Vickie Halstead RN, CVNS, CLNC has been actively involved in breeding and showing Bichons since 1990 under the kennel name Victoire, producing and raising 36 litters and >50 AKC champions, and some in other countries.  In 2005 her Bichon Asti won best in show at the Bichon national specialty -- handled, groomed, and bred by her.  She has been a member of the Bichon Frise Club of America (BFCA) since 1997, has been a member of BFCA’s Health Committee since 2001 and chairwoman 2003-2010, and was a member of the Board of Directors of BFCA 2005-2007.   She has published articles in the Bichon Frise Reporter, dog magazines, on www.bichonhealth.org, and newspapers.  

 

Vickie purchased her first Portuguese Water Dog in 2017 who is almost a champion, with plans for breeding and performance competition. She is a member of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA) and its health committee since 2018.  Vickie's top priorities in her breeding program are to produce dogs that are healthy, sound and of good temperament. She assures that her dogs pass numerous health tests for hereditary diseases prior to breeding.  Vickie has been practicing as a Registered Nurse for 47 years, retired in 2017 after previous experience in ICU, flight nursing, ER for 25 years, legal nurse consultant, speaker for nursing classes/seminars, and Coumadin Nurse at a clinic (continues per diem).