Laura King
Laura King is a second-generation dog Fancier. Her mother is an AKC multi-group judge and successful breeder of Belgian Sheepdogs and Schipperkes. Her mother cultivated Laura’s interest in dog shows at an early age. Amazingly, Laura finished her first dog (one she owned and trained herself) at the age of 8 and since then she has never wanted to do anything else! Throughout her years in high school and college she worked for many different handlers, honing her skills that are expertly displayed in the ring today and reinforcing her love of dogs.
During her career, Laura has won Bests in Shows on dogs from each of the seven groups, along with multiple National Specialties from 5 groups. In addition, Laura brought two special dogs, an English Cocker Spaniel and a Siberian Husky, to record breaking top Best In Show winning prominence. The likes of which has never been seen in the history of AKC. Currently, she is actively involved in both the Telltale English Springer Spaniel and KbPride Cavalier breeding programs as well as being the regional rep for the AKC Registered Handler Program.
Robin Novack
Robin Novack became involved in AKC dog shows through her sister’s first dog, which was acquired from Marge Rollins. “Bobby”, CH Venetian Bobby Bear, was Robin’s first foray into the world of AKC dog shows. Her passion for working with dogs was ignited!
As a youngster, Bobby, led Robin to her first after school job at a boarding kennel owned by Lorie Carlton of Belle Creek Bichon fame. This job, in turn, led to a second Novack family Springer named Tiffany, which was acquired from Karen Prickett Miller.
Eventually, Robin went to work for Karen, and after a long and dedicated apprenticeship with the renowned English Springer Spaniel Breeder and handler, in 1991 Robin became a handler in her own right.
Since then, Robin has campaigned multiple dogs to top all breed and sporting group contenders along with winning multiple National Specialties. She has won over 300 Bests in Show over the course of the years and remains actively involved in the Telltale English Springer Spaniel breeding program.
The Daybreak Team
Trey Behm
Trey Behm is the man in this scenario. He likes dogs and apple pie.
Janice Burleson
Janice Burleson has been breeding and showing Akitas since 1985 and was Laura’s first paying client! Janice has enjoyed many happy years at the Akita nationals. She retired from John Deere in 2006 and started working for Laura regularly in 2009. Janice is currently a proud member of the Tri-City Kennel Club and loves being a life-long member of the Daybreak family.
Lorrie Minear
Lorrie Minear, has been at Daybreak Kennel approximately 3 years.
She is married to her high school sweetheart and they are the proud parents of 6 children and 8 wonderful grandchildren.
Besides adoring her time at Daybreak Kennel, Lorrie also loves spending time with her horse, Jessie; 2 adopted cats; and Denzel, her Springer Spaniel. She believes she has the best job in the world because she’s greeted every morning, when arriving at Daybreak, with wagging tails and sweet kisses from all the dogs!
Caitlin Blowney
Caitlin started showing Pomeranians in 2001 at the age of 12, under the guidance of her aunt, Linda Mulso of Cottontop Poms. Upon graduating high school, she moved to Texas to work as an assistant before her passion for Springers brought her to Daybreak in 2012. Caitlin took a step back from dog shows a few years ago to attend cosmetology school and now works full time at a vet clinic; she comes “out of retirement” occasionally to assist at shows, and is in the kennel weekly bathing and grooming. Caitlin has learned many invaluable skills from Robin and Laura over the years, but most importantly, gained another family (and a couple Springer Spaniels!).
Beth Friichtenicht
Beth graduated from Parkland College and became a Board Certified vet tech in 1984. She has worked in the veterinary field ever since and currently works at the same clinic caring for Daybreak. Beth started working for Laura in 2000 but they have known each other since her 4-H junior showmanship days!
Married to Jeff (lawn care man at Daybreak) since 1984, they have two grown children and two grandsons. Their menagerie at home includes Labradors, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, rescue Pit Bulls, cats and Miniature horses.
Terri Lee Robinson
Terri Lee Robinson is a life-long residence of Milan, Illinois. She started showing dogs at the early age of 16 years old while in 4-H and has been hooked ever since!
Terri breeds and shows Boxers and currently shares her home with three fabulous boxers, Jackson, Jacee, and Gabe. Terri and Norm have been married for 30 years and are so proud of their wonderful son, Josh and beautiful granddaughter, Sydney.