Born in the 50's and growing up with two older brothers, her world was varied but kept on an even keel due to the diligence of her mother. On into the 60's, Kay had become a flower child and wonderlust began to set in. In the 70's, after learning the art of bellydancing, playing the guitar, racing snowmobiles and riding motorcyles, the excursions began.

From crossing the country by land, sailing the seas from Michigan to Florida and the Bahamas in her thirty foot sailboat, flying the skies in a friend's Cessna, just added to the excitement of life. Of course, when Kay got to California, she found her wonderful companion for the next fifteen years, Sierra. Sierra was a Samoyed/Shepherd mix.

When the 80's approached, family became extremely important, so the move to Florida to be near Kay's parents was paramount. Both brothers resided in California and had families and responsibilities. Starting out scrubbing decks of boats, Kay ended up with a Harbourmaster position at a three hundred slip marina on the Gulf Coast and soon after, a USCG Captain's license to her credit.

A new experience was then added to Kay's life, "Marriage". Owning a home, entertaining, cooking, and most importantly, for the first time in her life she had "matching towels". Life was good until her mother became ill. Kay left the marina to care for her mother during her long illness and eventual death. She was impressed with the services of Hospice and became a volunteer. In the meantime, Kay and her husband found Murphy, the most loving, well adjusted Lhasa they had ever known.

Next was the brutal experience of having to put down Kay's best friend, Sierra. Kay says it was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life and will always miss Sierra. Soon after, Kay realized that Murphy needed a buddy during the days while she was working, so they found Hanna, another Lhasa. This dog had a real attitude. Finding out later that Hanna had a heart disease, it became apparent that this was probably what made her miserable.

The following seven years, Kay would serve as part of the staff as Volunteer Coordinator for Southwest Florida Branch of Hospice. It was a life changing experience to say the least.

Kay's husband, after many years of building his dream sailboat, finished it with pride and was anxious to set sail for unknown parts. Kay realized that she did not want to inhibit anyone's life, especially those she loved. Since she felt needed in her work and wanted to be near her parents, a divorce was to follow and they remain best friends.

The 90's brought many challenges to even the most experienced person. What broke the spell was the purchase of a 1979 Red Corvette named Ruby. Kay joined the local Corvette Club and dug in her heels to the life of competition. She won two State Championships back to back from showing her "Ruby" througout Florida.

As the 90's were winding to a close, single life was to be no more. Kay met Ken. From the day they met, they have been inseparable and support each other in whatever each does with enthusiasm. Kay has "matching towels" once again. A career job became second to the homelife she created with Ken and her two Lhasa's, Murphy and Hannah.

The New Millenium approached with Kay having mixed feelings. Hanna, the nine year old Lhasa, passed away from the rare heart disease she had since she was born. The search for another Lhasa with good breeding began. From that search of the perfect puppy, came two close friends, Patti & Cliff, who have been involved with the breeding of Lhasa's for over twenty-five years. Kay and Ken found their new Lhasa, Lucy. Lucy had a beautiful "Lotus Galaxy" red coat, was extremely intelligent and aware of everything that goes on around her.

Life was good again until the news came about Kay's father. Kay found herself at the bedside of her surviving parent. After ten days of being at her father's side, his journey was over.

Soon after Lucy came to Kay and Ken, their beloved Murphy, after years of reeling back from numerous grand mal seizures, left them. A Superbowl Sunday spent at Patti & Cliff's house proved to be a very special day. Roxy Rising was to come home with them, a three month old puppy left over from the recent litter. Not the prettiest thing as a puppy, Roxy has grown into the most beautiful creature they had ever seen. Her photos are throughout the "Pawz" line.

Kay and Ken's dog show lives were about to begin. They went to classes, bought equipment, traded the car in for a van, of course, a new top of the line digital camera, shampoos, conditioners, brushes and combs, etc. They showed Roxy for two years and won some and lost some. She has several AKC points and is an International Champion with the the ACC.

Right around this time, they added a new addition to their Lhasa family. Due to doggie dynamics at Patti and Cliff's house, Goldie, the mother of Lucy and Roxy came to live with them. She is six years old and just loves her new parents. Goldie is quite shy and timid but feels safe and secure in her new home with her "kids".

Kay and Ken took a break from showing last year to enjoy their human families. Nieces were graduating and getting married, which gave Kay the opportunity to go back to California and reminisce. Ken's son's marriage to Cindy and the birth of their daughter, Elena was a very special time in their lives.

Which brings us to the NOW. A new adventure in capturing the love of their Lhasa's and other people's love of their pets in a line of greeting cards named appropriately....."PAWZ".

Ken is an agent for a national insurance company and is interested in the stock market. Ken is very passionate about the Lhasa's and very protective. He loves grooming them and cooking special meals for them nightly. The prize at the end of a workday for Ken is when he comes home and the Lhasa greetings begin.

Statement by Kay O'Toole:

"The great overwhelming love of all the dogs in my life inspires me to attempt to capture that emotion and express it through my work. I hope that I am half the person that my dogs think that I am."