A little bit of information about who we are.
James is a retired soldier from the US ARMY for which he served your country for close to 24 years, and still serving! La Vonda is a Registered Veterinary Technician, though in the profession for 23 years, only registered for 19 years and still counting.
Jonathon "Jon" is a boy with big ideas and dreams. Born in NW Oklahoma, living on a 30,000-acre ranch, his first memories are the ranching life. Surrounded by animals of all kinds, he learned to care for them the old fashion way, and taught the ways of ranching with the modern day technology. Riding his first horse solo at the age of 2. Operating a 4440 John Deere Tractor drilling wheat, driving a feed truck, and riding the 4-wheeler with his Blue Heeler on the back while rounding up the horses and wheat pasture calves all under the age of 5.
At the age of 6 he started Cub Scout’s at the rank of Tiger through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Jon has climbed the ranks in scouting towards the highest rank there is, and that being Eagle. He is nearing his community project and completion is in sight, meaning he will be an Eagle Scout soon. He was the highest decorated Cub Scout, and has been to some awesome places through scouting, including Philmont High Adventure Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM where he hiked a 72 mile trek, to going to the FL Keys in June 2008 to another BSA High Adventure camp called Sea Base.
James and I have devoted 17 years to our son, just like parents should. We have been involved in every step he has made, and very proud of him. Jon is now turning his dreams and desires into showing ACDs. Once again we are devoted to help him in this adventure as well. Anything we can do as a family, and have fun doing it, is perfect with us!!!
The Happy Trails name came from the past adventures while raising cattle, and horses. At livestock auctions, the behind the scenes were quite scary. You would see riders beating horses in the alley prior to going into the sale ring. When all along it was the rider that needed the lashing. So I thought, a brand of a smiley face on the left shoulder of a horse would be a perfect way to get the point across that your attitude needs to be a pleasant one before mounting to ride. As time went by, gathering up cattle in the open country you sort of start out like trail-riders. So through a dream one night I had put a flat lazy S behind the smiley face to explain why we look like trail riders out gathering cattle............. Thus Happy Trails became a registered brand and still in use today!
Happy Trails Kennel is located in SW Oklahoma. We raise American Kennel Club (AKC) Registered Australian Cattle Dogs (ACDs). We breed cattle dogs for a purpose! We have raised this breed for over 24 years. Though we have owned registered stock for three years, we strive to improve our program daily.
Please use our "Contact Us" page to contact us if you are interested in owning your own ACD.
