My love for dogs began long before Astralvale ever had a name. Growing up with dogs of all kinds, then meeting my husband and his rescue Border Collie, eventually led me to becoming familiar with my mother-in-law’s Australian Shepherds. The seeds of a lifelong love for dogs that were planted in my youth began to blossom into something much more as an adult.

My first real experience in training came with my own rescue—a wonderfully loyal, go-everywhere Pit mix. She was the best adventure companion I could have asked for, and while she was incredibly willing, trainable was not exactly the word I would have used. She taught me patience, creativity, and perhaps most importantly, just how much I loved working with dogs.

When my mother-in-law began Boundless Joy Aussies under the guidance of her own mentors, she brought me under her wing, introducing me to grooming and training. Before long, that experience grew into showing in conformation, performance work, and becoming part of the Australian Shepherd community.

Then came Soul.

I was blessed with this incredible dog, and he became my true beginning and my first real investment into discovering what an Australian Shepherd could be. Soul was driven, eager, and capable of doing anything I asked of him, yet he possessed an incredible off-switch that I had never experienced in a dog before. He showed me that an Aussie could have both the ambition to work and the ability to simply settle down and be part of the family.

After a couple of years of working with Soul, I was blessed with the opportunity to bring Videl into our home through Trail Creek's Aussies. Videl is a beautifully balanced girl who would often choose cuddles over work, though she would never turn down an opportunity to work for a good treat.

Together, Soul and Videl opened my eyes to the balance I wanted to preserve. Between them, I became enamored with dogs that could move seamlessly between the home, the ranch, the show ring, and performance work—dogs with the drive to accomplish something, but the temperament to simply be wonderful companions.

From that balance, the vision for Astralvale began.