Hopelpopel Scottish Terriers

Welcome to Highgrove Hill, situated atop Russell Mountain in Western Massachusetts!

Our Story

Although Terriers had been a part of Gail's life since childhood, our Scottie adventures began with 'Jilly' over 20 years ago. Back then, our six year old daughter and only child, Annette longed for a forever playmate. Along came our tiny Jill. For the next twelve years the two were best friends. Sadly, just before Annette left for college our little Jilly passed away. To this day we so miss our Jilly.
With Annette away, we began to open our home to many rescues and fosters. We rescued our second Scottie puppy, 'Scout' from under a dirt porch on an old farm. Scout joined our family and brings joy to everyone she meets.

Our love and interest in the Scottish Terrier breed drew us to the show world began with 'Jasper'. Just for fun, Gail took this 9 month old pup to a show and received a 3 point major, quite an honor for a novice. As Gail and Jasper learned their craft together the awards kept coming. Jasper became our first champion. Underlying Jasper's prowess in the ring is his wonderful, sunny nature and happy- go- lucky,loving personality. He has sired several litters with beautiful puppies we began showing his daughter, Caledonia this Summer and she needs a single major to receive her AKC Championship.
In the seven years we have been showing our Scotties we have been blessed with four champions- and several more on their way. We have been rewarded, too, with the friendship of those that believed in us and our line. The show ribbons are wonderful, but more important our lives have been enriched by the wonderful friends and mentors we have met through our Scotties. It is so wonderful to watch our dogs excel in the agility ring, doing obedience training, visiting nursing home patients and bringing so much happiness to their owners.

Setter Symposium
Jim and I have always admired the Irish Setters. Growing up, Jim spent many hours with his Uncle and his Irish Setters hunting pheasant and Quail. Last Summer after a great deal of research I hoped to find the Irish Setter of our dreams. This led me to a well knows breeder /handler in Ontario and Missy. Missy was to a show prospect, but shortly after I picked her up she developed severe health problems. After exhaustive tests and conversations with Veterinary experts from around the country, Missy was diagnoised with a immune deficiency disorder which seems to be common in the breed. Missy seems to be oblivious to her ailment, she is a brave trooper that continues to bring joy to everyone around her.	Missy explores her talents as a "bird dog" by first sniffing a quail.
The Quail seems equally curious of this "big red dog"!	Bird dog expert Cathie walks Missy through the woods as Jim shoots the pictures and I walk far behind
Missy found the bird and is in a "set" position.	Missy finds another bird!
Missy thanks Cathie for all the fun with a great big "Missy kissy".	So much for the fun, it's time to get some grooming advice!
Now, it's time to learn to stack for shows. I think Missy prefers flushing the birds to the show ring!