Tom and I met in the spring of 1994, during a time I had sworn off men.
Though we were both from the east coast- Tom from Maryland and I from Massachusetts, we met in Indiana. I was shopping at a home improvement store he worked at, and he followed me around like a puppy dog asking me if I needed any help, could he show me where this or that was, etc. He even offered to deliver the large items I bought for free (little did I know he just wanted my address so he could ask me out). He stayed over at work just to help me, and after I checked out, offered to help me carry my things to the car. After he loaded them up, he stood there with such a cute look on his face, I asked him if he would like to go out for coffee. Before our first date, I wouldn't let him meet my boys, but made sure he met my pet collie. I wanted to see how he was with animals and if my dog liked him as dogs see past the charades and into the soul. Cass adored him and Tom didn't care that he had dog hair on his dress clothes from Cass jumping in his lap - OK, I encouraged Cass to do it :) Coffee turned into dinners, gifts were soon to follow, as were weekends away and before I knew it, he had captured my heart. Soon after, I let him meet the boys and I met his son, Chris. They now look to him as a father and he regards them as his sons. He told me he would do everything he possibly could to make my dreams come true and he has.
After a long engagement, we were married on December 4,1998.

The Bride

The Bridal Party

Top row: Lisa - maid of honor, Mike (my twin brother) - best man, Tom - the lucky groom :) and Mike (Tom's friend) - Groomsman

Second row: My father, Michelle - the blushing bride :), and Robin (my friend) - bridesmaid

Bottom row: Blair (Lisa's daughter)- jr. bridesmaid, Austin (our son)- ring bearer , Brandon (our son) - groomsman, ushers (our sons) - Justin and Chris and Elizabeth (Robin's daughter) -flower girl

To see more wedding photos and family photos click button below.

Our Dreams

I wanted to raise and show collies. A well bred collie is the perfect family pet, possessing beauty, grace , intelligence, a sincere devotion for their family and an innate desire to please. They can also be trusted with animals of all types as well as infants. I had owned several pet collies before and though my children and I loved them dearly, I was brought to the realization that there were some health problems in the breed (as in every breed) that needed to be addressed. I had attended college previously with the hopes of becoming a vet, though family commitments prevented me from attending graduate school, the pre-vet studies had given me the knowledge needed to embark on a sound breeding program. I had searched for a foundation bitch while in college but got discouraged at what I found. After Tom and I met, I continued my search for a foundation bitch that was from an extremely sound background as well as being of excellent health herself, Even though she did not have to be show herself, she needed to have few faults, of which were easily bred out. She needed to be line bred, off of dogs that neither had, nor produced major health problems. She had to have movement, as structure can be the most difficult to correct, as well as a superb temperament.

We found Misty at Hollyoak Kennel. She was everything we had hoped for and more. We later purchased Diamond for a foundation as well from Hollyoak, who also provided a solid foundation for our kennel- Willowynd Collies. Lilah's guidance and mentoring in the beginning, coupled with my education made it possible to achieve my dream of producing quality, health, intelligence and sound temperaments capable of competing in the confirmation ring, the obedience ring and the agility ring, as well as being the perfect therapy dog and companion with carefully planned, limited breeding. Thank you Lilah.

 

Though I am unable to show the dogs myself after an auto accident left permanent injury, we will continue to send dogs out with a confirmation handler. Meanwhile, we look forward to putting obedience titles on the current dogs and future pups. One of my sons is interested in obedience, and wants to take them in the ring. We have already taken the first step and put CPC titles on 2 of the dogs recently.

Tom's dreams were simple. He wanted to have a loving family, own a nice home in the country (as did I) and own his own business. I have 3 boys from my previous marriage, and though it wasn't always easy in the beginning, we grew into a loving family. Our boys are all teens now, and on the verge of adulthood, and Tom has helped mold them into responsible, well adjusted young men who I am very proud of. Our oldest, Brandon, is planning on following in his dad's footsteps (Tom is a sergeant in the Army), and joining the Army reserves while going to college for Radiation Tech. Our middle son, Justin, is interested in becoming a chef and opening his own restaurant. Our youngest, Austin, wants to become an airplane mechanic.

We had bought our new home soon after we met, though it was quite basic, we have been making improvements on it ever since. Tom is quite skilled at building and has taught the boys all he knows. They installed all the chain link for the kennel runs and the puppy pen, built the kennel building, decks, refinished drywall in the house, put up moldings and arches and built solid wood doors, installed hardwood flooring in the main areas of the house (easier to keep up with many dogs in the house), and will be installing ceramic tile flooring and remodeling the kitchen and master bath.

Tom wants to own his own business one day and he is perfectly suited for it with his astute business sense. He has an extensive background in operations and management, combined with his formal education, and a solid sales background. Currently he is the manager of a large store.

When we both retire, we want to buy an RV and travel all over the United States and Canada with the dogs, attending dog shows along the way. Yes, we will become your worst nightmare on the road...LOL. We plan to come home only to whelp and raise the babies.