About Us
Since 1991, Zareba has been dedicated to the betterment of our breed in every way.
Through our involvement in Ridgeback events, clubs and activitites with our dogs who act as ambassadors to the breed, we put the well being of our dogs and our breed first. Our goal is to produce Rhodesian Ridgebacks that have correct conformation and breed type, that are healthy and have wonderful temperaments. We are always striving to produce sound Rhodesian Ridgebacks that fully embody the Ridgeback Standard as illustrated by the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States and recognized by the American Kennel Club. Our Ridgebacks are an important part of our daily life!
Each individual dog contributes something special to our breeding program and our thoughtful planning shows in the beauty, temperament and successes of our dogs. It is with careful consideration in our breedings that make our Ridgebacks the wonderful, well adjusted and beautiful companions that they are. Visit us to see more of our Ridgebacks and what we do with them; at home, dog shows, lure-coursing, and everything in between. See below to find out more about how Zareba got started.
Member in good standing:
Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States
Raisin River Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Michigan
Michigan Hound Association
Marie, Marcin, Sonia and Maksym Glodowski
I saw my first Rhodesian Ridgeback in 1993 and life has been different ever since... Her name was Keesha, (Am/Can Ch. Callyhi's Keesha of Koya, ROM) owned by my then future mentor, Tea Cooper of Zareba Ridgebacks. Little did I know, Keesha would be the dam of "Captain", my first show dog and constant companion.
In 1994, as a Junior Handler I started going to dog shows with Tea, helping her with her pack of 3 while learning the basics of dog shows and handling. In 1995 after getting up for weekend dog shows at 5:30 am Tea decided I was ready to co-own my first RR, "Kyle" (Ch. Zareba's Good Humor Man), with her and Pam Mauritho. "Kyle" became my Junior Showmanship dog and together we won many Best Junior Handler Awards including Best Junior Handler at the 1998 RRCUS National Specialty in Batavia, NY.
After several years of dedication to dog shows, my parents agreed to let me get a dog of my own in 1998. Then, all I wanted was a show quality dog for Junior Showmanship and the breed ring but I got Captain (out of Keesha) who is so much more. He was a performance dog that loved to work for me. Captain was completely owner-handled to his AKC conformation championship with 4 majors, including back-to-back 5 point majors. In April 2006, Captain completed the requirements of the Versatility Certificate (VC), an award offered by RRCUS to dogs that compete in various performance events while earning titles completely owner-handled. The highlight of handling dogs in conformation has been winning Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club in 2013 with a Belgian Malinois named "Nia".
Over the years, I've taken leadership roles in the Raisin River Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Michigan and have been a President, Vice President, Show Chair and on the Board of Directors. I am also on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Hound Association. Previously, I served as the Recording Secretary for the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.
Ultimately, I am proud to carry on the Zareba name which Tea worked so diligently to establish. My successes, in large part are a direct result of the influence of Tea and the knowledge that she has passed on to me.
We hope to instill the love of Ridgebacks into our two children in hopes they will have the same positive experiences and fulfillment that we have had over the past 25 years.
-Marie Glodowski, Zareba Rhodesian Ridgebacks
How Marcin got started...
In 2006, I met my boyfriend who later became my husband, Marcin. I knew when he offered to take Captain to his house and let him sleep in bed because Pasia was in season, he would be a keeper. Captain loved being with Marcin and they became fast friends. Captain was even in our wedding. Over the next few years, Marcin embraced the "dog-show lifestyle" touring the country with me and the dogs and learning about Ridgebacks, dog shows and making friends along the way.
He has always been supportive, enthusiastic, helpful and encouraging; it is without him that having a dog ranked like Bess would never have been possible, or having a dog win Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 2013 (checked that off the bucket list with a Belgian Malinois named Nia) would have never happened. Marcin has developed an eye for the dogs, become confident and comfortable in the show ring and enjoys serving on the Raisin River club BOD and helping or participating in lure-coursing. Today we continue the line that Tea so conscientiously established as a team. Together we share Pasia, Bess, Aurora, Sorin and Gemma, our resident Belgian Malinois.
Lauren Michaels and Matt Massey
Lauren Michaels was my best friend first, but then was somehow able to be persuaded into getting a show dog. She has been involved with Ridgebacks since 2012 when she got a show male named Zeppelin.
Two more dogs later, Lauren didn’t know she’d end up being so involved but has jumped in full force and is an integral part of Zareba. Without a Lauren, Zareba wouldn't have the presence it currently does, her help, input, time and love for the dogs is extremely valuable and cannot be replaced. We are lucky to have a friend and partner like her.
Lauren has been involved in many activities, has served on the Raisin River club BOD, participates in events and is known for “corrupting” the dogs by letting them sleep in bed with her. They no longer want the dog bed after being at Laurens! Currently Lauren has Zeppelin, Floyd and Sorin and the occasional visitor from Marcin and Marie. She competes in obedience, has just started nose work with Zeppelin and loves to go lure-coursing with Floyd who is tough competition. Floyd is also looking to try his agility skills and Sorin is quite competitive in the show ring.