About Us

I am Mary Burr and I live in Webster, New York with my husband Sam and our two sons Joe and Jackson.

I have been an animal lover all of my life and began to show dogs after joining our local 4-H club at the age of 9 or 10. I showed my horse as well, but the dogs were my main focus. My family would only allow me one dog so I trained the neighbors dogs and took them to shows! It was at these 4-H shows, I met Ken Wall. We have been best friends for over 30 years. He taught me so much of what I now know about dog conformation, the importance of working hard and conditioning to the best of my ability.

After buying our first home, I began the search for a new dog. Geoffrey, a gorgeous Irish Setter (pictured below) bred by my former 4-H leader Patricia Nagel came to live with us. I attended Irish Setter specialites and made many friends along the way in the Irish Setter world. Jill Taylor of Captiva Kennels remains one of my closest friends. She designed this website!

I found the Japanese Chin breed by accident. Ariel, Ch. We-Bells Heidi Ho Mamrick was my first chin. (pictured below). She was so charming, intelligent, cunning and adorable. She was my foundation. She is the reason I fell in love with the breed.

About 10 years ago, I contacted Tommi and Sandi Hooban of Tosaho Japanese Chin. Both were generous with their knowledge , and helped me understand the finer points of the breed. They evaluated my dogs, and sent me Tosaho Raceabout Franklin to improve my bloodline. Later they sent Ch. Tosaho Rings a Bell. Both became influential sires at Deco.

Sandi became one of my best friends and is my mentor in Japanese Chin.

At Deco our chins are treated like family members. Several sleep on our bed at night. They go to little league games, and family picnics. They run free in our large yard and even go for bigger runs in the huge field behind our house. We spend summer evenings (when we are not at baseball or soccer games) sitting on our deck watching the dogs play and chase each other or as is often the case-chase our kids.

We have had success in the show ring, having bred an a multiple Best In Show winner, two time National Specialty winner, Best Of Breed and Award of Merit at Westminster and two Best Puppy at the National Specialties. However, it is the every day life with our chins that brings much joy. My dog shows days are limited by family activities, so it is the day to day life with the breed that feeds my soul.

I hope you will enjoy your visit with Deco Japanese Chin. Please stop me at show and introduce yourself if we are ever able to meet!

Sincerely,
Mary Burr

Ariel

My first chin.

My first champion.

I miss her every day.

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Date last updated : 12/11/2007 by Mary Burr