I created this page to celebrate my dogs, puppy homes, and discover other like-minded individuals who share my values and lifestyle. The community that these dogs have introduced me to is a wonderful place; many of the folks that I have met through the dog world have become like a second family to me.
I selected the Hawaiian word 'olina, meaning joy, as my kennel name because these dogs are a source of constant joy in my life. As therapy dogs, Polly and Isla have had the opportunity to spread joy into the lives of many others as well. We lived on O'ahu for several years. Isla's first litter was whelped there. Although Hawaii is unrelated to the origin of the Vizsla, it is the most dog friendly place that I have ever lived and very conducive to living the lifestyle that best suits the breed.
Although Olina Vizslas began in Hawaii, where several of Isla's puppies still reside, we are currently located in Kansas City, Missouri.
I have intentionally selected photos that show the type of lifestyle that I lead with my dogs. I breed very infrequently and selectively. My dogs are my pets first and foremost. They live with me in my home, sleep on my bed and go on vacation with me whenever possible. I only keep three dogs so that I can give each dog the love, attention and training that they require. I do not place my adults when they are done being bred. My puppies go home with the expectation that their families will keep in close touch with me and continue to visit and participate in activities throughout the dog's lifetime. My dogs are avid hikers...you will notice that we are constantly on the move, constantly traveling and experiencing the world together and I expect no less from the homes that seek my puppies.
Hani is from Isla’s first litter (x Riker), born on Oʻahu, and was the first dog I ever exhibited at Nationals — where he won his 6–9 month sweeps class and placed second in futurity. Energetic, mischievous, and full of charm, Hani is a true velcro Vizsla with a strong desire to please. He earned his Junior Hunter title with four straight passes and brings that same drive to everything he does. At home, he’s affectionate and silly — always greeting us with socks or shoes in his mouth and ready for a cuddle.
Elva is my first home-bred bitch and everything I hoped for. She exudes the elegance and athleticism that define true Vizsla type. Sweet, affectionate, and adventurous, she took to canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming with ease. She also shows strong drive and enthusiasm for barn hunt. Outgoing, playful, and remarkably steady, she’s one of the least anxious Vizslas I’ve met — truly our perfect puppy. We can’t wait to dive into the world of competitive dog sports with her!
Polly was my first Vizsla and the dog who started it all. A thinker and an old soul, she was deeply intuitive. We completed therapy dog training before her first birthday, and she went on to volunteer for years through Delta (now Pet Partners) and the Red Cross' Human Animal Bond Program in Florida, Texas, and Hawaiʻi.
Polly was enthusiastic about adventure — a born hunter with a great nose. She loved hiking almost as much as she loved the beach, and at the mere mention of either, she'd whine and howl with excitement. Though never bred, Polly left an indelible mark on my life. She was my very first adventure dog.
Isla, bred by Debbie Sullivan in Orange, TX, was the foundation bitch of Olina and the heart of our program. Sweet, gentle, and laid-back, she tread lightly on this earth and left a lasting mark. Isla was deeply affectionate and an eager hunter — a beautiful balance of softness and drive. She was certified as a therapy dog through the Red Cross' Human Animal Bond Program, sharing her calm, sweet presence with others. Isla had three beautiful litters and spent her retirement at home with me, where she was deeply loved. We miss her every day.
The AKC mandates that Vizslas have a hip and elbow dysplasia examination and eyes examination performed by a boarded ACVO ophthalmologist. The VCA also recommends having a cardiac evaluation and autoimmune thyroiditis check. I have all five items checked/cleared; this can be verified at the orthopedic foundation for animals website.
A Vizsla should be cheerful, adaptable, curious, and even keel. I strive to preserve this temperament in my breeding program. I use Jane Killion's Puppy Culture Protocols, which emphasizes early exposure and training, to help grow the puppies into the best adventure-seeking dogs that they can be.
Building a dog whose ability to exercise closely matches their desire to do so is of the utmost importance. Vizslas have a significant drive to run and hunt. My dogs aren't just from champion bloodlines, they ARE champions, meaning that they conform to the AKC standard..just as their parents and grandparents and so on.
Having a passion for this breed, a strong desire to fulfill the energy requirements of your dog, and wanting to see your dog utilize its assets to the best of its ability unite us. I am a member of the Vizsla Club of America (VCA) and the Tampa Bay Vizsla Club (TBVC). I strive to keep in close touch with the Olina Vizsla family.
With the prevalence of cancer in the canine community, it is incredibly important to take measures to keep our dogs healthy and safe; I encourage feeding a raw diet, finding a holistic Veterenarian, never using pesticides (on your lawn OR on your dog), and following DVM Jean Dodds' limited vaccine protocol.