Our Vision

Our vision is to redefine the role of dogs in modern society by breeding Stokeshire dogs that embody beauty, exceptional pedigrees, and unmatched purpose. As a luxury brand, we aim to elevate the perception of breeders, creating a new paradigm where intentionally well-bred dogs are seen as essential partners in therapy, education, and professional environments. From enhancing the lives of children and families to supporting veterans and clinicians, our dogs are more than companions—they are life-changers, redefining the relationship between humans and animals, and transforming the adoption experience with intention, care, transparency, and excellence.

As a child, James, Co-Founder of Stokeshire, spent long periods away from his family due to an interstate custody agreement. During this time, animals—especially his beloved dog, Ripley—helped him overcome debilitating homesickness and anxiety. His childhood sparked a deep love and respect for all creatures, particularly horses and dogs (and even cats, though snakes and sharks are barely tolerated).

Now a father of ten, James has dedicated his life to creating a nurturing environment for both his children and their pets. Growing up on a five-generation dairy farm in Central Wisconsin instilled in him the values of hard work, empathy, and respect for all living things and the land that sustained them.

He often imagined how much easier and less lonely his childhood would have been if he could have taken his dog along on those long flights and visits. School was often a challenging environment for him, filled with boys who sensed his empathy and bullied him throughout his formative years.

After serving as the director of a children's museum, launching a licensed summer camp, and working within a local school district and alongside a behavioral health company, James became convinced that every school—and pretty much everywhere children gather—should have dogs. Animals are essential; they can see, feel, and hear children's emotions better than we can!

After undergoing therapy, James began to process some of his childhood trauma. He discovered a universal truth: the healing power of dogs can break down barriers, including the fear of strangers—after all, it’s perfectly acceptable to strike up a conversation with someone if they’re holding a leash and have a friendly pup in tow. Dogs have the ability to love unconditionally and allow us to be the deepest and truest versions of ourselves without the fear of rejection or ridicule. They love us just as we are; theirs - broken and flawed humans.

Then COVID-19 struck, amplifying the need for healing across society.

Years earlier, a plan had been sketched out on the "back of a napkin," sealed in an envelope. This plan included the vision of Stokeshire—before it even had a name—a dream of a house on a hill, surrounded by animals and flourishing gardens. Like any grand vision, it began with small steps that gradually transformed into the marathon of life and for LIFE. For those who have ventured into self-employment or run a business, you understand that every day and late night, as I’m writing this it is 1:04 am, is a journey toward the next stage of whatever comes next, filled with hope, hard work, and a lot of prayers!

Along the way, it became clear that many systems in the breeder world appeared broken or fell short of our expectations. We wanted to be part of a better way of doing things, but where to start? We reflected on our own experiences: How could we improve? Were healthier, happier dogs out there? Were better breeders available? How far would we need to travel? Could we manage every aspect of our client’s journeys—from the initial contact to the joyful delivery of their new best friend and possible life changer?

We longed for a process that received the attention, time, clarity, and anticipation we wished we had during our journeys. Why should finding a dog feel scary or sketchy? Could we change the narrative? And how much time would we need to devote to social media when our true focus was on our program, our kids, and our clients—their stories and experiences?

We discovered that when you do things differently people notice.

Some resonated with our mission, while also revealing skeptics. In response, we made it our mission to educate—starting with our clients and extending to fellow breeders and the broader dog-loving community.

Our dedication to improvement led James back to school and fueled our continuous investment in our breeding program. Together, we’ve had the privilege of placing our dogs in loving homes across the country—homes that recognize the difference we strive to make. We feel incredibly blessed to gift families and individuals through our Red Fern Mission Scholarship, sharing their stories with the greater Stokeshire family.

Our commitment goes beyond breeding exceptional dogs; we are dedicated to transforming societal perceptions of doodle breeders. We aim to elevate breeding standards and practices, ensuring that dogs are seen as vital partners in therapy, education, and various professional settings. We envision a future where breeders like us are part of the solution, not the problem.