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Our Family
"Mike and I met
through showing dogs. I had my first child, a female Weimaraner
named Mercedes. She continues to live in her own world,
believing she is the only child. My second dog was a male Weim,
named Benz. He was my first real “show dog” and I enjoyed
competing with him. Mike had his client dogs, and over the
years we have enjoyed getting to know so many breeds and the
families they came from
—
many of whom have become close friends. In recent years our
family has expanded to include our Corgi, Tucker, and our Great
Dane, Nadia. We also have our two cats Jezebel and Passat."
"In April of 2005, we were blessed with our son Connor. He
has literally grown up beside our Dane Nadia as they are only a
month apart. Connor loves to be the boss of all of them,
and Mike and I enjoy the many family moments in our home.
In the years that follow we look forward to living, laughing,
and enjoying new relationships with you and your pet."
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Jen
Jennifer Boyd has
had a love of animals since childhood. Their family had all the
familiar pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, and whatever else Jennifer
could talk her parents into. At ten years old she went to work
at a local barn working with horses. It was here she learned
the value of cleaning, training, and respect from Linda
Hartman.
After high school,
Jennifer attended the University of Alaska at Anchorage pursuing
a degree in education while working at a preschool. Later,
after being self-employed for three years, she went to work with
severely emotionally disturbed children. While self-employed,
Jennifer started showing her first dog. The experience taught
her humility, and she learned at the same time that she was
“hooked.”
Jennifer is married
to Michael Boyd with a beautiful little boy named Connor.
Having both worked diligently in the dog show world, Michael and
Jennifer now have the opportunity to make a living doing what
they both love. “I always thought about how to make a living
doing what I loved, and now it is coming true,” states
Jennifer. “I believe in hard work, but also the choice to enjoy
your work. I look forward to many years working and living
beside my husband and raising our family in this environment.” |
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Mike
Michael Boyd is a
true animal lover. He has had dogs, cats, and many other
animals for as long as he can remember. When he was a young
boy, his mother started showing and breeding Irish Setters. She
also owned a pet store in Eagle River, Alaska. His mom was a
pet groomer and had Michael bathing, feeding, and yes, even
cleaning up. His family then moved to Washington where they
owned dogs, chickens and rabbits, and with the help of his
sister, worked with their mother in a grooming business as
bathers.
Michael soon moved
back to Alaska where his love of showing dogs began. At fifteen
he started in Junior Showmanship and began showing his
grandmother’s Borzois in the breed ring. During this time he
was introduced to work in a real breeding kennel and horse
stable, and the experience hooked him for life. Soon he was
being trained by some of the top handlers in Alaska including
Colleen McDowell, Becky Brandon, and Drew Dowling. These people
shaped and molded Michael into the dog handler he is today. At
this time, other people besides his grandmother were asking him
to show their dogs – so his show career began.
At seventeen, a dog
show judge came to Alaska and gave Mike a shot. He recommended
Mike for a job in Georgia as an apprentice working with some of
the most respected handlers in the country. It was there that
Glen and Rebecca Lycan taught him some of his most valuable
lessons about dogs. They taught him how to show and groom many
different top dogs, but more importantly they emphasized the
importance of the quality of care of all the animals. Their
kennel held between 40 – 50 dogs, big and small, and was
impeccably clean. The kennel smelled of bleach and cleaning
supplies all the time, and they were able to eliminate man
illnesses and diseases that were found in other kennels.
“Besides that, it was a lot more comfortable for the pets,” says
Mike.
Another lesson Mike
learned was that the pets that stayed with them were not their
own. “These dogs had homes where their owners were, and many of
the dogs missed their families. It was our job to be their
family while they were in our care. To be the best substitute
family we could, we gave them as much love and attention as
their own families would.”
Mike also learned
the importance of exercise. “Exercise not only keeps a dog
healthy and well conditioned, but most importantly keeps their
mind sound. It is much easier to take care of happy dogs. Can
you imagine your life if you were stuck in a small room with no
exercise?”
After the
opportunity with Glen and Rebecca, Mike went to work for a few
other handlers in Texas, including Clint Livingston and C. L.
Eudy. “Clint taught me about different types of dog coats and
how to handle small dogs, and I still have never run into anyone
other than my Grandmother who emphasizes the care of the
animals. Anyone who knows my Grandma Zo Hawkins from the dog
shows would agree.”
Eventually Mike
returned to Alaska. With the help of his previous mentors and
apprenticeships, he was blessed with showing some of the top
dogs in Alaska and the U.S. Now, Mike along with showing dogs,
teaches handling, dog behavior, the importance of understanding
your dog and setting boundaries with them. His day jobs have
included everything from scooping ice cream to managing a retail
store to working with people who have disabilities. Now that he
is fully engages in showing, training, and now boarding animals,
it is where he and his family are truly happy.
“Jen
and I look forward to seeing you and your pet soon.” |
