In the spring of 1993 we went to meet whippet breeders Jean and Dick Schroeder of Willabe Whippets. There is no way to put into words what that first visit with Jean and Dick and their wonderful whippets meant to our lives. We fell in love with the breed and couldn’t wait for our first whippet. Jean and Dick were expecting a litter in June. We met the proud parents to be Greta and Tarka. I decided I wanted a puppy just like Dad Tarka, he was so beautiful. We were promised a puppy from the litter and went home to plan for the new addition to our family. On June 20
th Jean called with the exciting news that the puppies had arrived. A few days later we went to see them and fell for a black brindle little girl. Jean told us they change so much, we might change our mind. The little girl we liked didn’t look much like her Dad, but she was the one who caught our eye that first meeting. The other puppies were beautiful, but the little girl who stole our hearts that first day, came home with us 8 and ½ weeks later. Jean told us the day we left with our puppy we would have another whippet within a year. I told her I only wanted one dog. Jean just laughed at me. Sure enough the next Spring we added a six month old Tessa to our home.
We decided on the name Haley for our new little girl and registered her as Willabe Wonderful Tonight. What a difference she made in our lives. We owe many thanks to Jean and Dick for helping us with our first whippets and allowing us the honor of owning one of their babies out of their beloved Tarka.
Jean helped us get started in the show ring as well as introducing us to lure coursing. Haley never liked to show. We tried several times but she never adjusted to it. She was our little girl and if she didn’t want to show, we weren’t about to force her. We did try her on the coursing field, which she loved. She got her championship quickly and had a best in field during her coursing career.
When Haley was almost three she had her first of two litters. We kept two males out of the first litter. Mickey and Willie. Haley’s sons loved the show ring and both became champions. Mickey also became a dual champion and in 1999 was the number two AKC courser. We retired Mickey from coursing in 2004, he finished his career with 8 best in field’s and a LCM 2, MC and he is a Veteran Field Champion. Mickey is one of the fastest dogs ever to achive a couch championship.
Out of the second litter we kept a female and a male, Blossom and Moonshine. Both have points in the show ring, but like their Mom neither liked to show. Moonshine however loved to course and became a champion in ASFA and AKC. In 1999 Moonshine was the breed winner at the AKC lure coursing national. Blossom liked staying at home, she was our little angel girl. We have since added several more whippets to our home.
Jean also played a big part in starting the whippet rescue organization. After a few years of seeing what good Jean and the organization did, I asked to become a volunteer. What a rewarding experience it has been. Most people add to their whippets, but there are the occasions where people for one reason or another can’t keep their whippets. We take them in, let them adjust and take care of any medical needs they have. When we are assured they are healthy and ready for a new home, we start the search for that perfect forever home. It is so hard to let these special dogs go, but once we see they are happy and safe it makes it worth doing again and again.
Thank you so much Jean and Dick for introducing us to this wonderful gentle breed. This breed known as the whippet is a truly life changing breed. Anyone lucky enough to ever be loved by one of these precious soles will be blessed forever.
We would also like to thank so many of our dear friends for helping with our kids when we need help. You know who you are and we love you all. Without our whippets most of you we never would have met. Thank you for coming into our lives and loving our babies as we do.
One person who should be personally recognized is Vickie Neff of Vic’s Whippets. Over the last few years Vickie has become a very special friend and mentor. She has helped us with our breeding program and given us advice and encouragement when we need it. Thank you so much Vickie and thanks too, to your wonderful husband Gary for allowing us to take you away from him when we need your help.
Two last acknowledgments, to Kim Carandang for designing our Whippet Door for the website and Tim our son for all the long hours and excitement he has put into this website. Without Tim’s enthusiasm our site would have never been finished. Thank you both, great job, we love you.
Peggy and Steve