Kathleen Holland

I saw an ad in the Sunday paper. Great Dane AKC puppies $50. I knew absolutely nothing about Danes, did not have the foggiest idea what AKC meant and really didn't have an extra $50 to spend. What I did have was a memory of driving down the road one day and spotting the most exquisite animal I had ever seen. Only a glimpse really as I sped by, heading home from work in an old beat up Volkswagen bug that would stall in the rain and had bald retread tires.

A quick phone call got me directions and I was soon standing in a muddy horse corral with coal black puppies nipping at my pants legs. It was instant love for the "quiet" one that began me on this journey that has been simultaneously the most frustrating and uplifting portion in my life.

I did everything wrong. No breed education, no health checks, no conformation or temperament evaluations, nothing at home to contain, train or raise a puppy with. I would have left the premises without getting, or caring about, the AKC papers had the sellers not insisted that they came with the puppy. One look in those eyes had me hooked and nothing could have convinced me that I was unprepared to own this puppy.

Her name was Begorra. She ruled my life as only a true "puppy bought from a backyard breeder who was only in it for the money " could. She was loyal, faithful, patient, loving and always present with me..no matter what. She couldn't help herself or do it any other way. She was a Great Dane.

Way too many years to ponder and many wonderful dogs later fast-forwards us to today. There is a litter of puppies destroying my house as I write. They have pedigrees impressive enough to frame and hang on the wall. Their new owners will be educated in the who, what, why, when and where  of Danes long before they will be allowed to bring one of these little darlings into their home. They will be getting a puppy that has all the appropriate background that ensures a happy, healthy and well-adjusted dog. They will be a credit to the breed, compete in the conformation and obedience rings and will someday be " a Kappadane in the 4th generation" behind the current Champion that's shining through.

They will be loyal, faithful, patient, loving and always present...no matter what. They won't be able to help themselves or do it any other way...they're Great Danes.

Kathleen Holland
Kennel Kappadane