Debbie Cournoyer
PO Box 763
W. Kingston, RI 02892
My family has always had dogs, but I began my “dog career” in 1974 when I took a job as a veterinary technician at a local animal hospital. Eventually, one of the veterinarians gave mea two-year-old female Doberman that was partially trained for competitive obedience. Godfrey’s Krakerjax and I worked hard, and had a great deal of success in the obedience ring with scores in the high 190’s. (200 is perfect) We went on to earn both American and Canadian CDs (Companion Dog) and an American CDX (Companion Dog Excellent). Sadly, Kracker died at the age of 14.
After Kracker died I decided to get a Gordon Setter. I had wanted a dog that could do both breed and obedience. I chose a wonderful little girl from the notable Rockaplenty Kennel in Virginia. Rockaplenty’s Fantasy (Fancy) earned Championships in both AKC and Canada. Fancy afforded me the opportunity to show my own dog at the Westminster Dog Show in NY City. She easily earned her AKC CD with three High-In-Trials. Fancy was also #1 Gordon Setter in Novice and #1 Advanced obedience in Canada. Both Fancy and my other Gordon Setter, Sarah, were used during Kidz Dayz, a summer camp for children and their dogs where I was an instructor. We also visited nursing homes and schools often doing demonstrations. During this time I also taught obedience at the Canine Emporium & Training Center in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Fancy and Sarah were the foundation of my breeding program. Many of my “kids” and “grand-kids” have gone on to do wonderful things such as earn titles in conformation, obedience, and field, as well as Search & Rescue and Pet Therapy. Several of my Gordon Setters are also featured in a book called GORDON SETTER by Lavonia Harper and printed in England. All are terrific family companions.
In the fall of 2000 I was sent in a whole new direction when I obtained my Irish
Red & White Setter from the world famous Ardbraccan Kennel of Miss Trudy
Walsh of Dublin, Ireland. Ardbraccan Grainne (How could I resist her when we
share the same birthday?) easily earned her American Rare Breed and Rarities
Championships-- going Reserve Best in Show and Best in Specialty along the
way. In June of 2003 Grainne gave birth to ten lovely puppies- several have
already begun their show careers with excellent success. Last May I was
fortunate enough to attend The First International Conference of the Irish Red &
White Setter in Belgium. It was a wonderful experience to be able to meet with so
many of the world’s most knowledgeable Red & White breeders. I have also
been able to attend the Crufts Dog Show in England several times as a spectator.
Presently, I work at the Wolf Rock Animal Health Center where I am employed as a technician. The facility specializes in holistic care of pets including acupuncture, chiropractic care, and Chinese medicine along with the more common forms of veterinary care. I continue to breed Gordon Setters and Irish Red & White Setters, as well as groom, show, and train them. I enjoy being a mentor for anyone who needs help. I graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse, hold a current Real Estate License, and I am Public Education Coordinator for our local Gordon Setter Club.
Irish Red & White Setter Association
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