I have always been an animal lover.  When I was growing up, we always had one or more dogs around the house along with various hamsters, gerbils, tropical fish and turtles.  We had several Miniature Poodles and a Toy Poodle when I was small and then moved up to the "big dogs" like Irish Setters and Collies.

 

My first dog Xerxes was a disaster.  He was a not very well bred Cocker Spaniel who had every genetic flaw known to Cockers.  He had constant ear infections, juvenile cataracts, flea allergies, a heart condition and a temperament that only a mother could love.  Nonetheless, I had him for 14 years and I loved him to pieces.  He had an indomitable spirit and was feisty to the end.

 

From Xerxes, I learned the importance of acquiring a pet from a reputable breeder who cares about producing the best dogs possible.  Because of my experience with him, I am careful to make sure that I breed only the best stock with health clearances and wonderful temperaments.

 

While living in Atlanta, I decided I needed a larger dog with a big voice to be a watchdog for me.  Well, I got one!  After doing my homework this time, I acquired a beautiful Collie girl, Ginger (U-CD Sheranda's Only You CD), from breeder Wanda Cable in Florida.  Ginger was an awesome girl who had the sweetest temperament.  Barking was her life and she was an excellent watchdog (maybe a little too good).  In her later years, after I started with the Papillons, she was so tolerant of the pups.  Ginger went to the Rainbow Bridge in June of 2007 after a year long struggle with a bladder tumor. 

 

Because Ginger was very shy, I started her in Obedience classes and ended up doing competitive Obedience with her.  She eventually earned an AKC CD title and a UKC U-CD title.  She didn't really enjoy obedience and only did it to please me, so I retired her after she earned her U-CD, but the show bug had bitten.

 

I started looking for a smaller, more portable breed that I could train for Obedience.  I also had been to a few dog shows and wanted to try out the Conformation ring.  Once I discovered the intelligent, playful Papillon, I never looked back.

 

Baypalms Papillons began in 2003 when I acquired my first show dog Desi (Ch. Baypalms Wings of Desire) from Elizabeth Shelton who was kind enough to place a show dog with a newcomer.  In the past few years, I am fortunate to have added two excellent dogs from Ruth Ann and Danny Ford to my kennel and I am grateful to them for their trust in me.  I enjoy handling my own dogs and my Papillons are owner handled with pride.