Our History

The name Trouvae (pronounced “troo-vay”) comes from the combination of Trouvaille—meaning a lucky find; a chance encounter with something wonderful—and my foundation bitch, Vaeda. Reflecting on my journey in dogs to where I am today, I’ve been blessed with numerous lucky finds.

My 4-H advisor, who taught me a solid foundation in training dogs—both obedience and showmanship—introduced me to the breeder of my first “show dog”. As a puppy, Cappa, was initially placed with me as a juniors only dogs, but turned out to be a competitive puppy in the breed ring. His breeder, Jessica Starbuck (Jesstar Shelties), was my first mentor. I owe much of what I know to the time spent traveling many years as her assistant.

Fast forward to when we were ready to add a Labrador to our lives, Jessica recommended connecting with Heidi Hartman-Booth (Harbor Run Labradors). Heidi trusted me with one of her young adults (CH Harbor Run’s Headliner, “Drake”) and he was my introduction to the Labrador community and the first Labrador I finished. At the time, I lived in Columbus, Ohio—a bit of a drive from Heidi in Buffalo, NY—and Heidi introduced me to the breeders of Central Ohio LRC. We all laugh that she told them, “you’re gonna love her” and the doubtfulness that existed in that statement being true. Today, Heidi tells them, “you stole her,” but I like to think of it as shared custody.

Vaeda (Boardor’s There’s No Catch), joined our crew after an off-the-cuff comment friend/mentor, Sally Bell (Borador Labradors), that you best keep an eye on the chocolate puppy in the x-pen as my husband had always wanted not just a Labrador, but a chocolate. We left that show with with the chocolate puppy in hand. To me, Vaeda is a lucky find and a chance encounter as little did I know that a mere two months later I would unexpectedly lose Drake. I smile now that unplanned, I have Vaeda’s whose grand-sire (CH Wits End E-Z Pass to Borador) was Drake’s sire.

These examples are a few of many lucky finds, chance encounters and mentorships that I am thankful for. Each in their own way, influenced the creation of Trouvae.