Pomeranians from Eagle Creek Pomeranians

My husband John and I live in a small, rural community in Northwest Indiana. Knox is a wonderful small town where you know almost everyone and you can always depend on your family and neighbors in a pinch. Our two daughters are grown and our oldest daughter, Amie, has blessed us with three Granddaughters.

I didn't choose Pomeranians as the breed for me.......they chose me!! I absolutely fell in love with them. Shortly after I acquired my first Pom, some friends took me to my first dog show and I knew I wanted to show these very bright and inquisitive little creatures.

My first Pom wasn’t quality enough to show and the hunt began to find a dog that would not only be a loving family pet, but still have the qualities to be a competitive force in the show ring. I was fortunate enough to be able to “adopt” some excellent show prospect puppies.
My first show boy was Champion Heartland’s Flash Gordon, aka Flash, who came from Dianne Kieffer of Heartland Pomeranians. I fell in love with this boy the very moment I saw him. He is "my baby". Flash is now retired from the show ring and simply lives the life of a very pampered pet.

My first show girl came from Diane Finch of Finch Pomeranians. Champion Finch's One Tough Babe, aka Grace, is aptly named! Not only is she a beautiful girl, but she also has that spirit, sparkle, and exuberance that makes a show dog great. She is the boss around here and makes sure everyone knows it!

Then Diane Finch allowed me to bring home my second black Pom.........BISA, BISS Champion Finch's Awesome On All Four, HOF, GC, aka Sly. They say there is no "perfect" dog, but in my opinion, he is pretty darn close!!!! A very "typey" boy with a very showy attitude, he has been a thrill to show from the very moment he hit the ring. Sly was my first "Specials" dog and he is a multiple group winner, multiple Best In Show Specialty winner, and an all breed Best In Show winner.

My first home bred champion was BIS Ch. Eagle Creek's Hamin' It Up, GC, HOF, aka "Ham". How lucky can you get on your first try!! A stunning cream boy with jet black pigment, Ham finished in eight shows by nine months of age. Along the way, he was honored with a BOW and best BBE win at the American Pomeranian Club National Specialty over 96 class entries and finished with another BOW at the Central Carolina Pomeranian specialty! Shown sparingly as a "puppy" special, his first group win was owner handled. In 2007, handled by Nina Fetter, Ham quickly become a multiple Best in Show winner. Every month when the stats were posted Ham was the #1 Pomeranian in the Country, for every system measured, and he also finished the year as the #6 toy dog.

I have been so fortunate to have several experienced show breeders offer advice, support, and encouragement. Their wisdom and experience has been an incredibly valuable resource for me. With my lack of experience, it took me two years to “finish” my first Champion. Before the end of my third year, I had finished my fifth Champion! I believe I owe this success those people that took me under their wing and helped to guide me along the way. I thank each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart for giving me a start and helping to keep me going.

With an undergraduate degree in Nursing (ASN - Purdue University and BSN -Valparaiso University) and a Masters Degree from the University of Notre Dames School of Business, I have had a life long commitment to continuing education. If the time ever comes that I think I know everything, I will need to give it up. Just as it is in the world of medicine, the art of breeding, raising, training, and showing dogs is not an exact science and there is always something new to learn. Therefore, I have applied that continuing education practice with my Poms, attending appropriate seminars as they are available. This includes:

	Breeding Better Dogs – Dr. Carmen Bataglia, 7/03
	Tricks of The Trade and Puppy Puzzle Pat Hastings, 11/03
	Breeding Principals, Practices, and Breeders Panel Discussion– American Pomeranian Club,3/04
	Advanced Handling Seminar Dr. Eric and Nancy Liebes 7/04
	Canine Reproduction,Whelping and Neonatal Pediatrics Dr. Robert Van Hutchinson 3/05
	Alternative Care - Dr. Mark P. Haverkos, DVM - American Pomeranian Club - 3/05
	Canine Health Seminar - Dr. Jean Dodds - 4/06
	Gilbert's K-9 Structure & Movement Seminar - Ed & Pat Gilbert - 7/06
	Alopecia Seminar: Hair Today Gone Tomorrow - Dr. Linda Frank, DVM, Diplomate, ACVD 3/07
	AKC Canine Health Conference, St. Louis, MO as the representative for the American Pomeranian Club - 10/07

I do believe that health testing for any dog that is to be included in a breeding program is a critical component to producing healthy and sound puppies. With this in mind, I have selected the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals

http://www.offa.org/index.html

as the avenue for my Poms to document health. Here you will find the test results for patella's, cardiac, thyroid, and CERF exams that have been conducted. To date, several of my dogs have been tested and added to that data base. I will continue to have my dogs tested and added to this data base as they become old enough or in preparation for breeding.