Since I was 7 years old, I felt a passion for dogs, knowing someday I would become a breeder. Even at that age, I knew there was a right, responsible way to produce the best litter I could possibly breed.
At age 12, I began the methodical steps of researching and planning for my first litter of Gordon Setters. It wouldn’t be until age 17 when I would find my foundation bitch, Maggie, who would begin my lifetime of devotion to purebred dogs. At age 22, my first Gordon litter was born, ten years after my research initially began. Because so few people knew about the breed, the demand for Gordon puppies was low, and I realized finding quality homes during that pre-internet era would be difficult. Therefore, I had to channel my passion elsewhere.
When I was in my late 20s, I discovered the Great Dane. It would be this gentle giant with whom I’d focus my efforts. I spent six years researching this breed before ever producing my first Dane litter. Owning mutts and purebreds and four danes (a Sheenwater and three Nuttree Danes) before beginning my own line and learning about breeding Gordons would help build my knowledge on how to properly raise a giant breed.
"Cody" - Nuttree's Commanche (3 months)
I was fortunate to have the support of family and friends while pursuing my dream of breeding. I graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor's Degree in English and Advertising. I returned to school and earned my Master’s in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. My education took my full-time career into the world of healthcare marketing and public relations where writing and creating educational tools would be a key function of my daily job. It would be key in my life with Danes as well. My devotion to my breed compelled me to write an instruction manual so that my puppies’ new families would learn as much about the Great Dane as possible. Thus, the creation of my book, The Great Dane - A Beginner's Manual, began.
Nuttree's Sierra Snowdancer & Meadowood's Uh-Oh (Deenie)
My life experience, research, and devotion guide me in offering information to the public. Though I’ve had courses in canine health, mentored under the guidance of breeders, networked with Dane breeders across the world, and have undergone much of what I’ve written about with the numerous dogs I’ve loved - Danes and other breeds - I am not a veterinarian; nor do I qualify myself as an “expert” in the canine field. I entrust that distinction to those who have made huge medical advancements, established or published protocols, and given over his or her entire life to a cause. Accordingly, I am a devoted breeder who has done a significant amount of reading and experienced numerous oddities that I want to share with Dane lovers.
Nuttree's Lucky Charm - Lulu
Please consult your veterinarian for confirmation and the newest treatments should you suspect your Dane has any of the health issues mentioned on my website or in my book. Educating oneself and keeping an open mind is paramount in providing a loving, healthy home for a Dane. Traditional veterinary medicine is necessary, but there is also much to be said about alternative medicine, nutraceuticals and homeopathic remedies. There is a place for both. And only when one has exhausted all modalities can one say, “I’ve done all I can for my Dane.”
Duncan, Sierra, and Rocket - original art by artist Sally Logue
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