Our History

I started in dogs at the tender age of seven when I got my first pet  poodle. He was the farthest thing from a show dog anyone had ever  seen, but it didn't matter because he was mine and I loved him. Before I  could do anything with him, my grandmother let him out one day and he  was killed by a car.      Into my life came White Couquette, CD, better  known as Princess. She was my first puppy. A white miniature poodle  that I started in 4-H dog obedience school when she was a puppy and I  was nine. We took ALL 4-H awards in obedience and I wanted to get into  breed competition so I bred her and kept a puppy. Now into my life  came - Karen's Pour La Meretie, CD or "Mandy" This was Prinny's  daughter and the start to my show and grooming career.       When you have to  prepare a poodle for the AKC show ring you need to learn how to groom.   Parents of the other kids in 4-H started asking where I got my dog  groomed. When I told them it was me, they wanted an appointment. In my  basement at home I started grooming other dogs when I was 12. Had a  pretty good business going when the township asked my grandfather if he  was running a business in a residential area, he said, "No, my  grand-daughter is cuttin' dogs". They couldn't believe I was only 12  and what could they do then - they never asked again. I put a CD on  both my poodles as a youngster and I have forever been bitten by the  show bug.      My next dog was a sheltie. I always wanted a collie but we  lived in the city with no room for a big dog, besides I wasn't allowed,  so I took what I thought was the next best thing. It turned out Shelties  were the best thing that happened. My first sheltie was Sadie or  Sandi-Lon's Shady Sadie,CD, HC,CGC,TDI. She was a breed prospect but I didn't know  enough about sheltie ears at the time and they went up, never to come  down again. She was my best friend and companion for 17 years. She has  been gone from this world for several years now but she is forever in my  heart. She taught me so much and was always there for me. Because of  Sadie, my love for shelties will never die. I always tell people that  if you live with a sheltie for two weeks, you'll never be able to live  without them. No matter what breeds of dogs I become involved in, I  will always have a sheltie, they are the best!     I have  owned, trained, bred and/or handled: Poodles, Shetland Sheepdogs, American Eskimos,  Belgian Malinois, Kangal Dogs, Alaskan Klee Kai, Dalmatians, Dobermans, Border Collies, Toy Fox Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers,  Anatolian Shepherds,  Greyhounds, American Cocker  Spaniels,  Afghan Hounds,  Australian Cattle Dogs, Beagles, Belgian Shepherds, Boxers, Irish Settes, Ibizan Hounds,  Great Danes, Miniature Pinschers,  Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs,  Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, Papillions,  Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen,  Portuguese Water  Dogs & Rottweilers. I hope I remembered them all.      I have now been involved in the  sport of dogs for over 30 years. Until about 1993, I was strictly  involved with the AKC and CKC. I knew about the UKC from my connections  with American Eskimos in Michigan, where I am originally from, but never  investigated it. When I decided to become a part of this wonderful  organization, I put my whole heart and soul into it because it stood for  something I believed in - a dog that could work as well as look pretty.   I was so tired of all the nonsense that goes on at some of the other show venues  that I needed some fresh air and a new beginning.       I started The Garden  State Kennel Club in New Jersey and hope to start a club here in Texas soon.  The  more I became involved with UKC, the more I wanted to do. I contacted a  rep about the UKC and told her I would like to do more and possibly  become a judge. She asked for some background criteria and set the  wheels in motion. She sponsored me for Toy Fox Terriers and I am now an All Breed, BIMBS/BIS licensed Senior judge for the United Kennel Club as well as a Field Rep.  In 2000 I also obtained my Obedience license with the UKC.  I am approved for all levels.  I also hold a license with the National Canine Association where I am approved for several groups and  Best In Show and I now hold an AKC license as well for TFT's & Shelties !.

In 1991, I met the love of my life (other than K9's). His name is Warren. Warren is also approved as a judge with the United Kennel Club and the National Canine Association.  He is licensed with UKC for All-Breed, BIMBS/BIS and is licensed for several groups and Best In Show with NCA.   Warren has an extensive background in handling all types of animals from rescue rehabilitation & veterinary technician to judging horse and dog shows.       He owns and operates National Animal Sciences Institute.  He is also an EMTP and a certified Master Diver in Rescue, Search & Recovery, Wreck, Environmental and Equipment Maintence.       I feel very lucky to be blessed with a husband this wonderful in my life who shares my interests and dreams.    Together we own StoneFox We train and show dogs,  plus own a retired racing Quarter horse, an Appaloosa Filly and a Palamino gelding.  We also started raising sheep! Karen & Warren Shivers

I have also been a professional musician and traveled on the road for 8 years before moving to New Jersey.  Together with the group, we traveled about 40 states.  We have an album of all original material titled "If I Could Be A Writer"

I currently teach Science for the Clarksville Independent School District, Cheatham Middle School  in Clarksville, Texas