I've known since I was a little girl that I was destined for a career with dogs. I became interested in gun dogs after purchasing my first retriever, a black lab bitch, in 1981.
determination, I established Pocotaligo Kennel, LLC, in 1986 with one client's dog, a yellow lab. The kennel is named for Pocotaligo, a town in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Pocotaligo is an Indian name, probably with origins in the Yamassee or Creek tribes. Although not authenticated, it seems to originate from poka, gathering place, and talatigi, border town.
I acquired Coffee, my first Boykin, in 1984 and training became more of a passion than a hobby. I began campaigning in hunt tests, obtained a modest degree of success, and devoured everything I could
find related to retrievers. I read books, watched videos, attended seminars and trained with professionals. Eventually I left my full-time job to apprentice under a local professional retriever trainer. Mustering a lot of faith and
Although known primarily as a "Boykin" trainer, I've also worked extensively with most retriever, spaniel and pointing breeds. Beginning with Pocotaligo's Juice in 1987, I've been blessed to have trained or bred twenty-two Boykin Spaniel Society National Champions.
Additionally, I've successfully campaigned dogs in AKC Retriever and Spaniel Hunt Tests as well as UKC/HRC and NAHRA events. Through it all, I attribute my success to a natural understanding and genuine love of dogs.
