About Us:
Our
family began looking into "hypoallergenic" dog breeds when our
3 children began asking us daily for a dog. I have asthma and pet
dander allergies as well as two of my sons. That search led us to
the Portuguese Water Dog as being in the top three choices for people
with allergies. We met a few breeders and were intrigued with the
unique water dog.
In 2002,
we got our first PWD and life hasn't been the same since!
(understatement!)
Though, this male puppy was bought as a pet, his
beautiful movement made me decide to give dog showing a try. I
went to handling classes - or conformation classes. And learned how to
groom both show cuts and was able to finish him owner handled. We
earned three 4 point majors and two Best of Breeds along the way as
well.
Previously
to owning a dog, I had been a member of the International Betta Congress
and bred Bettas also known as Siamese Fighting Fish - variety; Betta
Splendens. I had sent my fish to shows and was known as a breeder
for unique color patterns & variations such as "marble"
and "butterflies". I guess the fact that I became
a PWD breeder was only natural. There is that desire in me to
constantly improve the next generation. I find it a bit baffling
that my interests in life draw me to water - when I've yet in life to
ever purposely put my head under water! LOL
In 2005,
I whelped and raised my first Portuguese Water Dog litter. We choose
Sweet Water Seas as our kennel name as the Great Lakes that surround
Michigan are referred as the sweet water seas. We have shortened our
name to SWSeas to allow for more creative registered names. I kept a
curly black male out of that litter. 'SWSeas Windward Oh Buoy' or
"Brutus" is the love of my life. I have yet to meet a
sweeter boy. Not only is he an easy keeper, but he also has gorgeous
conformation that I feel will be an important asset to my line.
In 2006,
I attended my first PWDCA National Specialty. My puppy Brutus came
in 1 st place in the 9 - 12 month puppy Sweepstakes. Sire, Jake,
showed his heart out in the Best of breed ring. I also was a
volunteer to the event and ran the Silent Auction. We will be
volunteering our services again at the 2009 National!
To this
day, I continue to participate in dog shows with my own PWDS in addition
to handling for my puppy owners. I am a member to the Portuguese
Water Dog club of America. And also a member of the Great
Lakes Portuguese Water Dog club. I am planning a summer litter (see
puppies page) as well. So far, I have only competed in
conformation events but look forward to spreading our wings and giving
performance events a try. When I'm not busy with dogs, I am
"MOM" to three wonderful kids. You can find me attending their
sporting events at least once a week. I also keep busy running our
home based promotional advertising business.