Where to start ?….. Growing up I ’ ve always had dogs in my life . My dad bred Bassett Hounds and it was with them that I became involved in showing dogs . I got my first “ pit bull ” from a friend . She had a pit bull named Voodoo , and I was like “ It ’ s a what ”??? I had never heard of the breed but once I met her I knew I had to have one . Tai was my first introduction to the breed and had those traits that endear them to us all . He was unregistered as are many of our “ firsts ”.
That was in the early 1980 ’ s , and although I attended the local fun shows and weight pulls I wanted more ! When Tai passed on at 14 years old , Dave and I acquired two registered APBT ’ s , Shaw ’ s CH A / A Little Grim , “ Grizzly ” and CD ’ s CH A / A Lady Hawke and thus began our point show adventures !
Our first point show was in 1998 in Pico Rivera , CA . Us two newbies with our little trailer and two dogs and off we went ! It was at that show that I met Sharon and Mike Sundy who have become lifelong friends and are very dear to me . We came away with so many memories , so much knowledge and many new friends . A few second place ribbons and the weekend was complete and we were happy !!
I loved that the ADBA shows are so family oriented and relaxed , such a nice change from the stuffy rigid shows I was accustomed to ! You could actually talk to people and they would give you advice and pointers without making you feel like you were just dumb . One big family !!
People often wonder why I do what I do , traveling coast to coast several times a year to attend shows . Is it only for trophies and titles ?? Not at all , those are just icing on the cake . As most know , I lost my husband of almost 30 years in an accident five years ago . This was our retirement plan , travel to places we had never been , see other parts of the country , meet new people and see dogs from other places and see how ours stacked up . After Dave passed , I decided to pursue our dream and I know he rides with me and watches over me wherever I go .
As I tell countless people , I love the shows and the competition but I go for the camaraderie & friendship . Through the hardest time I have ever had to face in my life , I got through it with the love and support of my Bulldog Family and my dogs ! If my dogs do well at the shows , it ’ s a bonus and enhance the weekend but my world doesn ’ t end if they don ’ t place , I still come away a winner with the visits
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Breeder Profile : CD Pits
and friendships old and new .
With 20 years in the show world , I have had many in-depth talks with many people and these are the ones I consider my mentors . My fiancé Richard Issel , Sharon Sundy , Stacey Mangat , Marcos Dominguez , Terri Gross , Darla Williams and many others whom I have sat and “ talked dogs ” with over the years . The ones above I have spent countless hours with talking about all aspects of the breed , from showing , working , feeding , health , bloodlines , breeding , etc . Every
CD ’ s G / C Flying Dutchman time I get to talk about the breed with fellow fanciers it becomes yet another learning experience , and another thing I love about the APBT is there is always something new to discover about them and their care ! You always have to have an open mind and be willing to learn . If you get to the point where you think you know it all you ’ ll be doing yourself and the breed a disservice .
I enjoy competing in all the events at the shows and have even competed in a Dock Diving event with one of my dogs , CD ’ s G / C A / A Lady Calypso . My favorite event at the moment is Top Dog ! Took me a while to embrace the idea of letting my dog loose in the lure event . Heavily ingrained in my brain was whatever happened , never let go of your leash , now you want me to do it on purpose ??? That event is a blast and I encourage anyone that hasn ’ t tried it to give it a go .
I really like working the dogs prior to any shows . Finding out what each one likes and the different ways each one approaches a task . I love watching the way each different workout brings the different muscles out and shapes them into the best they can be . I use combinations of carpet and slat mills including my Dog Trotter that I sometimes travel with , spring pole , ground spring , drag work , swimming , and hand walking . It really builds your bond with your dog doing all the one on one work with them and that is priceless .
As far as breeding goes I have only produced a few litters thus far but have a few planned for later this year ! I like to take my time and see how what I have produced matures and what I like and dislike about the individuals and what makes them worthy of becoming part of the gene pool .
I don ’ t consider myself having a bloodline and work predominantly with Jeep , Red Boy , Crenshaw , Sorrels , and Tant . It is said to breed the best to the best , however this first time I bred my only to my only . Grizzly and Hawke ,