My name is Gina West and I have had German Shepherds for over 20 years. During this time, I acquired a
couple of Yorkies and Shelties. I have been known to take in rescue dogs also.
I completed dog training certification at National K9, School for Dog Trainers in 1997. This opened
a whole new world for me in dogs. I began trying to show my German Shepherds. I attempted one last time with a
Sheltie in the show ring. Bria- Daystar's Summer Breeze, CD. She became a "beauty school dropout" also but went
on to compete in obedience trials for her CD title. We ended with that due to her diagnosis of hip dysplasia
just at a year old. This was years ago and the beginning of my dog show hobby. It was evident that I had
the old fashioned style German Shepherds and for whatever faults, the Yorkies and Shelties turned out to be pet
quality. They get an A+ for loving though and are couch potato winners!
In 2001, I took a sebatical from trying to show or anything else while helping to care for my
sister who was terminally ill. In 2004, I began to make a small comeback. I decided on a new breed for myself. The Belgian Tervuren. I researched the breed and breeders.
Once my decision was made on a breeder, I began the process of acquiring a puppy. After all the necessary criteria was met- puppy application, references and home check;
Dr. Joni Freshman- Zephyre Belgian Tervuren allowed me to acquire a beautiful bitch puppy from the 2004 "Games" litter who we fondly call "Lacy Britches". Thank you Joni!
We had a whirlwind show history with my friend Karen Sirigano of Falling Leaf Mastiffs handling Lacy. Due to Karen always being called to the Mastiff ring about the time Lacy was to show; I searched for a back up handler and met Jr. Handler, Lyndsey Isley. Lyndsey and Lacy worked well together instantly. Lyndsey expertly handled Lacy to her Championship with two 3 Pt. majors!
Lacy finished at 15 months of age. From there, Lacy and I went on to obtain her CD title less than two weeks from her Championship title. She is now CH Zephyre Hearts Afire, CD, CGC. Lacy and I continue to do things together such as a Sheep Herding clinic with Cappy Pruett, a few Agility classes and dabbling in Tracking. Currently, I'm searching for a Canine Freestyle class and preparing for the Belgian Tervuren National Specialty in May, 2008.
During this time, I became smitten with Papillons.
Thank you to Stephanie Eckstein of Tilea Papillons in Canada for sending Can. CH Teralea Boots R Made 4 Walkin - "Annie" to me.
A couple years later, Chase came to live with us. Thank you Niki Fuhr for this wonderful Papillon who is now Ptd. D'Vine Chase N' Nevaeh Dreams.
Chase and I are preparing for the Papillon National Specialty, April, 2008.
Feel free to contact us anytime between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm EST
540-354-2304 Nevaehdogs@aol.com
