Arenal Volcano Shelties (AVS) is the first step in bringing to form a family project of establishing a small Sheltie´s hobby-kennel. Different to other standing kennels, whom after many years of tradition finally set up and open to the public, we’ll do the opposite. From the start, we are keeping public record of all we do, even if it is our very first steps as amateurs, with the aim that all our history and evolution is kept fully registered and available.

This whole venture started in San Jose, Costa Rica (Central America) with our formal launch on October 10th, 2004. This is the day we brought Shanna from the US, thanks to the good faith and trust from Carol Howell of Jade Mist Shelties, Julie Desy of Ilemist Shelties y Diane DeBold of WyndMyst Shelties; the invaluable support of Meredith and Hector Hector of Enclave Shelties; as well as the timely advise and suggestions from Aleta Canady of Whisperwind Shelties. Our deep and sincere gratitude to the them all.

We are proud to begin this hobby-kennel with Shanna, a worthy representative of her blood line JADE MIST. Even more, being a granddaughter of the spectacular DILLON (Champion Jade Mist Beyond Tradition ROM, ROMC), who with 54 champion children is ranked 5th place in the history of the breed in the US.

AVS is now constituted by to stars:

-. ILEMIST ARENAL VOLCANO FIRST (SHANNA). [Shetland Sheepdog] The founding princess and our pioneer in the competition circuit, through whom we are learning all the tricks of the trade.

-. ASTAR (SABANDIJA). [Beagle] The alpha bitch of the house and the specialist in “Shelties socialization”. Her input is highly important as she infused part of her expressive and outgoing personality into.

GOALS:

Our goals with AVS can be divided as per its field of action:

• Dogs: Breed and develop happy and healthy dogs, who grow in a family style environment and at the same time reach and expand their personality. We don’t want frustrated “humanized” dogs, nor splendid dogs who are antisocial. We want to reach a harmonic balance, where the dogs will feel fulfilled with their nature and with their human friends. Our “babis” go through their lives in their own space (backyard and garden) and ours (house) having their own territory while they grow up with the family inside the house.

• Breeding: Definitely we want dogs that outshine in their breed, being winners of their group and show (BIS), at a local and international level. Yet, we will not be a puppy factory; on the contrary, we were only thinking of mating Shanna on the end of 2006 or later, once whe has achieved all the titles we have planned for her.

• Breed: We want to develop our own blood line at a very long term, which shall incorporate at its peak, the best traits and temperament of the breed, producing healthy and free of genetic sicknesses Shelties, worthy representatives of the standards of their breed. Jade Mist is a leading example for us.

• Learning: Being amateurs in the development of dogs for show, one of our objectives necessarily has to be learning the tricks of the trade in the breeding and exhibition of dogs. This goal is key and vital to reach all our other set objectives.

• Networking: the most human element of breeding dogs for show is the network of contacts and friendships that are formed with other participants. This is an objective of personal growth which AVS can help reach. There are many examples of the links and ties generated among people in the circuit.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

As we mentioned before, in order to have Shanna, the trust given by Carol Howell, Julie Desy and Diane DeBold was fundamental. Likewise, the collaboration of Meredith and Hector Hector; as the advise and suggestions by Aleta Canady. Furthermore, all of them kindly continue to provide us with their support and help by answering our questions and doubts, besides giving us excellent tips on the day to day process of breeding Shelties.

In the same fashion we would like to thank Mr. Allan Cukier (Costa Rica’s Canofile Asociation President) who helped us with the initial orientation and evaluation of puppies. Let’s not forget that his Sheltie Jack was the first Sheltie we saw in the flesh. For pure coincidences in life, Shanna is a niece of Jack (see picture).

CONTRIBUTIONS
We, at AVS, are being assisted by three great contributors, who play a major role in Shanna’s competitive status. They are: Ana Quirós (handler); Luis Carlos Esquivel (general grooming) and Oscar Cordero (behavior and conduct).

Thank you for visiting our website. We hope you continue visiting us regularly to keep up to date on Shanna’s progress. Sincerely yours.

Rosquete - Cornejo Family

Last updating: 09-12-2005