The Kings Valley Lifestyle
Written by Eva Rappaport
See more: History | Philosophy | Front Room | Whelping Room | The Farm
The philosophy that inspired the creation and design of the Kings Valley kennel and influenced the lifestyle for its inhabitants had its genesis in my toddlerhood with my first would-be dog, Flocky. That stuffed near-Spaniel went with me everywhere, all the time. It took thirty more years before I could graduate from the stuffed mixed breed to my first in-the-flesh, generic collie, Angel.
Angel, a young mahogany sable Rough, was offered for adoption by a pale-faced, long-nosed lady with a head full of long, mahogany sable hair. Angel bounded out the front door directly into my arms and we never looked back. Our rapport was instant and forever.
Like Flocky, Angel was my full-time companion. She raised our three children, watched over all our little animals, and participated fully in the lively life of the family. Much like Lassie, she welcomed all good people and deterred the bad. Angel’s death by cancer left a big void. Our memories of life with her triggered an urgent wish to breed an Angel – to bring to life special Angels for special families, ourselves included.
The aim became clear. The goal took shape. The Collies we hoped to create would be family members just like Angel. We would want to create a home for them that we could enjoy together in lots of space, breathing clean air, eating healthy food, a place where we could meet good people, listen to nice music, have comfortable furniture, and do fun things.
And we pursued this aim.
See more: History | Philosophy | Front Room | Whelping Room | The Farm
Photos
Left: Me, my tractor, my dog, my future.
Right: Flocky went with me everywhere.
Below Left: A two-year-old Leslie says, “Angel, take it.”
Below Right: Helen Keller once said that if she could have had just one look, she wished to see first, a child, and second, a dog. It takes dogs to make a family. It’s living intimately with dogs that truly fulfills.
See more: History | Philosophy | Front Room | Whelping Room | The Farm