Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Clark.
Hi Angie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
About 17 years ago I saw a dog that looked like it may have been from a different time era. It was large and muscular with deep eyes… The kind of eyes that caused to feel emotion when you looked into them… They where able to draw you in and intimidate you all at once. The dog was a called, Cane Corso, meaning Body Guard or protector in Italian. I later found out that this dogs’ ancestors had been traced back to 800 B.C. I had to learn more about these ancient animals.
Eager I started to do extensive research and found out this magnificent species of dog almost became extinct in the 1970s and through the work of a Biologist named Dr. Paolo Breber was resurrected in the mountains of Italy. Myself coming from three generations of dog exhibitors, farmers, and breeders, I wanted to be involved with preserving this historic animal. I was able to import one from Italy learning they were heavily used during the Roman Empire ruling to protect soldiers in battle. My connection was immediate and the compassion, intelligence, and empathy presented by this dog had a deep impact. Confidential Kennels was born and the mission to connect these animals to once again help human soldiers began.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Lucky for me there was mentors available and I connected and joined the International Cane Corso Federation (ICCF) where Ed Hodas one of the first people to bring a Cane Corso to the USA and the founder of the ICCF helped me to understand the breed and its history in depth. I was than better able to connect these dogs to veterans who needed them for both mental and physical help. These soldiers where coming back from war without limbs and deeply depressed or lost once medically retired. Most the soldiers where large men and a standard size service dog could not hold their weight to get in and out of bed or wheelchairs with prosthetic or missing limbs.
The Corso is deeply empathetic and incredibly intelligent. This dog studies its person. He knows rather he is left-handed or right-handed, how often he eats or his human’s normal perspiration level. He smells in layers and thinks in details. The Corso is deep empath as well. He is so heavily connected to his person he can feel changes in their mood, behavior, and energy. I have been told stories of these dogs knowing when their owners where contemplating taking their own life and the Corso not moving away from the person or the veteran having night terrors and the Corso waking him up by licking his face and laying on him. It has not been easy to watch these struggles the veterans have and the frustration when a dog is not a match or the veteran does not want the help because he has never been taught or told to think of himself or put himself first. The public also has a stereotype of what a service dog should be and it can be very hard to break through those barriers alone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Confidential Kennels?
We are a preservation kennel dedicated to preserving and protecting the Cane Corso while connecting them to disabled veterans and educating the public. We spend countless hours using this ancient breed for herding, hunting, protection, and service work. I have a Corso who tirelessly protects my livestock against wolves and coyotes. I am proud to say we have not suffered a loss from any predator while he has been on patrol. We are known for producing some of the most impressive animals in the world both balanced and structurally magnificent. We have won several accolades, but I’m always most proud of the International Cane Corso Federation wins and the service my dogs provide for injured veterans. What sets us apart most is that we breed to preserve this part of history and strive to match people to their animals and connect veterans to their new team mates.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
This list could be so long. I’ve been so fortunate to have some of the best people in my life and to learn from some giants in this arena because I choose to listen, absorb and apply. First and foremost, my partner Jesse Miller works endless hours helping me with the veteran’s program and the dogs, my little sister Lindsey believed in me and helped me when I didn’t believe in myself. My trainer Dustin Winn at North County Canine gives more time and help than he ever gets in return and never complains. My old Handler Mercedes who helped build my reputation with countless wins, my old vet tech Taira Damon who I can call at any time day or night, My new handlers Brooke and Jesse. My other partners Gloria and Astrid who keep me sane and driven. My Mentors Dr. Breber, Ed Hodas (who passed this year), Jeff Hall, and Tony Scandifio. I can always count on them to give me the facts like it or not. Maxi Louzan whose dogs DNA are a part of my program. My nephew Judah and Salt who cleaned the kennels. The people who have helped me and been in my life along the way Brittney and Dr. Boogie. My AMAZING whelper Leslie. Also, the people who didn’t believe in me you pushed me to prove to myself I could create a masterpiece out of love and hard work. I am also grateful to see my lines continue in other kennels success with or without recognition, it’s beautiful. So many people have helped me I just have an abundance of gratitude towards them and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ConfidentialKennels.com
- Instagram: ConfidentialKennelsOfficial
- Facebook: https://m.Facebook.com/ConfidentialKennels/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ConfidentialKennels
