trained many different types of dogs from as small as a Chihuahua to as big as St. Brenards. I had my fair share of challenges and hard times training, but my heart always lead me back to NSDT retrievers. 

My first dog was Lucky (LeaLee's Catch a Falling Star). When it was her time she was bred to Ziggy (Ch Pikkinokka's Ziggy Stardust) who was in the top 5 in Canada NSDT retrievers of that year. She had 7 gorgeous puppies which I was fortunate to be able to keep one,  Kiry (LeaLee's Lucky's Star). My plan was to Breed Kiry, but when it came time for health testing and breeding I was in full time university and working full time. Making the responsible decision I had Kiry fixed to prevent any oops puppies. As years went by I looked after many breeders houses and helped whelp and raise puppies of various breeds. My heart still yearned for my Toller friends.

As the years went by, I finished University got two degree's and am fully employed, But there was something missing. So I searched. After three years of searching and waiting for a particular breeding line I got a Puppy from Wendy Lee again. It wasn't easy picking a puppy, I am very picky on what I was looking for. Each weekend I would visit the puppies taking pictures, watching for problem solving skills, feeling/ looking for sound structure and balanced temperament. Finally I picked a puppy, Sora (LeaLee's Soaring to the Stars). 

My name is Ashley Turner. Since 2005 I have assisted with breeding, showing and training a variety of dog breeds. These include St Bernards, Beagles, Collies, NSDT and Bulldogs. For many years I assisted My mother in breeding, whelping and raising Saint Bernard's for pet and show homes. 

For conformation showing I was mentored by Wendy Lee, alongside Melinda Douglas and Janine Morton as a junior handler. There was a time where I also traveled with a professional handler onto the BC mainland where I experienced showing Chinese Crested, Bichon Frise and soft Wheaten Terriers.

My first dog was a Saint Bernard named Amy. She was my partner for the majority of my Junior Handling career. With her I won Second in a Provincial Junior Handling competition. She was the dog that made me fall in love with the sport and showed me how far a bond can take you!  St. Bernard's were my first love unfortunately due to their size I was unable to have one when I moved out on my own. At one point, on a trail run I raised a family members beagle and had one litter of pups, but something was missing.  So I began searching for the perfect breed for my life-style and personality to match mine! 

In 2018 Melinda suggested the Shiba Inu. I began to look into the breed and seriously consider it. Thankfully I had the opportunity to assist Melinda in helping Susan Norris-Jones with her Shiba’s and got to meet and see the Shiba’s in their home environments to finally decide that they were exactly what I was looking for; A big dog in a small package! With the heightened interest in the Shiba Inu breed due to memes and social media, the preservation of the breed has become a pressing concern for me. As a breeder my goal is to stay true to their heritage and the Japanese breed standard. To contribute positively to the future of this unique breed for their health, soundness and temperament.