We are a couple in love with what we do, determined to produce the most amazing Australian Shepherds and give them the best possible life, I, Gilberto Pompeu, have always been passionate about animals, especially dogs. Growing up surrounded by them, dogs always held a special place in my heart. It was during my time as a biology student that I decided to dedicate my life to breeding Australian Shepherds.

This breed, which is not only beautiful but also highly intelligent, resilient, strong, and possessing an incredible personality, became my primary focus and nearly an obsession. This passion led me to extensive study and research and eventually brought me into contact with Marcia Bertero from Kennel Wind Spirit. Marcia is an exceptional breeder with numerous significant international achievements, and her work has left a profound mark on the history of the breed. Fortunately, she operates in São Paulo, Brazil, just a six-hour drive from my hometown. Our partnership in this project has not only been incredibly fruitful but has also fostered a deep friendship.

We at Walden Kennel owe a lot to the careful advice from Marcia e Beatriz Bertero and to everyone from the Wind Spirit kennel team. In 2016, Jéssica Pompeu, my wife and great partner, and I got Thoreau for our family, which only increased the excitement, dedication and passion for this project. In 2018 we started moving from Rio de Janeiro here to Cambridge, already with Emma in our family. Currently we are a small kennel, with only one couple, but because we decided to do this way, little by little, because we believe that a lot of learning is achieved during the process. We intend to continue fixing our roots here in England, most likely moving a little more to the countryside and continue improving and expanding our kennel, but without haste and always with each step very well thought out before being taken.

COMMITMENT TO THE ASHGI 10 STEP STATEMENT DECLARATION

Ten Steps to a Healthier Australian Shepherd Breed