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I grew up in the Tulsa area until I was 11, then my family moved to Kansas, then California, then back to Tulsa/Catoosa area by the time I was 16. From the time I was very young, I had a love for animals of all sorts, particularly horses and dogs. We had several mutt dogs, some Cockers, and a German Shepherd that I grew up with. But, my passion for horses continued, and I dreamed of having a horse until I was 14, when I bought my one and only horse, Jay. He was my best buddy, and I rode him every where around our rural Kansas home. Jay stayed with me for 20 years. |
Shannon & Jay |
Ribbon at 10 years
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When I was 15, I started a summer job working for, what I later learned, was a puppy mill, shaving the multiple long haired breeds of dogs that they had. Most of the time it was like shearing sheep, the coats were so matted. The proprietor, also had a couple of Dobermans, that were his house dogs, and he had bred a litter. This is where I got my first Doberman. I fell in love with one of the little females, and bought her with the money I had made. Her name was Queen’s Prize Ribbon. Ribbon wasn't the prettiest girl, but she was a great dog, and instilled my love of the breed. I never bred her, nor did I show/ trial her, though she was from some very nice bloodlines of that time. She lived to be 12 years old, when intestinal cancer overcame her. |
When I was 23 and married, I became interested dog showing, and went in search of a good Doberman breeder. I was working at a vet clinic at the time, and met a woman who stated that she had Dobermans. Her name was Lita Townsend and she was a wealth of information. Lita soon became my mentor, and I purchased my first show dog from her. Medieval Ritter Von Elkhaus CD, CGC, WAC "Ritter" was the start of my jaunt into the world of breeding and showing Dobermans. |
Lita & Ritter - 4 point major! |
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I originally bred under the kennel name "Elkhaus", but after a series of lifestyle changes a couple of years ago, I changed my kennel name to Tri-Star.
Today I am still living in Tulsa with my two wonderful children - Korie and Gareth - along with several Dobermans, a Malinois, a Corgi and a cat.
Although family commitments keep me very busy, I still try to get to as many dog shows as I can. I love to talk to people about the best breed in the world, so if you're in the neighborhood, please give me a call. |
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