Keeping Stories Alive
Nestled in a quiet wooded sanctuary in little Washington, North Carolina, you’ll find On Point Kennels, owned and operated by Shay Asby and his family.
Shay raises German Shorthaired Pointers with the goal of producing quality hunting dogs, an endeavor that developed out of his own passion for upland hunting.
Sammy and Nida Giddens’ life reflects a journey of loving people and animals well. Living in the moment comes naturally to these two who appreciate the beauty of a classy bird dog, a Tennessee Walking Horse, a well-prepared ( often homegrown) meal, and the fellowship of those who cross their path.
Both eastern North Carolina Natives, Sammy grew up in Newton Grove and Nida in Faison. Their love story started in 1963 when they met in high school. When Sammy and Nida met, Sammy had never seen a bird dog. Nida already appreciated the sport as her uncle and dad both had dogs that they took wild bird hunting. Sammy and Nida began to share this interest and enjoyed time with family pursuing it.
Walnut Hill Kennels is a haven of classy dogs and quality folks. Owned and operated by Rick Hopkins and Brenda Roe, this North Georgia (LaFayette) kennel has been home to countless champions in the ring and the field.
While Rick and Brenda started their bird dog journeys independently, their lives would later merge through that shared passion, meeting one another through mutual involvement in the National Shoot-to-Retrieve Association (NSTRA). Not only were they a natural fit for marriage and partnership, but their dog bloodlines had some similarities that were only enhanced by merging their canine families.
Ryan Miller shares his love of German Shorthairs through his pursuit of upland opportunities and through producing quality products for the pointer owner and quality puppies to help folks get started with bird dogs or enhance their string. This passion has grown into Relentless Bird Dogs, a family business offering Ryan’s custom kennel fans, dog supplies, and of course–puppies off their beloved dogs.
Jenny Lindsey-Wetterstrom is a woman who has found her joy in the world and multiplied it through pursuit of her hobbies. Her life is an inspiring blend of learning and living fully, and every day brings new adventures, from racehorses to sled dogs to bird dogs.
Matthew Puckett, a Texas born bird dog man, has been named the new state director for the Oklahoma division of the National Bird Hunters Association (NBHA) and is using his passion to preserve the sporting tradition throughout the state.
