I’m taking a break before continuing with my rant about breeding responsibilities because I felt it important to talk about who I am….really who I AM. Yes, it is true – I have bred a few litters of dogs over the last 14 years of SBT ownership – but thats only a tiny part of who I really am. I have a friend I have known more than 12 years who always introduces me to new people like this “This is my friend Lynn, she is a dog breeder” and this is why it really bugs me.
I am much more than that.
I am very proud to be lucky enough to try to preserve a breed close to my heart. I take this responsibility quite seriously. If you know me, truly know who I am, you also know I am much more than just a dog breeder. I have helped rescue for most of my adult life. I have fought breed bans and been to court to help others defend the right to own the breed of dog they choose. I have raised 1000’s and 1000’s of dollars to help rescue and fight breed specific hate. I run many online shops which do the same.
I am a wife, a good reliable and true friend, a chef, an artist, a designer, a photographer, a gardener, a traveler, a foodie, a YL rep of essential oils, a fan of organic products and food, a lover of flowers, a dog lover – all breeds!
I love the beach, lakes, rivers and any time I can spend on or near the water. Laughter is a huge part of my life and without it I don’t think I would be the person I am today. I have laughed my way through difficult times. I have experienced a lot of loss and a lot of success. I am a business owner, an entrepreneur, an inventor, an investor, a landlord and I am a writer. I love to try new things, go new places, drink wine or whiskey, try new recipes, spend quality time with small groups of people. I am a positive person and surround myself with other positive people.
I help support my husband by working with him in many capacities. I am excellent at marketing and fund raising. I can use a computer pretty well and prefer a Mac to a PC. I can teach myself how to do just about anything I set my mind on.
I do not enjoy fancy parties or fake people. I love my husband and try to support his likes and passions. I like to dream.
I am not a fan of crowds, malls, liars or cheats. I dont enjoy driving, although I do know how. I can ride a bike but usually only if I have a dog or two with me. I love a challenge. I like to teach my old dogs new tricks. I love boating, relaxing, wearing my pajamas all day at my desk if I wish. I can sew a little and like machine embroidery, I like to make items to auction or sell for rescue.
I am smarter than many people think because I usually do not participate in debate and I dont enjoy talking politics or religion. I support our Constitution and the right to own a gun – as long as you understand how to use them responsibly. I support the Fair Tax. I feel that you reap what you sow. I dont care what religion, political party, sexual orientation, color, nationality anyone else is because that is none of my business and has zero effect on my life or my happiness. I do not enjoy others who feel that any of those things are their business.
I am me.
The next time I am introduced as “This is my friend Lynn, she is a dog breeder” I plan to speak up and say – yes I am, and so much more too. I may even question why being a breeder is the one thing that stuck in that persons mind about me.