How It All Started

Growing up in the 70’s, I lived in a subdivision which bordered (and was steadily taking over) the farmland, grassy fields, and woods surrounding our neighborhood in Wyomissing Hills, Pennsylvania. When wandering around the new construction sites and open fields, I can recall hearing the raspy, cackling of pheasants. I quickly became interested in these large colorful birds that lived around us.

At that time I never knew what a German Shorthaired Pointer was, or what one was capable of doing, until I met “Inge”. She was a large, ticked, female GSP owned by the father of a neighborhood friend. Over time, I was eventually asked if I would be interested in taking care of Inge – feeding and kennel cleaning – while the family was on vacation. I eagerly accepted. Getting to know Inge I gained an appreciation for her intelligence, speed, and strength.

I was even more impressed when I learned that my friend’s father used her to hunt pheasants. Considering my interest in spending time outdoors, and a strong affinity for dogs, I was drawn to the concept of partnering with a dog to do a job.