Bella Madra Kennels

The concept of Bella Madra Kennels began as a dream over 40 years ago.  I got “bit” by the world of purebred dogs by my beloved Aunt Norma (that’s me age 11 with her) and her prizewinning miniature schnauzers.  I dreamed of falling in love with a breed of my own, and dedicating myself to training, showing and perhaps if I was lucky, breeding.  It would be a dream that I nurtured throughout my adolescence and adult life; always waiting for the right amount of time and money to pursue it.  I met my husband Jim Devlin (pictured to my right with our girl Eden) in 2001, and shared with him my love of dogs, and my particular love of Australian Shepherds.  I planted the seeds of perhaps someday we could pursue the dream together.  It was not until the tragic death of my step-son Sean (pictured right) in 2008 that the dream would become a necessity.  Sean’s death left a huge hole in our hearts and our lives.  After several years of stumbling around in grief, we needed something that would get us back into life.  In early 2011 we decided to get our first two Aussies–Finn and Cooper–and to train and compete in a variety of sports with them. Five years later we now train and show in Confirmation, Agility, Obedience, Herding and Lure Coursing, and these intelligent, versatile and loving dogs have given us a new lease on life.  This is the core of what Bella Madra Kennels is all about:  to showcase and uplift this most amazing breed-The Australian Shepherd, by thoughtful breeding to advance the most desirable aspects of temperament and structure; by helping our dogs reach their fullest potential through training and competition; and by celebrating how life-affirming and changing having an Aussie in your life can be! Whatever your aspirations in owning an Aussie, we at Bella Madra Kennels stand ready to walk with you throughout the life of your Aussie, and are ready with whatever you need to help your relationship with your dog be as meaningful as ours continue to be. Our Kennel name is derived from my Italian heritage (“Bella” or beautiful) and Jim’s Irish heritage (“Madra” is Gaelic for dog) and is a touchstone for all we do–beautiful dogs in every aspect, to help you achieve a beautiful relationship with your dog.