My wife and I debated about what dog we wanted to have as a family dog. After considering many breeds we decided to get a golden retriever since it is not only a great family dog, but also reputable hunting breed.

Our first golden, Gunner was from show lines but we successfully hunted with him and achieve our first Master Hunter title. Because of our lifestyle and desire to be more competitive in the retriever hunting sport we decide our next golden would be from field lines. After a lot of research, we decided Poacher’s litter was just what we were looking for.

We quickly became immersed in all that training a retriever entails . We decided it was time to look for a second golden for competition. Again the search was on, more research and question to those that had been in the game a long time. We were directed to a breeding taking place in Quebec. We acquired our next dog, Breeze from Redstorm Kennels. Breeze’s gentle manner, enthusiasm and marking ability were the perfect complement to Poacher’s hard driving, no quit attitude, hence starting our breeding program.

I have been an avid hunter since childhood, growing up with hunting dogs. As an amateur trainer with over 25 years of experience, I am active in field trails, CKC hunt tests, and HRC both as a competitor and judge. I have had the privilege to judge two HRC grands (Madison, Georgia and Mitchell, South Dakota) and an inaugural hunt at North Pole, Alaska. I am a long standing member of VIRC, founding member, as well president, vice president of both PRHRC and SCHRC. Currently I am the President of the Canadian National Master Retriever Club and Chair of the 2011 Canadian National Master held on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in August of 2011.

I was raised on a farm in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island and grew up with hunting dogs. I started out with an English Pointer that I competed with in conformation at the age of 8. With a very supportive father who encouraged and helped me and a mom who drove me to an endless number of trials, I bred and raised pointers for the next 8 years. It was at one of these trials that I made up my mind that at some time in my future I would own a golden retriever.

As I started competing in conformation with our first golden Gunner, for the first time I step into the obedience ring. Since that time, I and our goldens have had the opportunity travel as Superdog team members, performing as stunt dogs on movie sets, and cast members on ESPN TV specials. I have taught obedience, as well as flyball and agility classes. I watched Rick participate in field and hunt test for years and couldn't wait for the opportunity to train and complete in trials myself. Thirteen years ago, I claimed a pup from one of our litters, (or as Dare saw it, he chose me) to start the next leg of my canine journey.

I am a life member of the Tyee Kennel Club, long time member of VIRC, founding member of SCHRC and PRHRC and judge in all three of these disciplines. I had the pleasure to judge the Canadian National Master in 2013, just outside of Quebec City, Quebec. In September 2014, I also had the opportunity to judge the Grand in Tennessee, another high point for me. I am presently vice president of PRHRC and past president and secretary.