Dapple Hills Amstaffs

When I began my search for a show dog of my own I took my time and was a TOTAL newbie. Even though I had owned an American Pit Bull Terrier and Amstaffs since 1974, I had no idea what the difference between and pet quality and show quality actually meant. I had researched the breed and breed standard, hoping to find the perfect dog. That was in 2002, and my search went on for almost a year. I had no contacts so I decided in 2003 to visit the Louisville Cluster to mingle and see dogs from various kennels. The show was enormous and I was thrilled and a bit overwhelmed, but I made some contacts and began my "hands on" search. I had seen so many different pups and just couldn't make up my mind, until Charlie Coffman brought me a pup to consider. I will never forget that day, that pup got into my heart and I knew the search was over! Is he perfect? Heck no, but he's perfect for me! Here's the face I fell in love with and my life and hasn't been the same since.

I have always owned horses and dogs and actually have no memory of not owning one or both. My grandfather, Orthey was one of the orginal "Dog" and "Horse" men of his time and I know my love for both horses and dogs has been passed down from him. He always had his own line of Fox Hounds that he trained, owned and competed with in trials very successfully. He trained draft horses and competed in pulling contest and I can't recall hearing of a single loss he suffered in that venue. I am the only one to follow in his footsteps and only wish he could have lived to see his life relived through me in a small way. Hope I've made you proud Pa and I dedicate my farm to your memory!

This is the last picture I have of my grandfather, Orthey Satterly before he passed away. Here he is with two of his Percheron draft horses. The mare on the left, "Dolly" lost one of her eyes as a colt, she is the horse I first learned to ride on alone when I was only 4 years of age. The gelding on the right, "Casey" was her brother and constant companion. My sister Vila and I spent many wonderful hours on the backs of these steady friends. Those hours are some of my most precious and fond memories to this day. This team of horses lived a ripe old age, in this picture they were in their late twenties and died shortly before my grandfather when they were 27 years old. They both died too soon for me, I miss them and my grandpa still.