ELYSBURG - Knoebels Amusement Resort has seen its fair share of reunions, but one held Saturday was one of a different "breed." Cocker spaniels bred by Stonebroke Gardens Cockers and Quilts, of Westfield, gathered with their owners for the first reunion at the park.
"We're like a family. We're here for each other. It's something really special," said "Nanny" Janice Brooks, who delivered many of the cocker spaniels to their owners when they were old enough to leave their mothers.
Brooks first met the owner of Stonebroke Gardens Cockers and Quilts (SGC), Mary Breidenstein, more than 10 years ago when she was looking for a cocker spaniel, and the two became fast friends.
"Once you meet Mary, she hugs you right into the family," said Brooks. "She would do anything in the world for you and the dogs."
Breidenstein, now known as "Grandma" to all the cocker spaniels' owners, first started breeding the dogs 11 years ago after her friends fell in love with her first cocker spaniel and kept ask-
ing if she was planning to allow the dog to have puppies. More friends asked, and the house became full of little cocker spaniels. She soon became a reputable breeder known nationwide through the Internet.
"Most breeders, all they care about is the money," said Breidenstein. "Money doesn't get you one of my dogs. We have interviews and go through references to give them the loving home that we expect. They have to have the same ideals and treat them as children. They need to have good morals, and be fun."
Perfect homes
From the three "Firedogs," to Abby the future therapist and the blogging Mr. H,, all of the SGC dogs at the reunion seemed to be in their perfect homes.
"Every dog ended up in the right home," said Kim Grimm, who came from Madison, Wis., to attend the reunion. "There's a story here with every person and their dog."
Grimm, who travels the country as a truck driver, found Breidenstein and her cocker spaniels through the Internet after she lost her traveling companion, also a cocker spaniel, about a year ago. Today, Grimm travels the country with her new cocker spaniel, Mr. H,, and writes a blog as if it were her companion telling the story. Mr. H's blog is mrhreportsfromtheroad.blogspot.com.
"There's nothing like their company," said Grimm. "You can see the love in all the dogs' faces here. We traveled 770 miles, and it was worth every penny."
Grimm and Angie Lucas, of Hegins, helped organize the first reunion through their blogs and Facebook.
"It means a lot, getting everyone together like this," she said. "We're already planning for next year."
Lucas and her husband Doug were devastated when they had to put their dog to sleep in 2009, and couldn't decide if they should get another dog. The couple fell in love with Abby when they saw her picture on the SGC website.
Lucas also keeps a blog, maintaining Abbby's point of view as she trains to be a therapy dog at abbyspotlight.blogspot.com.
"She has the perfect personality and attitude," said Lucas. "We want to make a difference and give hope to people. If we can get one smile - it's a job well done."
The "Firedogs" are almost always at the fire house with their owner, Kevin Ernst, and his wife Marsha, of Port Allegany. Brinkley, Jasper and Matty go around to local schools during Fire Prevention Week, and occasionally go on fire calls.
"It's funny because we recognize everyone through their dogs on the blogs," said Kevin Ernst, who was talked into having a dog by Lucas and Grimm. His blog is thefiredogs.blogspot.com.
"It's the first time we're meeting everybody, but it's like they're family," said Marsha Ernst.
Extended family
Those at the reunion referred to themselves as an "extended family." From the moment they met Breidenstein, they became a part of the SBG family.
"It was like meeting someone you know for 20 years when you met her," said Grimm.
Since the cocker spaniels were brothers and sisters, Breidenstein became "Grandma," Brooks was their "Nanny," and the owners were aunts and uncles.
"They're our kids with fur," said Lucas.
"They're closer than kids. They don't ask for money," joked Grimm.
Last SCG puppy
Shortly after her husband suffered a heart attack in October, Breidenstein was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had no choice but to close the SGC.
"I'm so proud of how well they are all taken care of, that's all that I can ask," said Breidenstein. "Some people live their whole lives never knowing how much they've accomplished. I see how happy these people are and I know."
The last puppy from the SGC was Captain Sparky, and he recently joined Ernst and the other "Firedogs."
Although she was unable to attend the reunion because of her illness, she will be able to see her family through the blogs and Facebook that brought them all to Knoebels.
"I already sent her pictures of the dogs here," said Grimm Saturday. "I think they help her with her progress."
Ever hopeful, "Grandma" Breidenstein will continue to have the support of the family that she created.
"There's so much love and friendship, it makes me feel great," she said. "And to hear how close they've become, it's really humbling. It really is a heartwarming story."