I first started looking for a whippet after doing research on different hound and sporting breeds. I read all I could, and the Web was just starting to get going (1995) and I found some great information online. I was impressed how dedicated the owners seemed towards the breed.

Luckily there was a litter on the ground in my area. It was by a novice breeder, but she had gotten input for the breeding by some other experienced breeders in the area. I believe it was the only whippet litter she ended up having.

I went to this woman's house and fell in love with the puppies (of course!). She told me more about the breed, and I couldn't take my eye off this one particular puppy. He was the only fawn and white puppy out of the litter, I liked his different marking as all the others were brindle and white. She said that a local breeder was coming next week to grade the litter, and maybe I should come back then. At this point, I was only looking for a pet, and didn't know the first thing about showing a dog!

The next week, I went back to see the puppies, and met Lori Lawrence who came to take a look at the litter. I listened to what they said about the puppies, sort of, and didn't understand what they were looking for in this "pick puppy".

After all the "stacking" on the grooming table, and evaluating the litter we were sitting on the lawn with all 8 of the little puppies winding down. The fat little fawn and white puppy came crawling over and fell asleep in my lap. Lori looked over and saw him sleeping, and said "It looks like you've picked your puppy!"

That is how I got Shiloh. My introduction to the breed, a wonderful companion and successful show dog. I got lots of help from Sue Vernon showing Shiloh. She showed Shiloh to Winners Dog at the AWC National in Atlanta, and she also showed him to most of his wins on his way to his AKC Championship.

Since then I have met many wonderful whippet people. Sue Vernon has helped me learn what a whippet is, and what a whippet should be. Deann Christianson has been a wonderful influence and invaluable source of whippet information and pedigrees! Thank you both!

Sunnyknoll Whippets in not a "kennel", my dogs live with me in my house and are a part of my daily life. When breeding, I focus on healthy, moderate dogs, good temperaments, a "typey" and curvy shape, athleticism and proper movement.

When I bred my first litter, I adopted the name "Sunnyknoll" as this was the name of our "gentleman's farm" growing up in Northeast Ma. I started out in whippets while living in San Diego, but since then have moved back to New England. My mother Pat Bagshaw is still in the San Diego area, and some of the Sunnyknoll dogs reside with her.