This will be everything you never wanted to know about us and our Dogs. We started raising dogs 14 years ago, with our German Shorthairs. We are Fred and Barbara, our two Children, Chris and Jessica (now grown) were our partners in helping with the dogs. We decided around 1998 to expand into some other breeds. We have always been Frederika Kennels, we have no intention of changing our name to be "politically correct". We have been placing puppies in homes for over 14 years. We know the current information out there is "don't buy a puppy from a kennel", we are still the same as we have always been. We have shown many of our dogs and have several Champions which can be seen on our Champions page.
For those of you who know us and have learned about us, I try to update this page as time allows, many of you know I took a job in March with the Army. I was processing soldiers to go overseas. In late October I got a job offer much closer to home. I recently took a job in Illinois at a Family Practice where everyone is wonderful. Don't get me wrong, the Army was marvelous to work for, it was just too far from everyone. I now work 12 hour shifts, just 3 hours from Fred and the Fur-Kids. We hope our lives will get back on track soon. Being away from your family gives you a new perspective about the things you treasure most, a kiss from the hubby, seeing your kids more often, and getting to be home to tuck the fur-kids in at night...well...not every night, but far more than Oklahoma offered. We are feeling quite content with our new arrangement. The sad part of coming home, was coming home with one less fur kid. Our Princess Sadie died the week I was coming home. She had been sick for a time, I had hopes she could make the final trip, but it was not to be. I found it hard to lose the first of my cocker spaniels. Even with the return of Babrara Anne, Sadie's daughter, my life has forever been changed without her. I owe my sister, Becky, a debt of graditude for returning "Bobbi" to us, who now has her own perch, on the coffee table in the living room...LOL. Our dogs, even the ones we "rescue" live in an place where, unless the are very old and very sick, they are safe from euthanasia. We have some who could never be placed in homes simply because of the care they require. We have wonderful help from our vet, Ken, who sometimes just shakes his head, but always knows we have a hard time letting go. As we begin to think of relocating to a new place in Illinois, we know it will take some time to find the right place, but we also know we can not give up the idea that every dog has place in someone's heart. Placing some of the dogs has been difficult and caused me a few tears, but I know they are finding homes where they will be loved and cared for. I find I think of the soldiers still being deployed overseas, and hope they all come back safely. May God Bless them all.
We had a marvelous Christmas this past December, being with our little granddaughters, Emma and Hannah. Chris and Dina are doing well, having the struggles of a young married couple with two young daughters. Jessica is back to more of a normal schedule, not having to spend every day off here at the farm helping her Dad. We are all a little less lonely. We hope to be back showing dogs in the spring, Jess still will have to come and Babysit the fur kids when we need to get away. Jessica and Jason "tied the knot" in the middle of the worst winter storm Iowa has seen in "decades". While it was a traditional wedding, it certainly could have been a nicer day. We want to welcome Jason, Bobby and Betsy to our family. We look forward to adding more two legged kids to our Family. Our Thanks to the People who kept me company at Fort Sill Oklahoma while I had to be there, I met some very special people. So my hat is off to those who continue to do what they must for the Red, White and Blue. We continue to believe that its important that you:
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS EVERYDAY
HUG YOUR KIDS EVERYDAY
SMILE AT EVERYONE- YOU NEVER KNOW THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAY MAKE IN SOMEONE'S LIFE BY A SIMPLE SIMLE
This page is dedicated to the loves of my life....
Fred, Chris, Jessica, Dina, Emma, and Hannah
Thanks for taking the time to read about us, and we hope you can understand why if some day you might call and we might be a little hurried. May God in his ultimate wisdom bless you, keep you and give you peace. Just keep in mind, you never know what His Plan for you might be. When He closes a door...He Opens a Window.
How the Cockers Began
These are my first two cockers, on the left, Sadie who now lives at Rainbow Bridge and waits for me there, and Alex, who still is with us and as handsome as ever. Sadie was the Princess of the House and continued to be Mom's "Princess Face" until she left us. She hated getting her face clipped, but loved getting her back rubbed.
How the Poms Began
On the left is one of our "special needs" kids, Bug-A-Boo and our first female Pom, Dev. Bug came to us as a tiny baby, only 5 weeks of age. He was actually given to us by a breeder who didn't have time to care for him, he was all of 6 ounces. I stuck him in my shirt and brought him home. Once he was treated for his pneumonia and ear infection (which left him with a permanent balance problem) my children gave me Dev for Mother's Day. Bug has been neutered but Dev is still being a Mom from time to time
