About Us






		ABOUT US

Russ & Linda with Nor’Star Disa Be Kiska at Knox and Bette Rhine’s in Newton Kansas.

NORTH TO ALASKA

We moved from the Pacific Northwest to Juneau, Alaska to experience life in the last frontier. We both worked for the State of Alaska. Russ was a Procurement Officer for the Department of Transportation/Alaska Marine Highway System. Linda was a Human Resource Specialist and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Officer for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

REV RUSS

Besides full time jobs, Russ was an appointed Marriage Commissioner for the State of Alaska and married hundreds of couples each year. These ceremonies were performed onboard the Cruise Ships, at various scenic locations around Juneau, at remote lakes accessible only by float plane, and many couples were flown by helicopter onto one of the glaciers in the area where the couples were married standing on ice.

DEAR SANTA

December each year found us both onboard one the Alaska Marine Highway System’s ships traveling throughout Southeast Alaska to all the bush communities as Santa and Mrs. Claus. These were some of the most rewarding experiences of our lives even though we spent two weeks just prior to Christmas every year on board these ships, sleeping in sleeping bags on the floor. We felt like the first trip away from home interrupted our own family Christmas celebration. It didn’t take long to realize that the Santa Sails to Town trips WERE our Christmas! We were honored to be a part of such a worthwhile program.

DANCIN’ WITH THE HANSENS

Shortly after arriving in Juneau we began teaching dance classes through the University of Alaska, community schools program, local churches and at the Juneau Health Club. We were invited to neighboring communities to put on dance workshops and performed demonstrations. We provided DJ services at wedding receptions, school dances, and other social events and church functions. Our dance group sponsored annual dances for the March of Dimes and successfully raised the most money for any group in Alaska.


	GO EAST OLD MAN When retirement time came, we decided to move to Pennsylvania where Linda grew up. We bought a small house on an acre of land and settled in. It was then that we decided we had time and space for a canine companion. We knew Knox & Bette Rhine through the dance community and we knew he was breeding Icelandic Sheepdogs. We researched the breed thoroughly and decided the Icelandic Sheepdog would be perfect for us. They are small enough to be good house dogs and sturdy enough to get out and join us for walks and bicycling.

		MEMBERSHIPS We are lifetime members of the the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America (ISAA) and served on the Board of Directors as Membership Chairs. We are members of the Atlanshaf Icelandic Sheepdog Chapter (AISC) of the ISAA. Other Kennel and Training Clubs include the Bald Eagle Kennel Club of Williamsport, PA, the Williamsport Dog Training Club, & the Central Pennsylvania Dog Training Club. Our Icelandic Sheepdogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), & United Kennel Club (UKC). Kiska, Visa and Anaegja have all successfully completed their Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Certifications and Therapy Dog International (TDI) Certifications and participate in Therapy visits to hospitals, nursing homes, neighbors, and reading programs for young children. All three Icelandic Sheepdogs have titled in Agility and Rally. They have also participated in Herding classes.

OUR BREEDING OBJECTIVES FOR THE ICELANDIC SHEEPDOGS

The Icelandic Sheepdogs have won our hearts. They are cheerful, friendly, inquisitive, playful and unafraid. Their temperament is extraordinary; they love men, women, children, the elderly, and get along well with other dogs. They love to be around people and are affectionate with their families. They are always ready for a long walk, a good game of fetch, or just curling up under your feet.

We are dedicated to breeding Icelandic Sheepdogs who demonstrate these characteristics, have good structure, and are free of genetic defects to the best of our abilities. We want to share this beautiful breed with other individuals who appreciate these traits.

We breed to the AKC breed standard and follow ISAA breeding guidelines. All puppies are AKC registered.


	Icelandic Sheepdog - Islenskur fjárhundur - Iceland Dog - Ijslandse hond - Islandsk Fårehund - Isländsk fårhund - Islanninkoira; loyal, devoted companions all around the world.


	[Home] [About Us] [Our Iceland Dogs] [Icelandic Sheepdog Puppies] [Puppy Application] [Icelandic Sheepdog History & Standard] [Contact Us for Icelandic Sheepdog] [Links]