My Story … 

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I’ve had animals all my life: several dogs, hundreds of birds, amazing exotic fish.  My favorite dogs were a gentle and huge red Doberman, and a nutty little Boston terrier.  I haven’t had a pet in years since my terrier died, but in the fall of 2014, a friend shared a very sad story with me.  She heard about two abandoned Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who were in desperate need of a home.  Although I was thinking about getting a bull dog at the time, the more I thought about these poor cavaliers, the more I wanted them.

 

And that’s how my Daisy and Asia came into my life.  They were in pretty bad shape.  They had rotting teeth, heart palpitations, and joint problems.  The vet bill was incredibly high and it gave me serious doubts about what I was getting myself into.  I’ve had all kinds of pets, but I’ve never experienced such gentle and loving creatures before.  They’re so attentive.  They follow me wherever I go.  They’re the sweetest dogs I’ve ever had. 

 

They’re about 10-years old now and I can see the age in them.  I’ve grown so attached to them that I know I will be heartbroken when they pass.  I decided the best thing to do would be to start looking for puppies.  My Daisy and Asia made it clear that cavaliers were the way to go, so I set about trying to find a breeder.

 

It wasn’t easy at all.  I started looking locally but ended up searching world-wide.  The breeders I contacted didn’t return calls or emails.  I was getting frustrated and discouraged.  After months of searching, I finally found a breeder who actually contacted me!  Holly Crumley of Cavaliers by Crumley breeds AKC standard cavaliers in Georgia.  We clicked from day one!  And the more we talked, the more I realized we’re of like minds.  She did her research on me: I was an executive of Star Markets of Hawaii and a nationally recognized bonsai artist.  I teach Yang style tai chi. I am also an 8th degree black belt in Shotokan style karate. Apparently she was impressed with  me and offered me a fantastic opportunity to become her partner based in Hawaii.

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I felt humbled and honored and just blown away!  This wasn’t what I had in mind at all, and yet, the idea excited me.  Her dogs are of top quality: high AKC standards, impeccable lineage, and excellent health.  I’m no stranger to business and integrity, and I was in awe of her business acumen and her obvious love of dogs.  I jumped at the chance!  Holly and her team flew to Hawaii last year to personally deliver my first two female pups: a Blenheim (brown/white) and a Tri-color.

 

Although I intended  to buy  only two replacement dogs, I found myself getting started in the business of breeding, showing, and fostering cavaliers.  The more I looked into it, the more I realized what a deficit Hawaii has of quality Cavaliers.  I’m proud and excited to improve the breed and health quality of cavaliers in Hawaii.

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