Gekko Akitas history
1960's-1970's
Since I was a child I wanted a dog. We lived in an apartment in northern NJ, so we had cats. My repeated requests for a dog were met with my mother's reply, "You can have a dog when you are grown up, and out on your own."
1980
So be it. While waiting for a bus in NYC one afternoon, I fell in love. I saw a dog like one I had never seen, it was an Akita. I petted the majestic creature and he was so noble and sweet. The owner gave me a small photo of the dog and home I went. That photo remained propped on my mirror for two years. I knew that day, at 19, this was the dog for me. So I bought a book on Akitas and waited.
1982
Out on my own. I purchased my first Akita, "Cosmo". He was brindle with white socks.
He died in 7 days, severe worm infestation, I'll leave out the horrible details. One month
later I took home "Pablo" as a replacement for the deceased puppy. This big, red and
white Akita and I shared life for the next 12+ years. He took such good care of me, and
I of him. He was not a show dog, I knew I didn't have the means or knowledge for that
then. Showing and breeding was a goal for the future.
1994
The passing of Pablo led to "Thor". Another big, red and white Akita, but with a
sweeter more gregarious personality. BIG guy. I purchased Thor with an agreement
that his breeder, Jodi Carner-Higgins would re-evaluate him in another year or so
to see if he could compete in the conformation ring. I had enrolled Thor in basic
obedience class before he came home with me. He earned his CGC at 15 months
at a fun match where he also got a qualifying score in the obedience fun match.
We continued through graduations of level, upon level and at age 2 ½, he earned
his CD title, winning three legs in three entries, on his final leg he won first place
in his class.
1995
"Gekko" came home with me. She and Thor fell in love instantly, they didn't care that they
were full siblings, 7 months apart. Gekko was perfectly formed and ready for the show ring.
So with her my journey in the conformation ring began! I also met Greg that summer,
we married the following May.
1997
We moved from New Hampshire to Lebanon, in south-western Illinois, where we enjoy our
5 acres in the country!
