OUR STORY
Family-Owned Dog Breeding Business
A little more about us…
We live in a rural area of Effingham County and stay busy with life on the farm. We have two boys at home—one still in school who keeps us on the go with sports and showing sheep.
We raise dogs, sheep, and cattle, and our days revolve around caring for them. Our oldest son plays a big role in the daily work around the farm and kennel. He does a lot behind the scenes and prefers to keep it that way—he’s not much of a camera guy.
We truly love what we do. In our free time, we often travel to our small lake house about an hour north of us. Of course, several of our dogs come along for the ride. They enjoy summers out on the boat, visiting friends, and soaking up all the attention they can get. During the winter months, you’ll find them right there with us as well—usually curled up by the fireplace or taking over the best seats in the house.
Heather has had a lifelong love for dogs. Growing up, she always had dogs, and her favorite—then and still today—is the Standard Australian Shepherd. She purchased her first Aussie at a horse sale, and that moment truly sparked the passion behind her breeding program. Not long after, at just 16 years old, she purchased her first stud Standard Aussie.
Raised as a horse trader’s daughter, Heather spent much of her time around horses and enjoyed team roping. Her Australian Shepherds quickly became her best companions, helping her work horses and becoming an important part of her everyday life. Her passion for breeding didn’t happen overnight—it grew over years of hands-on experience, dedication, and a genuine love for the breed.
We feel it’s very important for you to know who you’re working with when considering adding a puppy to your family. My name is Heather, and in 2000, my husband and I founded Rockin’ N Kennel.
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have—whether by text, email, or phone/video call.
ABOUT ROCKIN' N KENNEL
At Rockin’ N Kennel, our dogs are part of our everyday life. We proudly raise Mini Shihpoos, Standard Weimadoodles, and Standard Australian Shepherds, all in a loving, family-centered environment.
This is truly a family effort—my husband Josh and our boys play a big role in caring for the puppies. Together, we make sure each puppy is well-fed, clean, and given plenty of attention. We spend time socializing, beginning basic training, and helping them become comfortable with everyday noises so they’re ready for the “big world.”
And when it comes to photos… well, let’s just say we’re not professional photographers—but what we capture is real. Our pictures are genuine, in-the-moment snapshots of our puppies just being themselves.
Life in our home can be a little busy at times, with family and friends often stopping by for puppy snuggles—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We truly love what we do. Raising these puppies takes long hours, dedication, and constant care, but it’s all worth it to ensure each one goes to a loving home and becomes an amazing companion.
We often hear, “You have a lot of dogs!”—and we just smile. To us, it’s no different than someone raising animals they love. Yes, our dogs might greet you at your car, climb into your lap, or follow you around the yard—but every single one is deeply loved and well cared for.
We’ve spent years building our program, and every puppy holds a special place in our hearts. Located in the countryside of Mason, Illinois, our dogs have plenty of space to run, play, and enjoy life.
At Rockin’ N Kennel, we are committed to responsible breeding and raising happy, healthy puppies with wonderful temperaments—perfect for becoming cherished family members. We take pride in being a place families can trust when looking for their next best friend.
Our dogs are a part of our everyday life
Our dogs are truly part of our everyday life—they are raised in our home, surrounded by love, attention, and daily interaction. We focus on raising Mini Shihpoos, Standard Weimadoodles, and Australian Shepherds, giving each breed the care and environment they need to thrive.
We take our responsibilities as breeders very seriously. The health, safety, and well-being of every dog and puppy is always our top priority. From birth, our puppies are nurtured in a hands-on, family setting to ensure they are well-socialized and ready for their future homes.
We welcome and encourage potential families to reach out, connect with us, and even video chat to meet the puppies and see our program firsthand. Our door is always open for in-person visits—we would love for you to come meet the puppies and experience our home environment for yourself.