About Tamakae

Why Tamakae?
I began to search for a kennel name when Josh was just a newborn. My original choice had been
'Starchaser', as my aim with my dogs, in everything I do, is to 'reach for the stars'. However, I
discovered an ASCA kennel already registered with that name, and since I wanted my own, original
prefix, the search began.

After following up on several themes, some to do with stars and sky, some Basque names (a reference to
Aussie history) I began to look at Maori names, in reference to the birthplace of my very first Aussie
and home to Sutter Aussies (based in Waiuku, NZ), who will play a big role in shaping my own kennel.
That was how I came across the legend of how Waiuku got it's name.

This is the legend as referenced in Wikipedia:

The Maori name Waiuku comes from a legend that two prominent brothers, Tamakae, and Tamakou, vied for the hand
of a beautiful high-ranking Waikato chieftainess. Tamakae was the cultivator, provider and Tamakou the orator.
Tamakou was the first to meet her, but she requested that Tamakae be presented to her. He was working in the
kumara gardens and had to be washed in the wai (water) and uku (a particular type of mud) at the stream that flows into
the Manukau Harbour just behind the Waiuku Museum, before he was able to meet her. Tamakae won her heart and
married her. From then the place was named Waiuku.

The moment I saw Tamakae I loved the look and sound of it, and also it's link to Waiuku and thus Lindy
& Nancy. I also liked that in the legend, it is the brother doing the hard work that wins in the end - as
I intend to work very hard on the success of my own dogs and Tamakae dogs owned by others, it fit
perfectly.

Why Aussies?
The first Aussie I ever met was my friend Anne's Kira, a lovely red girl (who, incidentally, shares Josh's
birthday!) - I remember my first thought being 'I wonder what happened to that Border Collie's tail?'!!!
I have met many Aussies since then, and fell in love with their looks and personality. In looking for my
next dog, I knew I wanted a breed suitable for the performance sports, fast and agile enough to
compete at the highest level in agility, and with the temperament and enthusiasm to excel also in the
obedience ring. The Aussie fit the bill in both respects.

About Me
My involvement with dogs really began when we brought home our Golden Retriever puppy Nelson in
1996. Nelson, aka Besstriever Nelson, was my introduction to the world of dog showing and dog
obedience. Three years later came Porter, aka Cheyandor Nelson (yes, both Nelson by total
coincidence!) raised with us as a Guide Dog but eventually returning home to be my first competition
agility and obedience dog. (You can read more about Porter and Nelson on their own pages).

Porter excels in both obedience and agility - he is truly a dream, especially for my first trialling dog.
He met every goal I set for us, including his Obedience Champion title and ADM/JDM titles and
qualifying for finals at the Agility Nationals on three separate occasions. Together we won runner up
Golden Dumbell in 2005, which made him runner up top obedience dog in the state.

I have been a member of Para Districts Obedience Dog Club since 2002, and have instructed in both
obedience and agility there, and prior to that instructed at Working Dog World Obedience Club. I have
been less involved in 2007 due to Porter's leg injury but instructing is something I really enjoy and hope
to continue sometime in the future.

In my 'non-doggy' life I have completed a science degree at Adelaide University majoring in anatomy
and psychology, and I am currently working full time as a medical secretary. When I'm not competing
in obedience or agility I'm usually taking photos of them! Photography (particularly of dogs) is my other
love, and in 2007 I started up my own business to pursue just this - Kim Barton Photography.