Sanctum

Our kennel is called SANCTUM Educated Elkhounds because we educate our dogs, we teach them how to get along with us, how to get along with people in general, and how to make their way in the world. We firmly believe a working dog is a happy dog, so all of our dogs "work for a living." At a very young age (barely a year old), April finished her AKC championship. She spent her time trying to discover what we would expect of her and what she could give us. June is about 3 months behind her, but she's also finished her championship now too! AND she's turning into a pretty good service dog for me as well!

Before you go on, check out Zöe and Gracie one spring day in the flowers. Which do you think are more beautiful, the flowers or the elkhounds? I know what I think.

Currently, our family currently includes my husband, me, and one 11-year-old female elkhound, June is also doing pretty well getting used to the rules of the SANCTUM pack. She's finished her championship as well, so we now have only one champion left in our household. Click on any of the dogs' pictures below (either a current picture or a picture of one who has passed on) to find out more about that particular dog.

Well we're very sad here at SANCTUM Elkhounds since we've come to the end of an era. We've now lost Bob, Gracie, Zöe. and Daisy, along with all of our other Alpha babies and Bisbee too. Daisy was our last Alpha dog. Gracie was very unexpected and it hit us very hard, but we knew it was about Zöe's time. We were caught totally unaware when Daisy started showing symptoms of her cancer, which was about a week after Zoe died. She passed within a week of starting to give a sign (that's a loss of two lovely girls within 2 weeks). We hadn't gotten over losing Daisy and Zoe yet, and now we've lost Bob AND April as well. Goodbye Bob, and goodbye girls. We love you all very much and we'll miss you forever.

Ch. Alpha's Say Goodnight Gracie, CD, TDI, TT, CGC, SAR, MT-3, ACE, VNE ("Gracie," February 8, 1993-December 5, 2006) Gracie was a wonderful Norwegian elkhound bitch who was nearly 14 years old when we lost her. She passed away from complications of cancer, the day after we returned from Orlando with her for the last time. She did more for her family and for her community than any other dog I can think of and we'll miss her forever. Click her picture to find out more about her.

Alpha's XX's and OO's, TDI, SAR, MT-3, MT-2 ("Zöe," February 6, 1996-October 19, 2011) Zöe was a lovely Norwegian elkhound bitch who was fifteen and a half years old when we had to have her put down. Click her picture to find out more about her.

Vin-Melca's Hit the Mark, TT ("Bisbee," or "The Biz," May 22, 1996-January 15, 2008) The Biz was a gorgeous male Norwegian elkhound who passed away at the age of 11 after his kidneys failed him. Click his picture to find out more about him.

Pepper, CD, TDI, CGC (1979-1995) A "pound puppy" from the Jefferson County (Kentucky) SPCA, Pepper was our first dog of any kind. He was a male beagle/cocker spaniel mix. We lost him at the grand old age of 17. Click his picture to find out more about him.

U-CDX Alpha's Living Shadow, CDX, Can. CD, TDI, TT, CGC ("Shady," November 16, 1984-December 17, 1999) Shady was our first Norwegian elkhound. We lost her in December of 1999 at the age of 15 (and one month) to kidney problems and heart failure. Click her picture to find out more about her.

Time to Shine, CD, TDI, TT, CGC ("Sunny," Summer 1986-April 7, 2000) Sunny was a female German shepherd mix who thought she was an elkhound. We lost her in April of 2000 due to cancer. Click her picture to find out more about her.

Alpha's T'aint Funny McGee, CD, TDI, TT, CGC ("McGee," October 5, 1986-May 10, 2002) McGee was a male Norwegian elkhound who was around 15.5 years old when we lost him in May of 2002 due to old age. His hips failed him completely, and he could no longer walk without falling over, even in his wheelchair. Click his picture to find out more about him.

Ch. Elvbend's Too Hot to Hoot, MT-3, MT-2, MT-1, SAR ("Bob," December 12, 2008-June 19, 2022) Bob was a gorgeous male Norwegian elkhound. His kennel name was "Elvbend," but he had STRONG Alpha leanings (his Mom was an Alpha dog!). He was a search dog but he had to retire when his Dad's knee gave out. He remained a mobility dog for his Mom and also a diabetes-alert dog for his Dad. Click on his picture to find out more about him.

Alpha's Heavenly Days, TDI, SAR ("Daisy," June 23, 2001-November 6, 2011) Daisy was a beautiful Norwegian elkhound bitch who was struck down by cancer at the very young age of 10. Click her picture to find out more about her.

Ch. Foxboro My Little Chickadee ("April," June 18, 2012- September 7, 2023) April was beautiful, She was Daisy's niece, and she earned her AKC championship fairly quickly. She was my best friend her entire life, Click her picture to find out more about her.

Ch. Foxboro Because of You ("June," October 5, 2012) June is here, and she's gorgeous! She's another Daisy niece, just a different Mom and Dad. June's an AKC champion too! (Did you notice that she shares her birthday with McGee?) Click her picture to find out more about her.