Caritas Farm

y lifelong love of animals led me to a career in veterinary medicine and the place I call my home and my haven, Caritas Farm. I was riding horses before I could even walk and from childhood on I had a variety of pets, often to the consternation of my poor mother who never knew what might leap out at her from my "empty" lunch boxes. I learned the importance and responsibility of having a pet early on.

y first purebred dog I acquired while still in college in the 60's. It was a Dobe, followed shortly by the addition of a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. My first experience in the show ring found me falling flat on my face. But being the hardheaded person I am I was hooked on the sport of showing dogs. Eventually frustrated with the need for professional handlers in the Doberman ring, I decided to look for a more "owner handler" friendly breed, but continued with the Dobes in obedience competition. My husband (also a veterinarian) suggested Borzoi as he had a client in the practice where he worked that was a Borzoi breeder and he found the breed intriguing. We went out to visit the breeder and my first encounter with Borzoi led to a love affair with the breed that has spanned several decades. My first Borzoi, Gussie (Ch. Kostenov Gossamer Whisp), came from the Kostenov Kennel as a puppy. Gussie taught me a lot about living with Borzoi and she was my first Borzoi champion. She lived to nearly 15 years of age as the queen of the household. Her longevity is a goal I have sought to achieve in all my dogs. Over the course of time, I had more Kostenov Borzoi and a lovely bitch from the Windrift Kennel, Ch. Windrift Polly. In seeking out potential stud dogs, I came in contact with Can. Ch. The Flying Dutchman and that lead me down a new path with my Borzoi. I fell in love with the Dutch type - their substance and sweet, outgoing personalities. I have imported a number of Borzoi from Europe and Scandanavia, concentrating on those traits I love combined with the longevity I always seek, and so today, the pedigrees on my dogs reflect that European and Scandanavian heritage.

have had Pembroke Welsh Corgis longer than any breed. They are close to being the antithesis to the sedate and regal Borzoi, but I cannot imagine living without one. Their bubbly personality and joyous outlook on life is infectious.

hen I returned to a single life, I decided I would like a guard type dog in the "family." I discovered the Azawakh breed, which combines the beauty, agility and grace of a sighthound, but having been bred as guardians by the nomadic Tuaregs of Mali, they also possess a guard dog attitude. I acquired an Azawakh puppy from the Reckendahl Kennel, Bua (Ch. Reckendahl's Labuah), who went on to become a Champion in 3 rare breed organizations as well as winning WB & BOS at the American Azawakh Association specialty in 1993. Many a time with the Azawakhs I have had judges keep moving us to the point I could hardly run any longer - only to find out they just loved watching the dogs move! It is truly a "dancing gait" that is hard to describe but breathtaking to behold.

hile watching an invitational championship show for rare breeds, I discovered the Chart Polski. It is a Polish sighthound of very ancient heritage that nearly became extinct during the Communist era. It is one of the breeds behind the Borzoi. My first contact with the breed gave me the impression that it very much resembled a Borzoi in conformation but without the long coat. After living with a few, however, I feel they are quite different in temperament than the Borzoi. They are very sweet and loving dogs, but their activity and energy level is a magnitude greater than that of the Borzoi. My best Chart came to me when she was 4 years of age. Her name was Dziwozona Celerrimus (Dziwo) and we just clicked as a team. She lived her first 4 years as a kennel dog, but became my main couch potato for the rest of her short life. She too was a dog that many judges moved a lot just because they liked watching her elegant ground-covering stride. She achieved her championships (ARBA, States KC & FORB) with ease, attained many group placements, 3 BIS and was rated a FORB top 5 placing over all breeds in 2000, but more important than that, she was my close and loving companion.

hile married, my husband and I adopted the kennel name, Chrisendale. Since we have gone our separate ways, I chose to take a new kennel name reflecting my independence and my care for the animals in my fold. That is how the name Caritas Farm came to be (Caritas is a Latin word which connotes something near and dear to one's heart). I am very blessed to have a lifelong dream come true and live there with my beloved Borzoi, the elfish Pems, the clownish Charts and my elegant guardians the Azawakhs along with a Collie, a walk-on Lab, 2 horses, a pony and a cat.

do not breed a lot; when I do it is only to carry on the bloodlines I've worked so hard for. My goal is to produce loving, stable, sound, healthy and long-lived dogs whose conformation is both consistent with the breed standard and with the job they were originally bred for. While I enjoy showing, I am not obsessed with dragging my dogs to every show within driving distance; it is not the most important thing to me. When placing my dogs, it is important to me that the animal is placed in a good loving home and healthy environment where they can lead a happy life.

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Last update February 26, 2008