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I want to formally thank everyone who helped work to put together Pyrenean Mastiff Association of America!
Of the 13 founding members I was voted to be President until the 2025 annual election which is the 3rd year election cycle.
A bit about me. I got my first Pyrenean Mastiff Adonis (pictured) in 2016. I had been researching the breed a year prior to learn more and find a breeder. I had been looking for a breed that was considered a giant breed, relatively healthy and with a longer lifespan to take over for my Great Dane who was my mobility and medical response service dog. Adonis came from Roberta Stewart at Pyrenean Mastiffs of Hidden Meadow Alpaca in the Fall of 2016. I fell in love and when he was 18 months old I got my 2nd then within 6 months got 2 more that I imported from Russia haha. I was officially addicted to say the least. When Adonis was around 18 months I began showing in UKC (United Kennel Club) then transitioned to AKC dog shows, have even shown once in Spain at the Breed Specialty in 2019. Showing led to dabbling in various dog sports with my dogs to have fun and showcase the different fun activities the Pyrenean Mastiff can enjoy. I have had a blast trying out different things like Barn hunt, dock diving, rally, scentwork, agility and more. I decided to breed Pyrenean Mastiffs to help the breed develop in the US. I am constantly researching and working to further my education in all things dog to be the best support I can be to others learning. I have a lot of passion and love for the Pyrenean Mastiff and want to do my absolute best to support breed efforts in any way I can. I am a bit of a research junkie and am always learning and growing as a breeder and person and love discovering new things about the breed and dogs in general. My kennel is Estrella Polar Pyrenean Mastiffs and I had my first litter in October of 2019. We are now expecting or "F" litter at the end of August 2022 and planning our "G" litter. I love helping puppies grow and experience the world and prepare them to the best of my ability for their new homes. Within my own breeding program I try to build a strong community with my puppy owners and I want to do the same, to the best of my ability, for the breed overall in the US.
I was enlisted Air Force from ages 17 to 21 when I was medically retired. I jumped straight into college and completed my Bachelors in Computer Information Systems and my Master's in Computer Information Systems Management, I finished in just under 3 years. When I sent my mind to something like building the club I give it my 110% just like I do anything in life. I have been working as a Software Engineer/Web Developer for the last 9 years now, I have been lucky enough to have a job where I can work from home and be here for my litters. I am also a single mom to a wonderful 13 year old daughter who has enjoyed helping with anything from showing, training to puppy rearing.
Myself and several others knew there was a need for a new Pyrenean Mastiff club that could rebuild the community, so we set to work. We worked together for several months working with a lawyer and with each other to try and build the strongest foundation possible for a new club. We want members to feel like they are a community and that it is a safe and friendly environment. We want to provide a constant flow of education in various topics regarding the Pyrenean Mastiff whether it is history, dog care, reproduction, etc. We hope everyone can enjoy what we have worked so hard to build, please know you can always bring concerns to me and I will do my absolute best to address them. So many can vouch that I am open ears when it comes to hearing concerns. I look forward to what we as a group can achieve for the Pyrenean Mastiff and their owners in the coming future.
I know I am excited to be working with, mentoring and being a support to those with interest in the breed in any way I possibly can.
Karina Whittington PMAA President
