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Our Story
Our story started way back in 1994, we didn’t know anything about the breed other than what we saw in the media, we liked the terriers and owned a Staffie x Bullterrier called Hitler, he got sick and we knew it was time to get a new pup. We saw a sign board often as we pass Swannees place and one day BBill decided to stop by and see the dogs. He left a terrified wife and two daughters in the car, they expected vicious killer dogs to run around the corner any minute. After what felt like hours he came out with a little red pup in his arms and dumped her on his wife’s lap, she said, “pitbulls don’t look like this” she didn’t know what they look like, but the pup didn’t bite, growl or threaten, so it couldn’t be a pure bred pitbull pup … lmao
We took Eva home and so began a new chapter in our lives.
Swanees introduced us to shows, at our first show, when Eva won a place in conformation ( there was only 3 pups in her class and we didn’t know she HAD to get a place) there was no stopping us, we owned the bestest dog in the world, we think back often, to the first years and just smile, the second dog we got was Oscar, like Eva, he turned out to be a wonderful show dog. Two of these fantastic dogs weren’t enough, every breeding advertised had our interest, and we bought dogs like it’s nobody’s business, believing there will be nothing better. We met dog owners at shows and soon got interested in different shows than the ones we were involved in, taking small steps, and making huge mistakes we grew, slowly but surely. We went through all the bullshit that comes with it and with time we saw that your friend is NOT your friend, your enemy can be a friend, we found ourselves with fewer friends you can count on the fingers of one hand, but for the first time, we are really happy, we stay at home, don’t talk with the rest, quietly doing our thing and that proved to be the best way.
People who deserve to be mentioned when I look back at our time in the game is Koos Botha, the "Father" of the Yellow dogs in South Africa,True Blood, we still follow simple rules he taught us and they work, Liquorice Kid someone we respect for his honesty and willingness to share. Ma Baker for selling us a good dog and breeding Lee Lee. The Hawk because he stick with us, love ya lots and your wisdom regarding the dogs is amazing. Streamline and his collection of dogs to better what we already have. Scorpio for his very straightforward and very colorful use of language –laff my ass off- and because he made peace. Kimberly guys, for believing in our yard. Seadensun for being a friend and allowing us to do the GR CH Gritler x Dianne matings. Last but not least, Swanee for putting up that sign board.
Someone newer to the game than us asked the following question the other day
“So what tips can you old timers give me tonight”
“Keep your mouth shut and your ears and eyes open for at least 5 years, and always buy dogs from a proven yard”
Wished someone told us that in the early years.
Letter to the American SPCA about the Floyd dogs
I recently read, with horror, of the Louisiana SPCA killing 59 dogs belonging to Floyd Boudreaux and his son. I live in South Africa: my family raises pit bulldogs as pets and has done so for generations. Our bloodlines are “game” and I make no apology for that fact---these are the best bloodlines of the breed, and our dogs are, by bloodline, some of the best available. They are beloved members of our family, as well. Because I know the breed, I am appalled at the actions taken by the SPCA in this matter.
I am incensed that the SPCA so blithely lays the responsibility for their decision at the feet of Mr. Boudreaux, as if he directed this mass slaughter: “Floyd Boudreaux sealed their fate by his motivation in breeding them.” It is my understanding that Mr. Boudreaux has yet to have his case heard, much less his “guilt” established; I was also unaware that motivation was so easily determined or was illegal, in your country. What I do understand is that no serious effort to place the dogs could have been made if the SPCA killed the dogs “shortly after their arrival.” The website for the SPCA states, to their shame, that they are “the legal representative for animals in New Orleans”.
Acting on behalf of their animal-clients, the SPCA arbitrarily decided to execute 59 innocent dogs without any effort to find placement for them with responsible owners. This decision was made even though they acknowledge awareness of at least one pit-bull rescue organization.
I cannot tell you how disheartening this is for a dog-owner to hear: there was no evidence given that these dogs had ever been involved in fighting, or ever would be. Their “guilt” was their bloodline, an argument that echoes the logic of the Holocaust and “ethnic cleansing”. Their efforts to pass the blame on to others, afterwards, is equally shameful. Why would you allow such people to be the protectors of animals, in your country?