About Us

Desert Willow Aussies is relatively new, but my love for this breed and appreciation for the "Dog World" in general has been within me my entire life!  As a child I was told I had a gift with Dogs, Cats, Horses, Birds, Squirrels, Chickens, Geese and anything else with four legs, feathers, or an attitude.  My attraction to the most temperamental personality of any animal drove me to find connections with them at a very young age.  My mother was terrified that I'd be bit by the dog down the street who hated children, but as always I'd find a way into the heart of the animal and be the only child in the neighborhood who could pet that dog.

My first encounter with an Australian Shepherd was at 16 years old, when living in Abiquiu, New Mexico.  We had just moved there from California (from which I was born and raised) and my father purchased 15 acres for us to build and live on.  The dogs name was "KIWI" and she was beautiful and so smart to me.  I did not realize that her beauty and brains were genetic, I just figured we got lucky!  What amazed me the most is how she patrolled our fence line continually, never leaving the property, even with the driveway gate wide open!  She learned my schedule and when I'd arrive home from school on the bus, she'd be waiting there ready to frolic.  Her loyalty has stuck with me all these years later.  My heart will never forget her.

My next encounter with Aussie's was in Hollywood, where I worked in the Entertainment Industry (behind the scenes).  When I'd see these beautiful dogs walk onto the set with their long flowing locks, I felt as if I were in the presence of Royalty!  I began to understand that their intelligence was the make up of this breed!  The eye contact with the handler amazed me beyond what words could describe.  The only way to explain is I could actually SEE this wonderful animal looking into the eyes of her handler trying to "PLEASE" him, and just living for it as though it was her hearts desire, !  I was stunned!

Then 7 years ago a friend introduced me to her mother,  who is a breeder of these awesome dogs.  At the time my husband, Mel and I had adopted a Lab/Aussie mix (her name is Duffy) and was/is completely in love.  Again, the intelligence of Duffy, along with her sharpness of mind, and even stubbornness to do things her own way has been the joy of our family for years.  She is a "mutt" but a beautiful, and unique friend.  She has been the Shepherd of our children Travis & Julianna her entire life.  They are her world, and her career as she carefully watches over them, and protects them. 

After getting to know this breeder, I was reintroduced to the this amazing breed and the full blood line beauty of these creatures.  She hired me to care for her dogs while away on vacation.  I felt like my heart was home around all these wonderful dogs, and was amazed how they let me be apart of their pack!  Each was so beautifully unique, not only in color, but how they communicated and bonded with me.  During this time I began to get a huge desire to understand these dogs more intimately, and was blown away with the grace and beauty and independence,  making this the doorway of how I became a breeder of Aussie's.   

Now our joy as a family comes from breeding and raising these magnificent dogs and experiencing the joy of sharing in their magic!   Our puppies are an extension of our family (from our arms to yours), as we carefully screen and choose their new families.  During  puppy-hood, the time spent with us is very important, as we spend a lot of time socializing and preparing the pups to go onto live a wonderfully healthy and peaceful life with their new owners.  Our children are a huge part of our team, and as a family we tend to the needs of each pup.  These dogs have helped to raise our family and bring us closer, and through this experience we look forward to sharing our treasures with you!

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Meet Our Family:

Our Daughter, Julianna	Our Son, Travis
Myself (Theresa) & husband Mel	My husband Mel
Travis & Juliana, 2006	Mel & his Mom
Our Family, 2007	That's me gettin' some Puppy Lovin!