Compelled to be...me
My name is Marissa, I'm a native Kansan and have lived here all my life. I've had dogs since I was 7 years old. My spark and passion for learning more about all things canine started when I was 9 years old and watched a movie by Universal Pictures, "Balto." The "endurance, fidelity, and intelligence" credited to the sled dog and to their "indomitable spirits" captivated me. Our first family dog at that time was an Australian Shepherd, not a Husky, despite how much as I wished he were. I did some weight pulling and carting even then with my Aussie. My first love was sled dogs, and my dream early on was to go to the Iditarod one year. I have not achieved that dream yet!
As I got older, I learned about the numerous breeds and
the American Kennel Club. I had no idea what dog shows
involved, but I knew it sure looked fun, and the Huskies in the ring were enthralling to watch. When I was 16 our Australian Shepherd passed away, and I was allowed to select our next dog by myself. I was positively in love with the coloring and strong appearance of Akitas, but fate intervened and instead I came by
a litter of Alaskan Malamute puppies in the newspaper. My dream of owning a sled dog was about to come true. Quickly seeing that my Malamute girl needed a playmate and companion, I chose a Saint Bernard as my next breed. From rough and tumble to sugary sweet, the dogs were very different from each other but ushered me into learning about and loving many large and giant breeds.
the American Kennel Club. I had no idea what dog shows
involved, but I knew it sure looked fun, and the Huskies in the ring were enthralling to watch. When I was 16 our Australian Shepherd passed away, and I was allowed to select our next dog by myself. I was positively in love with the coloring and strong appearance of Akitas, but fate intervened and instead I came by
a litter of Alaskan Malamute puppies in the newspaper. My dream of owning a sled dog was about to come true. Quickly seeing that my Malamute girl needed a playmate and companion, I chose a Saint Bernard as my next breed. From rough and tumble to sugary sweet, the dogs were very different from each other but ushered me into learning about and loving many large and giant breeds.
Raising Zoey and Dolly that made my love of dogs go "through the roof." I joined as many online large breed dog forums as I could to meet others who shared my love. While learning more about various large breeds, I was slowly drawn to Great Pyrenees thanks to several friends. I had amazing mentors for nearly 6 years in the Great Pyrenees breed. And while I've had to realize they are not the breed for me to own at this point in my life, my knowledge of the breed, their pedigrees, history, tendencies, and correct conformation runs fairly deep. Pyrs will always have a large piece of my heart.
I'm not quite sure how, but I found sighthounds next. Flipping through a big book of different breeds from around the world, I saw a picture of an Ibizan Hound. They looked to be a fascinating, beautiful breed. The following year, I started delving more deeply into reading about the breed and contacted several Ibizan breeders, hoping to find my niche in mentors. I most certainly did, through some wonderful people who helped me learn and prepare for my first Ibizan, which I acquired 3 years later. Then I made the surprise leap
into another sighthound breed, Borzoi, after my beloved Saint Bernard passed away. It seemed I was ready for another gentle giant.
into another sighthound breed, Borzoi, after my beloved Saint Bernard passed away. It seemed I was ready for another gentle giant.
Showing dogs is fairly new to me still. I've only done conformation handling and showing for about 6 years now. Titus, my very first show dog, has been owner handled since his first puppy match; we made a good team. I also have handled Luka since his very first show at 6 months old, where he took reserve. Since then I have ventured into the show ring with nearly all of my dogs. Learning to show other breeds has been a very valuable experience for me. Performance events, like lure coursing and rally, were a welcome addition to my repertoire of things to do with my dogs. I fully believe in a dog with titles at BOTH ends of their name, whatever they may be. And so, that is my goal from this point forward; dogs who do it all, with me by their side.
I was involved in animal rescue through fostering and transporting for about 4 years, with various rescues and breeds in the midwest. However, I'm taking a break from rescue so I can focus on my own dogs and my career. I enjoy learning new things everyday, and I have dreams and goals for my life with dogs. As I have been for many years now, daily I am...
Compelled by Canines.
Compelled by Canines.
I can be reached by email at [email protected] at any time, or on Facebook, should you have any questions for me about my dogs, our future plans, the breeds I own, or just want to "talk dog." I'm always up for making and meeting new friends in the canine world!
"Drawn and driven, I am compelled. You have written it, I am compelled.
You live in me, and I can't help myself. At the end of the day, I am Yours, Lord.
I am compelled."
- Sara Groves
You live in me, and I can't help myself. At the end of the day, I am Yours, Lord.
I am compelled."
- Sara Groves
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