About Us ...

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay

Sitting here at the computer trying to figure out how I would start an About Us Page. Then the song by Sarah MacLauchlan called Angel popped into my head. It seemed so appropriate to start our story there.

Jim and I were given a second chance, the how or why will forever remain a mystery and in the scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter. Jim and I were married right out of High School, we stayed married from 1983-1990 and then divorced, our lives went their separate ways. Jim’s in San Diego and mine in San Antonio and Bryan/College Station-- although we did stay in touch to a degree. Then in 2004 we started talking and one thing led to another. I moved myself, puppies and mare to San Diego at the end of 2004. Jim and I were remarried on the same day and date as the first time. To say that we regret the 15-year loss is a double-edged sword. On the one hand if things had not happened the way they had we would not be the people we are and who is to say that we would have had this depth to our reunion and marriage. But then again--who knows what would have happened if we had not split the first time. For those who think that second chances don’t happen—Jim and I are living proof of that. That nothing is forever and “Never say Never”. Life is a circle that comes back around.

That brings us back to BYD Ranch & Kennel. We bought this ranch in September of 2006 with the help of a best friend, Kat. She drove by this place, knowing that we were looking at property here in Bryan/ College Station and called me on my cell in Ca and said “I am sitting in the driveway of your new home” Suffice it to say she was right and here we are.

Our family consists of Jim and I and the following creatures that we share our lives with….
One yella dawg, named Xena who is an 8 year old Golden Retriever mix and is the inspiration for  the name of our company, ranch and kennel.
Toto, a 12 year old terrier mix and manipulator extraordinaire. 11lbs of tough puppy, nothing gets past Toto.
Shane, a 3 year old Red Heeler that has not met a human or a dog he does not like or want to introduce himself to. I adopted Shane earlier this year, after he declared  that I was his human job to all who would listen…except for me of course. I have met my match in the stubborn department.

I have wanted a Borzoi for many years and on April 26, 2007 “Ridge” (Valinor’s Dragons Ridge), arrived and I fell in love with all 23 lbs of puppy. He is everything that I hoped a Borzoi would be and more.. He was bred by Deb Butler of Valinor Borzoi (www.valinorborzoi.com). He will soon be joined by “Dawn” (Valinor GL Darkest Before Dawn ) a 2 year old female Borzoi also bred by Deb Butler. She is a cousin to Ridge and will arrive early in February. We will post pictures of her as soon as she arrives.

Nan is my 7 year old Thoroughbred mare. Broke to saddle by Reed Branson she and I have been conquering trails in CA and Texas. You can always find us as Nan is always the best dressed girl on the trail and you can hear us coming as we go nowhere with out Harmony Horse Necklace.

She is joined by Misty (Misty Blue Moon) a Champagne colored-Colonial Spanish Mustang, who started out as one of Reed’s first Texas Clients. I fell in love with her and asked her owners to purchase her. She fulfills many goals for us. Her many years experience doing NATRC while owned by the Gallihers of Mustang Meadows will allow me to gain confidence learning NATRC. She and I are also learning how to handle cows together as we learn to Pen and Sort here on the Ranch. She is also a laid back enough girl that I trust her with Jim on her back.

Then there is Blavad, barn kitty on the prowl and and he is joined by several other kitties that call our barn home.

Check back often as well will post here of the numerous goings on here at
BYD Ranch & Kennel