OUR FAMILY

My husband, Michael, and I were married in 1980 in Fresno, California. I bought my first Belgian Sheepdog in 1983. She was a 13 month old female named Daisy,  from Heike Wherle's Inchallah kennel in Illinois.

Ramona with Issie in '04

In 1984 we moved to Alturas, CA where Michael accepted his first teaching job at the local High School. Located in the far northeastern corner of the state, Alturas is a rural community whose main economy is alfalfa hay and cattle. Its climate is high desert, with sage brush and juniper the major vegetation. There are a wide variety of wildlife in the area including deer, pronghorn, coyote, cougar, skunks, and other diverse wildlife. There are also many waterfowl species that come to nest and raise offspring before migrating to other locations in the winter.

In June 2000 we packed up and made the move to Washington state. We now live in Battle Ground, just northeast of Vancouver. No more snow and cold weather! At least, not as much!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Michael 2002

I keep busy showing the dogs in conformation and obedience. I'm hoping to try agility and/or herding soon also. Michael started a mobile knife sharpening and kitchenware business. In his spare time he enjoys karate, fishing, hiking, gardening and reading.                       

Caitlin and Donnie 2007                                                                                                                                                    

Our first daughter, Caitlin, was born in 1986. The second, Danika, was born in 1990. Caitlin graduated from Battle Ground High School. She loves photography and has excelled in that endeavor while in high school. Both B&W pictures on this page were taken by her. She is working at Bank of America in Alturas, CA.

 Danika is co-owner on "Strider" Verseau's Lord of the Rings and is working him in 4-H she also raises market hogs for  4-H. Soon to graduate High School, she is working at Fred Meyer and plans on attending Oregon Culinary Institute next spring. Danika and Strider started showing in Jr showmanship in AKC in Oct 2006 and in a few shows moved up from Novice Sr to Open Sr.

                                                             Danika

I started breeding in 1984. My first two litters were bred under the kennel name Ruse. In 1989 I bred my first litter under my present kennel name, Verseau.
 

I have bred 14 litters in my 24 years in the breed. Family commitments and space limits the number of dogs I may keep. All the dogs are part of the family, and treated as such. They live in the house when they are not outside for exercise. The dogs that are being shown are kenneled outside at night and the rest sleep in our bedroom with us.

                                                                                   Superhero Danika and her sidekick Issie

Member of:                                                               

Belgian Sheepdog Club of America
American Belgian Tervuren Club
NorthWest Belgian Sheepdog Club                   
 

Danika and band kids headed for the Rose Festival Parade 2006

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