About Us:
In 1997, Steph moved to Georgia, and Steph went back to college for her nursing degree. Steph ex husband, Ben was working nights and wanted to get our first dog together, preferably a robust guard dog. He grew up with dogs and I liked them, but I was more of a cat person. After plenty of research we brought home our 1st Standard Schnauzer, Atropa, from Charisma SS. She was a wonderful dog. We followed the recommendation of the breeders and entered her in obedience class where she excelled. It was a great way to bond with each other. Atropa was an ambassador for the breed (curious, outgoing, intelligent, and funny) and she acquired many friends at each of our duty assignments over the next 13 years. In our 20's we focused on our degrees (RN and PA) and our 30's our careers as many people do. Every few years we thought of adding another standard schnauzer but the timing was never right.
In 2011, we added Grimm as our 2nd standard schnauzer and first show dog. We repeated the mantra of many a pet owner, "we just want a family pet" to the Blackhawk breeders but brought home a show dog. We learned a new mantra "form follows function" and to get the best dog, you needed to be as close as possible to the breed standard. It was a completely foreign environment from anything we had ever experienced. We relied on a professional handler to get Grimm's championship, since we had no clue what we were doing. When he came home 2 months later, we took him to obedience classes and fun events to see what he would enjoy, which was everything. In 2013 we added Gabby. This time Steph was working nights and Ben was on days ,and we were trying to raise a hellion of a puppy between us. We all started obedience and rally classes in Savannah and were encouraged to try competing. We made many friends and were bitten by the dog sport/competition bug.
In 2014, another move, this time to Macon, Georgia . I met Hilde Haakensen at her groom shop in Atlanta. She finished Gabby's championship in one weekend! I was intimidated by conformation, but Hilde became a mentor and started teaching me how to show groom my own dogs. We added Gus in 2016. I was doing the majority of the grooming and Hilde was taking him in the ring. Gus finished quickly and was a very sensitive and intuitive dog. I developed some health problems and he became my guardian. Eventually he became so protective of me he couldn't live peacefully in our house with the rest of the pack. He now has a wonderful home close by and we still visit and have play dates. Ben and I thought long and hard about adding another dog. We took time to heal and eventually were ready for another puppy.
July 4th, 2017 Gypsy-Rose came into our lives. Kim Studley, of Hanlon SS, offered her to us. She thought Gypsy would be a good first dog for me to show in conformation. Gypsy and I learned together. We had the help of many friends, teachers and mentors along the way. Her championship was not earned in a weekend, but we were dedicated and determined. Gypsy became a champion 13 months later, all groomed and shown by me. During this time, all three dogs were in classes and enjoying rally, barn hunt, lure coursing, and scent work. With no children, I became the soccer mom of dog sports and found out quickly I was not alone! Now I work as needed at the hospital, primarily to support our dog activities while Ben works at an orthopedic practice.
Our next step will be becoming breeders ourselves. Adrastia was the mother of the Three Greek Fates (Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis) and brings us back to our first SS, Atropa. Adrastia also means inevitable. Knowing now the journey that we have been on with this breed that we love so much, it was inevitable for us to become breeders. From a well mannered pet, to competitive performance events, conformation shows, and soon to be breeders, we will continue moving through each of these milestones with the next generation of our breed.
Ben and Stephanie have been members of the Standard Schnauzer Club of America for 10 years, they are active in the Macon Kennel Club and joined the Potomac Valley Standard Schnauzer Club 3 years ago. The PVSSC is the closest regional club to them in Georgia. They travel to VA twice a year for the PVSSC Specialty and barn hunt event. They have also traveled coast to coast participating in the SSCA National Dog Show.
Steph has been involved in Standard Schnauzer rescue for 10 years, 5 years as a regional coordinator and now the SSCA National Rescue Chair. Ben and Steph have fostered, groomed, identified, and homed several SSCA Rescues themselves along with their own dogs. They are strong advocates for the breed and often take the time to educate potential owners through emails, calls, and at dog shows what makes a good breeder, what health testing is necessary for the SS, and how to find that information. Before dogs and with dogs as much as possible, Ben and Stephanie enjoy reading, xbox games, kayaking, hiking, and travel.
Jan 2022 we moved to Chesapeake, VA, closer to Potomac Valley Standard Schnauzer Club members and family in WV. We are slowly settling in and finding our way here.