Angels Among Us & some may have paws

There was a time in 2015 to 2016 in which a void was felt in our home. It was a difficult time for the teenagers and myself. A time of unknown futures, a time of loss and a time to be brave, try new adventures to see where we would land. Sometime in the summer of 2015 a gentleman by the name of Charles Shelton visited my State Park where I work. He wanted to have a photo made of his Boykin Spaniels as he said they were known "As the dog that doesn't rock the boat." Our museum houses a famous cultural history boat known as the Stump Jumper which can also be seen in the Smithsonian. Our Gate Keeper clerk had stopped him in his tracks as he began to ask if he could take a photo inside with his Boykins. He then asked to speak to the Park Manager. This was the first time I had seen a Boykin even though I had heard great things about their versatility in the field and in the home. I expressed interest in a future pup and didn't think a lot about it as Mr. Charles said it maybe a year or so before the right one comes along.

In April 2016 I received a call to my surprise asking if I would want to purchase a girl although she would be a Collie eye Carrier. I knew from my biology back ground that being a Carrier only mattered if you ever breed to another Carrier. I agreed and with a certain unknown of our future met my girl in May of 2016. Mr. Charles brought her to the museum and she has come to work with me every day since!!!!

Not long after, I received a call from Leslie Ballard, who began welcoming me to the Boykin World with a T-Shirt from a Club event she attended, Gifts of puppy bumpers and treats for Teal. As I listened and tried to take in all that I could..... I remember her speaking of how some breeders name the pups after the Sire or the Kennels. I remember thinking well I want Teal to have that kind of name so everyone knows where she came from. I called Leslie excited and announced the pups name would be "Boys Girl Teal" After her stud dog Ballard's Boy

We talked about all things Boykins and the quote I will never forget is when Leslie said

"You Don't Know What You Have ....." Oh, how true that is !!!