ODYSSEY
KENNELS






ABOUT US

Previously involved in showing our dogs in UKC and
WGSDCA shows, we have retired all three of our dogs
from the show world. They now live happily as our
pets.

Located in the suburbs of the Twin Cities, we have met
some amazing individuals who have helped us to see the
truth and beauty behind the German Shepherd breed.


The Story...
I always wanted my own dog as an adult. After buying our first home we started talking about what type
of dog we wanted. My husband and I definitely had different preferences. My father mentioned a white
German Shepherd, which I had never heard of. I decided to browse the Internet to see what I could
find. I was amazed at how beautiful they looked and I liked the fact that I didn't know anyone with a
white German Shepherd...heck, I didn't even know there were white German Shepherds!

I then found an ad in the local newspaper selling white German Shepherd puppies. I immediately begged
my husband to go "look" at them just to see if we were interested. On our two hour drive down to see
the puppies my husband pointed out that we obviously weren't going to "look" at the puppies, that we
would most likely be bringing one home since I would fall in love with one. He was so right and because
he is a wonderful man, Jetta joined our family in May, 2003 at 9 weeks old.

I always had intentions of breeding Jetta from the day we brought her home. I always wanted to keep
one of her puppies because she had the best temperament of any dog I've ever met in my life. Very
smart, loyal and obedient. We decided not to get her spayed and would look into breeding her down the
road.

The following two years Jetta was an only child and our pride and joy. She was very spoiled and went
everywhere with us. She enjoyed her first camping trip with us four days after she came home. She
enjoyed swimming, trips to friends/family and her drive-thru snacks! What a life.

As Jetta approached the age of two, I decided to look into the option of breeding her. I did some
research online about the best age, risks, benefits, etc. I corresponded with several individuals I met
online but two individuals really stuck out. One particular woman responded to my questions and
provided such great information about the breed and was very kind. She had been breeding her dogs for
quite a while and was also involved in showing her dogs in conformation. She invited me to a local show
a short while later.

I decided to give it a try. Jetta got a bath and was all spiffed up for her big debut. I had no idea what to
expect as I had never been to a dog show or even watched one. I thought it would be a fun experience
for Jetta and I to do together.

After receiving some help from our new friend on what to do in the ring, Jetta won Reserve Best Female
in her first show. I was so excited and Jetta seemed to be having so much fun. It was great but I  didn't
really have a clue as to what this title meant. Shortly after I found myself talking to more people and
learning about the show world.

I met another friend that was very helpful in teaching me the ropes of the show world and the history of
the German Shepherd breed. I also learned that this friend had a male dog that we could possibly breed
Jetta to. Luckily enough it worked out for this to happen and it became obvious that Jetta would soon be
a Mom!

During this same time of figuring out the breeding process for Jetta, our new friend that helped Jetta at
her first show had a litter of puppies that were just born from some great lines. Thanks to Eclipse
Kennels, we received the unexpected opportunity to bring Reno into our family. Reno joined us in
March, 2005 at the age of 7 weeks. From day one he was very vocal in telling us what he thought.

Reno quickly became my new buddy as we attended puppy class together. He learned very quickly and
to my amazement was a very smart dog that excelled at many things. It became apparent he did inherit
the spectacular genes that Eclipse Kennels was hoping for. We started showing Reno in conformation
shows at an early age of three months.

Back to Jetta...after having an ultrasound, we expected a fairly large litter of 8-9 puppies, or least that is
what the Vet guessed. To our surprise, Jetta gave birth to 11 healthy puppies on July 9, 2005. With
seven boys and four girls, we had our hands full.

Since my intention all along was to keep a "Jetta puppy", I picked out a sweet little female that I had my
eye on from day one. She had good conformation and seemed to have her mother's temperament. I
knew this little pup would be my new baby!

It became official that little miss Yula would continue to stay at Odyssey Kennels and be part of the
family. Suddenly we found ourselves with three dogs! Thanks to my amazing husband for accepting all
three of my babies into our world. They have brought so much joy and happiness to our lives.

Over the years, Reno continued to show in conformation as he grew up and received many titles and
awards. We were so proud of Reno and is excellent conformation and movement. We retired Jetta from
the show world after having the litter of puppies.

Yula quickly became our sweet little girl. She is so cute and still gives us the cute puppy eyes to get her
way. She also showed in conformation shows from a young age and won many titles. She enjoys picking
on her mom and teasing Reno. As the baby of the family, she definitely gets away with more than the
other two.

After years of showing and one big litter, we decided our dogs are most happy just being pets at home
and going on new adventures. All three have retired from successful show careers and enjoy living it up
at home. From chasing each other to new toys and treats and the nights of sitting by the bonfire, our
dogs are the perfect addition to the family. We look forward to many healthy and happy years ahead.

Contact us at: wgsd@odysseyshepherds.com
ABOUT US