Hello Everyone! I am a Tennessee gal who likes the peace and quiet of the country but I'm misplaced in the city for the present time. My family has been involved with Beagles since 1946 and Tennessee Walking Horses and Saddle Horses since 1960. I still ride on a regular basis but no longer show. The big brown eyed handsome horse in my life (and the profile picture) was a 19 yr old, 17H Tenn Walking Horse named "Major". He was absolutely the best natured horse I've been around in a long time and he never had a bad day. I own and show American Foxhounds, Beagles, and Plott Hounds. My mission is Westminster 2010 with my Plott Hound male. I'm also working on my AKC judges license for the scent hounds.
I was fortunate to have the #4 American Foxhound in the US from 1998-2002. Baby Peach was an absolute joy in my life and in the show ring. I wore out 2 Dodge Vans and a Bronco II going to dog shows all over the country. But for her, I would do it all over again. She's been gone since Nov 2006 and I miss her everyday. Also had the American Foxhound Award of Merit winner at Westminster in 2006. She is a pretty girl and so is her dad. He retired at #8 in the country in 2004 and is still as handsome as ever.
I love animals and it would be especially helpful if you did too. I have discovered the hard way with far too much friction, stress, heartache, "head butting", and heated debates, that non-animal people and animal lovers do not make a harmonious combination. Dogs and horses are a part of my life and a big part of me. This is a package deal. They stay and it would be nice if you would too. THESE FACTORS ARE NON NEGOTIABLE.
My music tastes are varied and there is everything in my collection from Bob Wills to Bach, with a little Nat King Cole and Ray Charles added into the mix. I listen to the Grand Old Opry on a regular basis from WSM in Nashville. Movies? My all time favourite is "Giant" with Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor, while my second favourite being "Sargeant York" with Gary Cooper. Love all of the good Westerns, Lonesome Dove, 3:10 to Yuma, Monte Walsh, The Sacketts, Tombstone, and Wyatt Earp to mention a few. "Open Range" and "Dances With Wolves" with Kevin Costener both come to mind here and so does "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".
My likes?? Champagne, Dark Chocolate, horses, mules, the two step, the tango, listening to the dogs at night, moonlight, quiet at the end of the day, the smells of the feed store, diesel duallys, jeans and starched shirts. I've always wanted to play polo and cowboy mounted shooting looks interesting too. So does the Ft. Worth Stock Show in January and the Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville.
I am part girly girl and tomboy but I do clean up quite well. I do own dresses-especially the ever popular "Little Black Dress" and I know the proper use of silverware-place, luncheon, and continental sized. China and cyrstal are no problem but I do have a healthy respect for Chinette and Solo cups too. I like barn, kennel, and yard work better than housework. I'm not a slob and will do my part to keep the surroundings from looking like a bomb site. I'm proficient in the kitchen but don't look for it to be my life's calling. Also, I am NOT a couch potato either. I'll slow down from time to time, but not to a grinding halt. I will not be retiring anytime soon from work, dogs, or horses. Showing dogs and riding horses have helped to keep me going and given me something to look forward to. I do not expect you to give up your interests and I should not be expected to give up mine either.
Long term goals, get out of this rat race here, open a boarding kennel, show dogs full time, have a horse or two to ride, and judge dogs. If I find the last great love of my life to spoil, then that is icing on the cake. Middle or East Tennessee are good possibilities for relocation. I also like North Georgia, Kentucky,Virginia, Delaware, both Carolinas, Southern Illinois, Southern Missouri, and Arkansas (once you get past the flat delta). Wherever I end up, I hope my nearest neighbour is at least a mile away. Two or three miles apart would be even better, but probably more than I could hope for in this day and time. Also, the region or area must be animal friendly and not run by animal rights lunatics who want to spay and neuter everything that comes along. Animal welfare YES, we all do that on a day to day basis. But No Animal Rights.

If you are a tree hugging liberal who wants socialized governmental policies and wealth distribution, go live somewhere else on the other side of the planet. I am a member of the NRA and I do believe in the Bill of Rights. The last time I looked, they were still a part of the Constitution and should be respected as written
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Forgot to mention-Kids and grandkids are OK as long as they are housebroken, pick up after themselves, and don't pull the dog's tails.

Not looking to be kept up or looking for a "sugar daddy" either. That's why I work. I will make a worthwhile contribution to the cause and certainly pull my weight in the relationship department. However, I will not carry the entire financial load in the relationship. Income is a factor to be considered. I am not a gold digger but equity in earning is important. Also, at the risk of stepping on someone's toes, I am a no nonsense individual. If you are looking for a nursemaid, financial support, or domestic help with "fringe benefits" look elsewhere.
Not a computer genius-life was easier with rotary dial phones, manual typewriters, and cameras that took 126 film and flashbulbs. Maybe I was born too late...possibly about 50-100 years too late...who knows? However, I'm in the 21st century, so I am trying to deal with it.
This is me...the condensed version for now. Kathryn

Update: November 10,2009

UKC CH/AKC CH. White Deer Texas Playboy: "Bobby": Plott Hound Male, #1 Breed and #3 All Breed, and #1 Eukanuba International/AKC Show. (stats as of October 7, 2009)

WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO EUKANUBA IN LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA 12-12-09 AND TO WESTMINSTER AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FEB 2010.

Ch. Kelly Mt Grab Life By The Horns: "Diesel" American Foxhound, #16 All Breed 2009, Eukanuba International Qualifier, Stats from Oct. 7,2009.

RIP Major, my big handsome Tennessee Walking Horse. Gone but never forgotten. You were a sweetheart and chugged along with me while I was trying to heal from surgery this past spring. I love you.

P.S. My dream car/truck is a Ford F 350 King Ranch-Diesel. That doesn't mean that I'll ever own one, but I like them...alot... It doesn't hurt to admire them now does it? Obviously, I have not won the lottery yet...lol

First Dates?? Hmmm... I am OK with going to have coffee somewhere and talking. Light meal in a relaxing atmosphere is good. Riding horses is always good even if it is for an hour or two on the weekends; so is the rodeo. Light dinner and a movie. No pressure, nothing over the top is required.