My first dachshund was a gift from my husband following our honeymoon. Teddy was a miniature smooth red male. Shortly after getting him I had the dubious luck of breaking my ankle. This event was the start of my sojourn into the dog show world. Isn't hindsight a funny thing? While I was encumbered by a bulky cast, Teddy managed to slip outside and commenced discovering the world. Thankfully he didn't go very far, but was enjoying his new found freedom to the fullest. My husband finally managed to catch him and I enrolled in obedience classes immediately.

At obedience, Teddy did very well. It was at these classes that I learned about conformation shows. I attended my first show with Teddy in November of 1991. At this show I met Rod Remin, who took me under his wing, and became my first mentor. We remain good friends to this day.

It was Rod that introduced me to Betty McHugh, and it was really from here that Cuddles Kennels began.

From Betty I got Ch. Nepachee's Destine For Cuddles a.k.a. "Destiny". Destiny became not only my first Canadian Champion but the foundation of my kennel, and Betty became not only a great mentor, but also a close personal friend.

About two years later Betty offered me a male on a co-ownership. "Taz", a.k.a. Ch. Nepachee's Lil Drummer Boy became my foundation stud and the dachshund of my heart.

From these humble beginnings I have produced a number of Canadian Champions and continue to cross breed and co-own dogs with Betty. I have mainly reds, but I do produce the occasional black and tan. Thanks to Betty I also have a very nice quality brindle male, which is somewhat of a rarity as it is unusual to find not only that color, but quality in that color.

I believe in line breeding quality dogs with the occasional outcross. I follow Casey Gardener's theories regarding kinesiology (structure) and strive to produce overall quality with an emphasis on an excellent front assembly. All of my dogs are raised in my home and are considered pets first.

There are a lot of people who have supported me and enabled me to be where I am today. But none have been more helpful and giving than Betty McHugh. She has taught me everything I know and lots that I have already forgotten! Without her, or her influence Cuddles Kennels would not exist and I would not be in this sport today.

Ann Sarafin-Bedwell
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Canada
(306) 692-8480