Kirlyn has raised a variety of animals from an early age.  He started showing dogs in the late 60's.  His chosen breed was Afghans ( a breed that still excites him very much, watching a good one "fly" around the ring).  He moved to Colorado and after a short stint of showing dogs, decided a hyatis was in order and searched out Angora Rabbits.  That is when he met Eric...and the two started the ROCK-A-BYE RABBITY.  They raised and exhibited some of the top French Angoras in the U.S. for several years.  Eric actually spun their wool and won Best in Show Skein at a National Specialty. 
Eric and Kirlyn began breeding Longhaired Dachshunds and Beagles.  They have bred or co-bred only a few litters.....believing that quality rather than quantity is the goal that best works for them.  Eric does a lot of the caring for the dogs when Kirlyn's job takes him out of town.   Kirlyn does most of the exhibiting....Kirlyn shows other people's dogs on a very limited basis, in a variety of breeds.  They live in the plains to the east of Pikes Peak.
    Kirlyn has attended and photographed many breed specialties.  He was an original member and 1st President of The Afghan Hound Club of Iowa.  After moving to Colorado, he served on the Board of Directors, Vice-President, and President of The Afghan Hound Club of Greater Denver.  More recently he served 2 terms as the Treasurer of The Rocky Mountain Beagle Club.  He has been a member of the Colorado Springs Kennel Club for 6 years and served on the Board of Directors and is now in his second term as Vice-President.  He was Chief Ring Steward for 3 years on their back-to-back summer shows.  In 2002 he was the Show Chairman and in 2003 he was Assistant Show Chairman, so he has been involved in many aspects of Dog Shows over the years.