THERESE WILLIAMS

Therese is the one who started this trio's love affair with the Lagotto. She has had dogs her whole life and has done several types of training with them, from general obedience, to agility and doggie free-style dancing. With her Silky Terrier getting very old and slowing down, she knew the day would come when "Winston" would be gone and she would want a new dog in her life. She saw a photo of a Lagotto on a calendar and thinking she knew most breeds of dogs, was surprised she had never heard of the Lagotto Romagnolo. The research began and she found a breeder in the Netherlands that was very instrumental in her education. In June 2005, she welcomed Romakome's Lieto Guido into her life. He instantly was accepted by her 4 year old Schipperke and 2 year old Lab mix, who voluntarily took on the mother role, and still does. Knowing that he was a wonderful example of the breed, she began the process of taking him to training and handling classes. That is where she met Ivy Cadman, the third of this group, and which she co-owns Romakome's Rilevato Cato, the sister to Guadalupe Ramirez's dog Romakome's Ricchezza Guilia. Guido is now an IABCA International Champion.

GUADALUPE RAMIREZ

Guadalupe was born and raised in Mexico and was around animals all her life on a family farm. She came to the United States nine years ago to marry her husband Chris. She is neighbor to Therese, which is how she met Guido. Guadalupe had raised Cocker Spaniels in Mexico, but had been considering a dog for her new US home for quite some time. Meeting Guido proved to be infectious, and Guadalupe began the process of waiting for the Netherland breeder to have a litter from her top champion producing pair, and "Lluvia" (pronounced, joo-via, and means rain in Spanish) was born in February 2007. She stole everyone's heart and is a loving and happy dog. She has lovely long eyelashes (and uses them to her advantage) and the perfect curly coat per breed standards. It will be Lluvia and Guido who are planned to begin the breeding process in late fall, 2008.

IVY CADMAN

Ivy is the one in the group that comes to the table with volumes of dog experience; from breeding, showing, and training. Starting her knowledge with animals at 16 with FFA experience, she quickly got involved in training and showing dogs. She has experience with many breeds, and also has proven herself as a top quality breeder of Black Russian Terriers. Ivy discovered the Lagotto while attending the same handling classes with Therese. She was very intrigued with the Lagotto, so when the opportunity to co-own a female with Therese came along, she jumped at it. At her home, the little female she calls "Smidge", is the true clown, and seems to bring out the best in the BRT's. In fact, Ivy says the BRT's don't seem to know quite what to think of this little bundle of brown fur, but they all love her and play with her, and she seems to have a calming effect on the big dogs, and helps socialize new litters. It is this love of the breed and great desire to breed quality Lagotto Romagnolo that this partnership, and Montagna del Mare was born. We think you will enjoy getting to know us and our dogs, and think you will find the Lagotto a loving and worthwhile companion.

Therese, Guadalupe and Ivy