I grew up on a farm, the youngest of nine children. Life was simple and uncomplicated. No cell phones or computers. We had a black & white TV and a radio. The TV is where I would watch my favourite show, Lassie, on Sundays. My love affair with collies started with that show and I knew that someday I would have my very own collie dog.

Growing up on the farm was an adventure. There was always something to do and many animals to care for. I can't remember a time when animals weren't a big part of my life. At a young age, I assisted cats and dogs giving birth, cared for the moms afterwards and loved playing with and nurturing the puppies and kittens until they went to their new homes. Not every puppy or kitten left the farm either, some stayed for a lifetime.

We had to make our own entertainment in those days. Our house was always filled with music. My brother, George, played the guitar most evenings and my sister and I would sing along with him.
We had cousins and friends who also played instruments and our home was the place for the musicians to gather and play. It was country and Bluegrass music that I grew up on and still love today.

The house I grew up in was large and it was cold in the winter and just right in summer. We had lots of land and a lake that bordered on our property. In the summer, I would sit on the back veranda and watch the sunset over the lake. I always loved the peacefulness and the beauty that surrounded me on the farm.

Growing up on a farm there were many animals to care for - and I loved it!

After the death of my father I left the farm and Nova Scotia. I moved to London, ONT, and lived there a few years. I then moved to Sydney, NS, and lived there for a year before returning to the South Shore. Bridgewater was my home for many years and where I raised my family.

I was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked in the Health Care Profession for twenty years. The last twelve years of my career I spent working at a Special Care Home for seniors. I enjoyed my nursing career and getting to know the residents and their families. I also trained as a footcare nurse with Senior Watch in New Brunswick. I did footcare in nursing homes, a local drug store and provided private footcare as well.

I moved to the farm in Parkdale on February 15th, 2000, and married Gerd on October 21st, 2000. In June 2000, the collie pups arrived. Gracie arrived first. She was from Buckhaven Kennels, PEI,. Two weeks later, Storm arrived from Terracotta Kennels, Guelph, ONT. They were always together. We took walks in the woods and played in the fields. They had lots of space and were happy dogs. What a great place for dogs! What a great place for a kennel! Gracie and Storm were the inspiration for the kennel. So the dream began. This dream of mine always seemed out of reach because of life's commitments to family, work and personal situations.

I retired from my nursing position September 1st, 2015. I found myself at a time in my life that involved changes and reaching for new goals. I wanted a home based business, something I would enjoy doing. I then decided to follow my dream - the kennel! With the help of the Acadia Center for small business I was able to build a business plan that would work. I also attended business workshops that were very helpful.

In April 2016, our carpenter, Gary, my husband, Gerd, and I started the work to make my dream and vision of a kennel into a reality. It was a lot of hard work and there were a few set backs and changes along the way but we were determined and I watched my dream turn into a reality. I opened Foxglove Kennel for business on September 1st, 2016.

Always follow your heart and never give up on your dreams!