By Joy Lazarus
In 1996, I saw, and fell in love with, my first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog while attending a horse show. I loved the devotion, dedication and determination I saw in the breed. I was put on a wait list, and after a period of high anticipation I got my first Swissy: CH. Windrider’s Northern Aire, I named him “Hunter” after one of my favorite show horses. Not only did I finish Hunter to his Championship title, I earned his Obedience, Rally, Drafting, Hiking, Herding and Weight Pull titles as well. Hunter was even the first Swissy to compete in Dock Diving! In addition, Hunter became a Registered Service Dog.
In 2000, I had the great opportunity to acquire a second Swissy and foundation bitch: CH. Park Place’s Lightning Vision. “Vision” was also named after one of my favorite show horses.
As I gained knowledge and experience the breeding program grew in size and sophistication. I brought Vision overseas, to Germany, to breed her there with the goal of helping to broaden the Swissy gene pool in America.
From that litter I kept the pick male: GCH. CH. Park Place Alpinez Barclay. “Barclay” took many show titles and award of merits. One of my proudest achievements was Best Of Opposite Veterans at the 2012 Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Nationals in Colorado. Barclay produced the 2010 National Champion: GCH, CH. Shamrock Courageous Admiral, “Bosco.” Bosco then produced CH. Blossom Hill’s Magnificent Magnolia, “Nola.” Nola was Best Of Opposite at the 2012 Nationals in Colorado. Barclay produced several National champions:
Through Barclay, I developed a great friendship and mentor with Ellyn Signet.
Many of my dogs can be found through Ellyn’s lines.
In August 2007, I flew Vision to Oklahoma to match her with to GE-LO’S Hasso Brush Creek, “Has.” From that breeding, a singleton was produced: Park Place Crème De La Crop, “Colby.” Colby won Sweepstakes 15-18 Puppy Dog at the 1012 Nationals in Loveland, CO. He finished in 3 shows and he got a fourth in owner/handler group placement. He was often a great help during Equine Assistant Psychotherapy or indoor sessions with therapists at Calabasas Counseling and Grief Recovery Center.
Another truly talented Swissy was Blue View’s Salt On The Rim, “Rita.” A Registered Service Dog, Rita was also active in the EAP sessions and assisting therapists. She really enjoyed helping people through their recovery.
"Piper" (Palisades Pocket Full of Sunshine at Park Place) was born in 2021. Soon after, my partner for life, Michael Hagler, joined the pack. Michael and Piper formed a strong bond and have competed successfully earning titles in Rally, Drafting, Weight Pull and Pack Hikes.
