Susan started in German Shepherds in 1971, dabbled in Rottweilers and took on Cardigans in 1988.  What a relief!  No major health or temperament issues and such delightful dogs to live with!

Don started about the same time in Smooth and Wire Dachshunds, Standard and Minis.  His daughter in Juniors showed Salukis and Whippets and every Finlander should have Finnish Spitz.  Yes, Finkies are hounds everywhere but the US!  But Standard Longhaired Dachshunds won out, and while there is another Finkie in the future, two hound breeds are plenty.

Together they have shown all these and client dogs as well:  Bearded Collies, Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Poodles, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, Pekingese, Lhasas, Skye Terriers, a Shitz Tzu, a Yorkie and a Borzoi.  Like grandparents they spoil and enjoy them, then send them back home.

Their Cardigans have gained the limelight in recent years, but Longhaired Dachshunds, under the Koira prefix have also done well.  The new adventure is Norwich Terriers – you have never seen such fun!

The Lassilas seem to attract Juniors.  Tyler Cegler was the regular over the past 5 years, culminating his accomplishments by taking Boomer, a Norwich, to Westminster and being one of eight semi-finalists out of a field of 150.  They are so proud of him. 

Don is also “Omar” known on the show circuits for awnings and shadecloths and his bottomless boxes of tools and parts and endless talent for fixing things.  He retired from the Forest Service, but has never stopped working.  His gift for layout and utility allows the dogs to be the focus because safety and ease are built-in.  And Don is the best puppy toy ever!  He loves ‘em!

Susan holds an ADVM (that’s an Almost Veterinarian), studying books, tapes, seminars, and websites for the latest information. This experience results in common-sense decisions and protocols in raising their dogs.  She is the detail person in charge of  paperwork, computer and grooming.

Their facilities are straight to the point:  a new kennel building (built by Don) with storage and counter   area with covered runs and 4 large paddocks for play.  No indoor/outdoor kennels here - they prefer to handle each dog several times each day. The house dogs, constantly rotating from the kennel, have their own room.  A raised tub and hydraulic grooming table make grooming easier.  Whelping takes place in the guest room so Susan can sleep in when needed.  Litters move to the living room at 2 weeks for socialization.  Children are encouraged to visit and play with puppies. 

Together, Susan and Don have built a successful partnership enabling them to exhibit and breed Cardigans, Longhaired Daxis and now Norwich that are well-adjusted, healthy and ready for anything.  And boy do they have fun doing it!

Affiliations:

• Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club of America - Don is on the Board of Directors, both are Breed Mentors

• Northwest Cardigan Fanciers - Charter Members; Susan is Past President

• Canadian Kennel Club

• Cardigan Corgi Club of Canada

• Alberta Kennel Club & Westerly Dog Club - Honorary Members

• Gallatin Dog Club & Electric City Kennel Club

• Five Valley Kennel Club

• Electric City Kennel Club