Tom and I started in Schipperkes in 1978 with a pet bitch and quickly decided that showing might be a fun thing to get into as a family hobby. Lara, our daughter, was into showing horses at the time and it was time to make a decision as to whether we wanted to continue or switch to something else. Our pet bitch was spayed and placed with a retired couple and we looked for something to show. We chose the kennel name Chatelet after much going over a map of Belgium and finding a small town with that name. Found out that it means small castle and thought it had a pretty ring to it.

Our first show dogs came from John and Toni Strasburger, Valle Vue Schipperkes, and Joie Chandler, Jetstar Schipperkes. Through the years we have built on this and have been very happy with the results. Schipperkes have become a very important part of our lives but not the only thing.

Tom is a retired Air Force pilot after 20 years and now enjoys teaching Adult Education. He gets great satisfaction from helping people. He also thoroughly enjoys handling our show dogs and showing our current special, BISS Ch Chatelet Denell Just Imagine. Our good friend, Brian Carbone is currently specialing, BISS Ch Chatelet's Daydream Believer, the old man of the group. Thanks to Brian, Jordan, didn't have to retire from his favorite thing in life when the new special came along. We also co-bred and co-own BISS Ch Raffinee Spirit of Chatelet ROMX HOF with Virginia Larioza and Sam. We are very proud of Tanner and what he has accomplished and are grateful to Virginia and Sam for letting us be a part of the Tanner phenomenon. We also have 2 Belgian Sheepdogs that we are playing around with and a big, 130# St. Bernard/Rottweiler mix named Rado. (those of you who have met Rado know he is one of a kind).

I have worked with the veterinary profession for 15 years and thoroughly enjoy working with people and their pets with a special interest in reproduction. I have done everything from cleaning kennels, receptionist and vet tech work with a little grooming thrown in. Our vet is very supportive of continuing education and makes sure we get every opportunity to attend seminars etc.

Our goals in Schipperkes are to first of all have fun with our dogs. They all live in the house and are our pets first and foremost. Secondly, when a litter is bred, to make sure it is the healthiest possible, physically and mentally. Through the years we have pretty much stopped selling show prospects and just breed for ourselves or friends to have something to show, and the rest are spayed/neutered and put in pet homes.