Dralion Kennels

As a child, I was obsessed with dogs. I read every book about them I could find, memorizing the different breeds and dreaming of the day I would have one of my own. Despite my endless pleading, my parents had no interest in having a dog. Whenever I brought home strays, they would be sent to the pound before I returned from school—and each time, my heart broke.

So, when I finally married, I wasted no time. After being deprived for so long, I decided to go big—literally. Our first dog was a St. Bernard, the largest I could find. After her, we rescued a massive, abused shepherd cross who had wandered in off the street and stayed.

Years later, after our beloved giants had passed on and our sons had gone off to college, the house felt far too quiet. To fill the void, Peter and I decided to attend our first dog show, open-minded but with the intention of downsizing. That's when we met Cracker in 1998—a wriggling little red Norfolk terrier puppy. For me it was my lifelong attraction to scruffy teddy-bear types and my need to nurture that drew me instantly to these fuzzy-faced clowns. For Peter, who wanted a “real” dog, something sturdy and spirited that a man could walk proudly—a Norfolk was the answer, they truly are big dogs in small bodies. We were smitten, never imagining that these little dogs would so completely capture our hearts and change our lives.

Our early successes in the U.S. show ring introduced us to Abbedale's Joan Eckert, whose quality Norfolk and Norwich puppies became the foundation of our breeding program. Joan's generous mentorship was invaluable—she taught us the importance of breeding for health and temperament as well as conformation. Through her, we also joined the American Norfolk and Norwich breed club, where we met many experienced and supportive breeders.

Soon after, Wayne Palmer and Tony Gabrielli entrusted us with Oliver, our first premier Norfolk stud dog. Owner-handled, Oliver earned his Canadian Championship. With the expert handling of Jody Paquette, Oliver made history as one of the only Norfolk in Canada to win multiple Best in Shows and Best in Specialty Shows, earning top Norfolk Terrier in Canada for three consecutive years (2001–2003). His legacy continues in our breeding program today.