Kerry Kirtley ~ Charis Armstrong
Australian Shepherds & Miniature American Shepherds
USASA Hall of Fame and AKC Breeders of Merit
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Wyndstar Aussies
About Kerry
Kerry kirtley
It’s hard to talk about myself. I have been involved with AKC since my early teens, most notably sporting dogs; American Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels and English Setters.
My journey into herding dogs began in the early 1980s, with my first ASCA registered Australian Shepherd. I found myself drawn to the versatility of this breed and simply found that I didn’t want to live without these "velcro" dogs by my side. Through Wyndstar Kennels, I have bred multiple group and Best In Show Australian Shepherds. While I have chiefly focused my own energy on the conformation ring, I have had the honor and fortune of a wonderful extended Wyndstar family that has exhibited their Aussies across the whole gamut of venues. The culmination of this partnership was when Wyndstar achieved its status as a USASA Hall of Fame Kennel in 2019.
I am an ASCA Senior Breeder Judge since 2005 and an AKC judge of Australian Shepherds. Most recently I was approved to judge Miniature American Shepherds in 2021.
Some of my most memorable judging assignments have been at the USASA Nationals, judging Sweepstakes and the Top 20. My judging assignments have taken me all over the country and internationally. These have all been fabulous experiences; it is always an honor to judge.
I simply cannot imagine my life without Australian Shepherds and Mini American Shepherds. Some of my most important friendships began with one of my dogs and I hold these close to my heart. Life has blessed me because of them.
About Charis
charis armstrong
Charis fell in love with Aussies in 1986 when her friend Daria brought home 8 weeks old sisters, Holly and Promise. We started attending handling classes, ASCA shows and obedience classes. I was forever hooked. Fast forward to 2006, I was on the search for a new puppy. I had 8 year old twins and had looked at several litters, it wasn’t until I met Kerry, she took me down to her barn introduced me to Gracie and her litter. I sat on that barn floor and was transported to heaven on earth. Is there anything better than a pile of happy puppies and a sweet momma dog? I desperately wanted one of the two girls. Kerry agreed to let Libby come home with us if we agreed to her show contract. I would have sold a kidney for that girl!! As it turns out we left with two puppies that day. The Grand Dam of our brood, Wyndstar Sweet Libations, her brother Wyndstar To T and a friendship that has spanned many wonderful years of adventures, memories and what was to become a beautiful partnership.
My daughters tried showing dogs between the ages of 8-10, they likened it to fishing. A full day waiting and wishing for something to jump on the line.
It wasn’t until years later, Rachelle says to me, “Mom, can I show the dogs?” Kerry and I coached her on speed and a few handling tips before she went in the ring. She won her class with Maggie and took RWD with Jett. The hook was set. Rachelle went on to finish 4 dogs from that litter in ASCA. Kerry took Rachelle to USASA Nationals that year where she won her Am Bred class and made the cuts for WB. Suddenly we had new goals that included AKC Championships. Rachelle and Betty achieved many firsts together, two years running OH top 10, her first OH BIS at Beverly Hills KC, OH RBIS at Royal Canin in Orlando and many more. Betty is now ASCA Premier CH /AKC GCHB Wyndstar’s Gettin Out Tonight CGC, TKN all around best friend and baby sitter.
Later that year Sirena decided she wanted to show Libby in Veterans at the ASCA National in Bakersfield. She showed her to second place in 13 plus Veterans class and piloted Hootie around the specials ring. Bakersfield Nationals is where she fell in love with showing. She went home and started taking classes with Shelby who is now ASCA/AKC GCH Group Placing Wyndstar Caught Ya Lookin. Spoiled princess dog, always owner handled.
We are always looking to the next exciting generations here at Wyndstar. Enter my first granddaughter. Lainey has been raised in the whelping box and is already looking forward to showing in peewees. She gets quite indignant that she has to wait outside the ring with me while Mom and Auntie are showing her dogs. It has been my privilege and greatest joy to watch my daughters show our dogs and I can’t wait to watch my grandchildren. There is something to be said about kids and dogs. I will always be grateful for the day we met Kerry, Gracie, Libby and Buddy. That was the day we became Family.