| ~About Us Humans~ |
| Some background on us... (Ayla) I was raised on a farm, and we had it all...horses, cattle (beef & dairy), sheep (hair & wool types), goats, pigs, chickens, geese, ducks, peacocks, guineas, rabbits, llamas (before they were "popular"), parakeets, canaries, herd dogs, barn cats, and assorted dogs of unknown origin (dropped off so they could "run free" by people who didn't know that we were the only place for 100 miles, that wouldn't shoot them on sight). We dehorned, castrated, dipped (for ticks & mites), shaved, clipped & tagged ears (the cattle & sheep), branded (most everything, as grazing was open range back in those days), docked tails (sheep), helped to deliver all of the above into this world at one time or another, and otherwise vetted most of our own critters, because that was the way it was done in the ol' days. Needless to say, all our days were "learning days." *G* I have trained bird dogs (one of the best kennels in the nation), guard dogs, rescue dogs...as in seek & find...(limited), show dogs (I'm a lisc. groom), and herding dogs. In later years, I had my own farm...horses were my first love...we had Arabians, Appaloosas, and Belgian Draft. I often rescued thoroughbreds off the race tracks too. My passion was 3 day eventing, and jumping in any form. My dream was to one day be a part of the US Olympic Equestrian Team. Who knows if I would have made it...I was very good...but at 20, a broken ankle put an end to that dream. Several surgeries, pins, screws, and many hours of therapy later, the ankle just couldn't be put right...I would ride unbalanced for the rest of my life. I could not longer be the best, but I could ride & train the best, so I launched myself into raising and training, and giving lessons. When riding became too painful, I found some comfort in my dogs... I always found it difficult to part with any of my animals, but the pups were the worst! Having them right in the house, living with us... Well, keeping them until they were spay/neuter age, was a great excuse! *S* (A sad necessity on the other hand, due to the abuse of two of my pups sold earlier on, to "respectable" show homes/breeders.) Some times we had as many as 25 beasties running amuck through the house at one time...It was wonderful, hectic, and at times, very crowded! *LOL* I'm also a minor expert in exotic birds, and have written two books on them, also an artist... Now, we have Tygr and Viki...two wonderful basenji (not our first), adopted from their breeders, through B.R.A.T. Well, there ya have it! *S* Dennis & Brianna said the less said about them the better, so I'll leave it at this: Brianna is 15, writing a book (self illustrated), very kind hearted...I sometimes wonder who's the parent, me or she. *G* Dennis is a "city boy," computer tech. specialist, nice guy,and the 'sinjis think he's the best thing since dog cookies! Okay, I think he's pretty great too! *S* |
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