Ownership of an Aussie is a long term commitment of time, love, trust, and respect between an Aussie and its owner.  It is truly a partnership and should be carefully considered.  For those of us who love these dogs, it is a commitment that is rewarded many many times over.

My goal at Riatta is to produce genetically healthy, structurally sound, well balanced Aussies with sound temperaments, instinct, intelligence, and looks. Health, temperament, and the preservation of that wonderful Aussie personality all rolled into one beautiful body--what more could anyone ask?

I don't have litters often, and those that I do plan are primarily for my own kennel. Any puppies available are fully guaranteed against genetic defects. Puppies are whelped in the house and get tons of attention and love from day one. Each puppy is paper trained, crate trained, has had an initial eye examination by an AVCO licensed ophthalmologist, and is current on all worming and puppy vaccinations prior to going to their new homes.

A complete "Puppy Packet," inclusive of copies of the sire and dam's pedigrees, OFA certificates, current CERF report and/or AVCO ophthalmologist's exam report on the appropriate CERF form, registration papers, and pictures of littermates, and grandparents (if available) accompany each puppy to their new home.

Companion/Pet puppies are sold on a spay/neuter contract only. Show puppies are sold on a co-ownership agreement. We strongly encourage and support first time owners and those wishing to enter into competition for the first time. Follow these links to view our
Purchase Contract
Propsective Buyer Questionnaire

My history goes back a long way with herding breeds. I grew up on a small farm in Iowa with purebred, working German Shepherd Dogs. These were all around "chore" dogs, bred by my father. During his early years, he became interested in German Shepherds and purchased his foundation bitch. During the 1940's, he bred and raised several litters, many of which were sold to the U.S. Army for training and use during the war. One of my earliest memories is being followed closely by "Peggy", a 2nd generation GSD from his foundation. Peggy ran our farm, cared for us as a family, and spent her retirement years in town with my grandparents. She was 15 when we lost her. Her intelligence, sound structure, and work ethics still influence my choice in dogs today.

As a young adult, and newly married, my ex-husband and I discussed purchasing an OES, knowing we would eventually settle on some land somewhere. Youthfull ignorance led me to an ad in the Tulsa paper at Thanksgiving of our first year of marraige. When I came across an advertisement for Belgian Sheepdog puppies, I decided to go look, thinking "a Sheepdog is a Sheepdog...right? Belgian, Old English, how much difference could there be??" What a surprise! Not only was there a tremendous difference (VBG), I was one of the few fortunate individuals to find someone ethical and responsible that listed a litter in the newpaper!

I took one afternoon with those gorgeous, black bundles of fur, and was in love for the next 15 years of my life. I made arrangements that day to purchase a little male when he was old enough. During the 2 weeks that followed, the litter owners provided me with reading material and information on Belgians, allowed me to visit Mom, Dad, and babies on a regular basis, as I anxiously awaited the day "Zach" could come home.

By the time I lost my last Belgian to health issues at 11, I had been settled in Houston for many years, had 4 children, worked long hours, and decided to go 'dogless' for awhile. That of course didn't last long, as there was always a string of strays and homeless dogs and cats coming through my home that one of us had come across and needed care.

Finally, in the early 90's, my ex-husband decided it was again time we start looking for a dog of our own. He soon found a breed that interested him: Australian Shepherds...and so my journey began!.

There are no words sufficient to offer thanks to Lisa Marshall of Skye-Mar Kennels.  Lisa is not only my mentor, entrusting me with many of her dogs so that we can continue to build on the lines she worked so hard to develop, she is one of my dearest friends!

Many thanks also to Lisa's mom, Irma Smith of Hidden Lanes Australian Shepherds, for her support, education, friendship, and knowledge.

Thanks also go to some of our wonderful Aussie friends who are always there to lend an ear, just be great friends, or issue a challenge to keep us working; especially Bonnie Thomas of Bon Chance Australian Shepherds, my kennel partner, neighbor, and best friend, Cinda Young of Driwind Australian Shepherds,  Debbie Collins of Krossfire, and Donna Arnold of Slydrock Australian Shepherds who recently entrusted me with an awesome little blue bitch who is sure to be the future of Riatta!

Each of my foundation dogs are, or have been, involved in many different venues, including conformation, obedience, and pet assisted therapy.  My main focus over the next year will continue to be in conformation and obedience. 

 

       Last updated  August 10, 2003