Rebuilding Crown Point Aussies

Since its inception in 1982, Crown Point Australian Shepherds has given the world many priceless and invaluable working dogs with grit, power, savvy, and a human-like understanding of their world. They are more than "just dogs" and much more akin to co-workers and friends to the humans with which they share their lives. Founded by Kaye and Wayne Harris, dedicated and passionate lovers of the breed, Crown Point earned its noteriety as well its Hall of Fame and Stock Dog Kennel of Excellence statuses through the Australian Shepherd Club of America.

On Tuesday October 26th at 8:02am, Kaye, or otherwise affectionately known as “Ma” to many who knew her, passed peacefully in her home at the ranch in Berthoud, Colorado. Danielle Spady, who's been with her and the dogs for the past 12 years, has been entrusted with continuting the Crown Point Legacy. This includes the 20 dogs, flock of sheep, history, and future preservation of their lives' work among all that Crown Point entails.

Unfortunately, there is no option to stay on the current property - through no direct fault of Kaye or Wayne, sometimes this is just how things shake out after the passing of someone. Crown Point people and animals, and the big move has no expected deadline other than the understanding that it must be as soon as possible, as the property is being prepared to be sold. Danielle and her partner, Maddie, are committed, first and foremost, to prioritizing the dogs and their well-being, and getting them moved and settled in safely as quickly as possible.

This feat is a massive undertaking, and while the new property is in the works, there are still several needs to get it up to snuff for the animals comfort and safety. The kennel building, which is currently a steel-beamed shell, must be built essentially from the ground up and mostly out of pocket--to include electrical work, complete insulation, new septic, water lines, propane lines, adequate ventilation, etc.

This is looking to be a multiple tens of thousands of dollar undertaking as what needs to be done by professionals is already quoted at $50,000+ During this time, the boarding that has kept the kennel and property going will be temporarily suspended due to lack of facilities as well. Danielle and Maddie can get ends to meet including the new mortgage, utilities, etc but setting up the kennel in order to get everyone safe and then be able to provide services to the community such as boarding and grooming is unfortunately not a process that can be stretched out over the next year. They've only got months and construction with the current supply chain shortages needs to get scheduled as soon as possible. Adding into the supply shortages, we're also heading into winter months and the building needs to have dirt work - septic, drains, etc.

This new iteration of Crown Point has some wonderful plans including setting up an arena, post advanced area, sufficient holding pens, chutes, etc in order to become a facility that can host sanctioned stock dog events and clinics. The dogs will get more ring time as when things are constructed properly, there's less time taken from them and put toward replacement and repairs as is currently happening.

The first event to be hosted is a yearly memorial trial for Kaye and Wayne/ Ma and Pa, as she wanted.

A note directly from Danielle:

"We may or may not be able to move any of the equipment currently used for the dogs past bowls/buckets/collars/leashes. That will be decided over the coming months at the speed of the legal system. Unfortuately, we don't have the luxury to wait until that's decided in order to set up an area for the dogs.

The shop is currently empty and needs basically everything from scratch for construction from septic to electric to insulation and water- thankfully not much in the way of deconstruction."

This GoFundMe is intended to support Dani and the legendary Crown Point. The goal is to assist in the safe and quick start-up costs so that these endlessly beloved dogs (and sheep, chickens, ... and people) can move a new, permanent, location to call home for decades to come. Any updates on the progress of the move and transfer can be found here. Many of Kaye’s and Dani’s supporters are limited by location or distance, and this is a way for any and all of us pitch in what we can, and band together to help ensure the bright future of the legendary Crown Point dogs!