Odessa Maxwell, the founder of Rockin M Chinese Crested, has always had a life surrounded by animals.  From the age of six, she would proudly proclaim that she was going to be a veterinarian.  At an early age, she began to follow her crayon drawn dreams by helping her father breed and raise German Shepherds and Chinese Chows along with the family's 2 senior boxers.  In high school, Odessa volunteered numerous hours at the Louisville Zoo giving a firmer affirmation to her love affair with animals.  However, her life would take a drastic change when she chose to follow another dream--to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point and to serve her country through her service in the United States Army.  Her service still intertwined her dreams when she was afforded the chance to train at the Kaiserslautern Germany Shepherd Schutzhund Club with her first obedience dog, Kitana.  Upon her return to the United States and further service totaling 12 years, Odessa continued to train in obedience; however, after the sad loss of one of her working partners, Unique, she decided change was needed. 

Odessa began to search for a breed that she could focus her efforts on and reach new heights with.  After all the research was done, Odessa focused upon the Chinese Crested dog.  What piqued her interest was the fact that many breeders told her that the breed was not easy to train but very lovable.  Loving a challenge, Odessa began to search for the foundation stock of Rockin M.  The first to join was S R Starla Rose RM (powderpuff) for her known athletic lines and temperament.  She became ring wise and had an antic for every judge.  But Odessa learned that Starla was not suited for the show ring.  The next was Pixie's KaleidoscopeDeRosas RM (hairless) who would be the youngest Rockin M Chinese Crested dog to obtain his Canine Good Citizenship Award at 7 months old and to be Rockin M's first dog certified for therapy by Maryland's Pets on Wheels.  However, Odessa learned that he had slipped hocks (rubber hocks) in both legs and could not be shown at the early age of 8 months.  He was later neutered and placed in a great home with Margaret with whom he could continue his therapy work. 

Soon to follow were a powerful duo King of Diamonds by Jove a.k.a. Mojave and Lee-win's Miyabi RM who both would make their marks in the Canadian/International conformation ring as the first Chinese Crested to achieve NAKC Grand International Champion and the first Chinese Crested Powderpuff to achieve NAKC International Champion, respectively.  Mojave is still with me being a loving therapy dog.  Miyabi had one bad show experience and even though he showed in NAKC thereafter to his championship, he was not happy.  He loved the obedience ring so he was a great fit for Margaret who needed a dog that could assist her hearing impaired daughter and husband who just had a baby.  Miyabi is currently in TX happily notifying them whenever their baby needs them.  However, the legacy did not stop there because a tiny female tri-colored female decided that she too had to make stand.  By the age of 1 year and 5 months, Nonie's Ebony Black Barraca RM has achieved the following titles, awards, and recognition:  NAKC International Champion, NAKC Grand International Champion, AKC Rally Novice Title, Canine Good Citizen Award, NAKC Best Junior Puppy in Show 2007, and NAKC Reserve Best in Show, 05/2008 Memorial Day Classic PA.  Through her and Mojave, Rockin M obtained Rockin M Onna Kabuki, a flashy heart stopping little girl.

Joining the fold in June 2008:  Layne's Sterling Silver O' Nonie who become the pack leader as well as becoming the third Chinese Crested to achieve NAKC RBIS, and the third Chinese Crested to attain NAKC CAN GR CH.  Mija's Pearls at Nonies, a spectacular female and Barraca's mother, joined the Rockin M legacy as well, which gave Odessa 3 generations of foundational females.

With sadness, Odessa wishes love and remembrance to Lee-win's Rockin It My Way who through her beautiful litter of 4 puppies will continue to live on and her legacy will only grow stronger.  Her special daughter, who is pictured above, is destined for the show ring with already 3 points to her name! 
 
Odessa hopes to one day have a Spinone join the pack as a misunderstood Crested--won't that be the day? Until then, feel free to visit the following link for Barba Bagnata Spinoni.



Odessa is happy to announce that Native American Village Dog--Naima of Indian Valley Kennels has found her mate and friend for life with Jenn and Zakai.  This intelligent girl, who graduated top of her weighted obedience class at just 4 months old, is ready for the world!  

Visit http://www.indianvalleykennels.com/ for more information about this beautiful breed!