© D. Souza 2006

About Us

My first experience in the dog fancy was with an American Cocker.  Injun and I competed in obedience completing his Companion Dog Excellent title and training for Utility.  Unfortunately he had severe problems stemming from an epileptic condition and was just over 3 when he had to be euthanized.  Looking for a breed with fewer health issues, I chose English Cocker Spaniels with which I competed for a number of years.  I had several home-bred champions with multiple obedience titled dogs. 

There was a break from active competition when I spent a number of years pursuing sports with my kids.  During this time we had Standard Poodles but again discovered health issues that sent us looking for another breed.

When I was ready to re-enter the wonderful world of competing with my dogs, I researched many breeds and fell in love with PWDs and the people dedicated to them.  Cruiser was my first Water Dog and we competed in conformation until he made it clear to me that this wasn't his idea of fun so he retired to the sofa.

Jasper was next and you couldn't ask for a sweeter boy.  He and I competed in Rally, obedience and water work.  We trained for tracking but just for fun.

Uma came into my life when I decided I was ready for another conformation prospect and she certainly lived up to my expectations.  She finished her AKC championship shortly after her second birthday then she and I went to work training for Rally, tracking and water work.  I owner-handled her to her UKC championship in August 2007 and she completed her Rally Novice title in the fall of 2007. She took time off in the spring of 2008 to produce a litter of 8 boys sired by Ch. Questar's Thunder and Lightning.  In the fall of 2009 she earned her Apprentice Water Dog title at Canyon Lake, Arizona.  We're currently working on tracking and advanced water training.

Uma's sons, Jack and Dory, both finished their AKC championships in 2010.  Jack and I then went on to complete his UKC championship from the Breeder/Handler class.  The boys are working on Rally, obedience, tracking and water work.