Located in Pine Colorado 30 miles west of Denver

Dedicated to the continuing improvement and welfare of the Rhodesian Ridgeback through responsible breeding and commitment to careful selection of bloodlines, orthopedic and temperamental soundness.

My name is Laurel Hodgdon. I first became interested in the Rhodesian Ridgeback in 1999. The first Rhodesian Ridgeback saw was a majestic dog named Okoa. Okoa was bred by Marianne Gellin of Ikimba, located in Finland and co-owned by Ulla-Britt Ekengren of Shadyridge. A few short months later I came home with one of Okoa's offspring: Shadyridge Endesha's Wimbo "Kito". Kito was intended as a family companion however, when his breeder who fast became my mentor offered to take me to my first show, I was confident I had a dog I could do something with in the show ring. Kito earned his AKC Championship in 5 Major wins. Kito later earned his Canadian Championship, Senior Lure Coursing, and Therapy Dog Titles. This special little puppy followed me step for step, day by day and continues to do so now. This very special Rhodesian Ridgeback stole my heart and is the very reason for my love for this special breed.

While Kito enjoyed his success in the ring his sire returned to Europe and saw even greater success, a MBIS winner and winner of the World Dog Show in Italy in 2000. Okoa also earned his Championship in both Finland and Poland.

Within a year I got my second Rhodesian Ridgeback: Shadyridge Numa's Fatiisha. Fatiisha combines athletic grace, elegance, exceptional movement and a soft temperament. She began her conformation show career at six months old and enjoyed quite a bit of success as a puppy earning multiple puppy Best of Breed awards. Her biggest accomplishments however, were yet ahead of her. She attended her first RRCUS (Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the US) National Specialty Show in 2002 in Lansing, MI and took first place in her 12-18 month old class. One year later at the 2003 RRCUS National Specialty she was awarded "Winners Bitch" and earned her AKC Championship in Virginia Beach winning in a class of over 150 females from the US and Canada. Fatiisha later joined Kito in the Canadian show circuit and earned her Canadian Championship along with multiple group placings. In addition she has also earned her Senior Lure Coursing title.

Mountain Laurel's Kenya is my newest addition to the family. Kenya is a result of a breeding between Fatiisha and American, Canadian, International Champion Ikimba Tumomak Sheikh. Sheikh is owned by Susan Rexford of Tumomak and was bred by Marianne Gellin of Ikimba, Finland. Sheikh's sire is Austrailian Grand Champion Rijstone Diesel n Dust. Sheikh was choosen for his exceptional pedigree, temperament and consistency in his litters. Kenya was the first born in a litter of seven puppies October 25, 2004. Kenya has sweet loving temperament and demonstrates beautiful movement, grace, athleticism and confidence in the show ring. Kenya began her conformation show career at eight months old earning a "Major" win at her very first show. By thirteen months old she had earned her AKC Championship. She is now preparing for her upcoming "Specials" career and will be shown on a limited basis while she matures.

As you contemplate whether a Rhodesian Ridgeback is the right dog for your family please visit the RRCUS home page more information about the breed at RRCUS.org This site includes lots of helpful information on the breed, Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue, Things to consider before purchasing a Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy, Information on how to care for your new Rhodesian Ridgeback Puppy, and other helpful links.

I have been been an active member of the New England Rhodesian Club NERRC.org for six years and have served as the Supported Show Chairperson as well as the Lure Coursing Committee. I agreed to be bound by the Breeders Code of Ethic as set forth by the RRCUS organization. I have recently relocated to Colorado and have become a RRCUS member as well as member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Colordao.