Founder

We are Deborah Lee Bogart-Frederick and George Frederick, and together, we’ve created a life centered on our love for animals, family, and the joy of raising exceptional dogs.

Deborah Lee’s journey began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Marion, Alabama, where her lifelong passion for animals was nurtured. A magna cum laude graduate from Barry University, Deborah Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Child Psychology and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi. Her career in the yachting industry with Allied Marine Group, specializing in the Ferretti Group and Lazzara International Yacht Sales, allowed her to travel the world, building connections with people from every corner of the globe. It was during this time that she met her first Havanese dog—a moment that would ignite a deep passion for the breed. This love soon expanded to include Portuguese Water Dogs and Miniature Schnauzers, and so began her devotion to these remarkable dogs.

In 2007, Deborah Lee’s life took an unexpected turn when her middle child, Jesse, suffered a devastating motorcycle accident. With a traumatic brain injury and a broken back, Jesse’s recovery was long and challenging, which shifted Deborah Lee’s focus. The experience taught her that material possessions are fleeting, but people and animals—those are the true sources of joy, love, and meaning in life. Throughout this difficult time, Deborah found solace in her Wheaton Terrier, Dixie Belle, whose unwavering companionship helped Deborah cope. Every evening, Dixie would wait at the door when Deborah returned from the hospital, offering a safe space to release the emotions she couldn’t express elsewhere. After Jesse’s release from the FINER Institute for brain injuries, Deborah Lee moved the family to Alabama to help her heal. There, she purchased a small horse ranch to create a peaceful environment for her family’s recovery. It was in this serene setting that her passion for Havanese dogs truly flourished. Her first Havanese, Scamp, brought light back into her life, followed by LeeLee, which sparked Deborah’s journey into breeding and sharing the joy of these wonderful dogs.

George’s story began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where his parents, Marjorie and George, instilled in him and his seven siblings a deep respect for all living creatures. Childhood memories of rescuing wildlife and caring for family dogs, especially Miniature Schnauzers, sparked his lifelong love for animals. After earning degrees in Finance and German from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, George spent a decade living and working in Europe building a successful career as a CFO before settling in North Carolina. There, he continued a  successful career as a CFO while embracing a life rooted in family and community.

George and Deborah Lee’s paths converged during a Super Bowl Game, where they discovered not only a shared love for dogs but a wealth of other common interests. Together, they’ve created a life that celebrates both family and animals. Deborah has three children—Michelle, Jesse, and RJ—and George has two sons, Raymond and Phillip. Michelle lives in Massachusetts with her two daughters, Hailee Elizabeth and Lily Grace. Jesse, a devoted animal lover, lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and though she struggles with seizures, she holds firm to her belief that God saved her for a purpose. RJ, a University of Alabama graduate and Marine Corps veteran, resides in Houston, Texas, where he works for Salesforce. He and his wife, Brittani, who works for Amazon, share their home with their dogs, Marley and Loki. Raymond, a retired Marine Corps captain, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a MBA from UNC and a world traveler, seeking his forever home while eagerly anticipating the day he can welcome a Portuguese Water Dog into his life. Phillip graduated NC State with a degree in Chemical Engineering and now works for a company outside of Raleigh. Phillip also has a dog named Logan. We often say we’re like the Brady Bunch—only with a whole lot of dogs! We are beyond proud of each of our children.

Our mission is simple: to raise Portuguese Water Dogs, Havanese, and Miniature Schnauzers that are true to breed standards and possess sound temperaments. These dogs are more than pets—they are beloved family members, champions in the show ring, and a constant source of joy. We are especially proud to currently own the #3 Portuguese Water Dog in America.

Life on our North Carolina ranch is a celebration of love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between humans and animals. Whether we’re hiking through the foothills, exploring local vineyards, caring for our dogs, or showing them in competitions, we are reminded daily of the blessings that come from family, community, and the unconditional love of our dogs.