Hi, I'm Michelle—the person behind Everlark English Springer Spaniels.

My love for English Springer Spaniels began nearly 30 years ago, when my parents brought home our family's first Springer, Fred. I didn't know it at the time, but he would be the beginning of a lifelong love for this breed.

Since then, I've been fortunate to share my life with several Springers, and each one has given me another reason to love them. Their joyful personalities, intelligence, versatility, sense of humor, and incredible devotion to their people make them unlike any other breed to me. Life just feels a little more complete with a Springer in it.

Over the years, I've dabbled in agility, nose work, and obedience with my dogs. I've loved getting to experience the versatility of the breed and seeing just how willing and capable Springers are when they're given something to do.

But then I discovered conformation—and I fell in love.

The show ring introduced me to an entirely different side of the breed. I became fascinated by structure and movement, breed type, pedigrees, and the history and purpose behind the English Springer Spaniel standard. I wanted to understand not only what makes a beautiful Springer, but what makes a sound, correct one and how thoughtful breeding preserves those qualities for generations to come.

Willa became the dog who turned that interest into something much bigger. Together, we entered the world of conformation, and she became my first AKC Champion,entirely owner-handled. I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together, but even more grateful for everything she has taught me along the way.

Ultimately, Willa became the foundation for Everlark and the beginning of my own breeding program.

Outside of dogs, my professional background is in healthcare data and analytics. I'm naturally someone who loves research, details, data, and understanding the "why" behind things—which probably explains why I can happily disappear down a rabbit hole of pedigrees, health testing, genetics, and breeding decisions. I also spend time working in emergency veterinary medicine, which has given me another opportunity to learn and has deepened my appreciation for canine health and the responsibility we have for the animals in our care.

I'm always learning. I don't believe there is ever a point where someone knows everything there is to know about dogs, breeding, or this breed in particular. I value the knowledge and experience of those who have dedicated decades to English Springer Spaniels, and I hope to continue learning from them as I develop my own eye, experience, and breeding program.

Nearly 30 years after Fred first made me fall in love with English Springer Spaniels, I'm excited to see where this next chapter takes me.

And, as with so many good things in my life, there's a Springer at the center of it.