The Good Breeder Spotlight Column: Raina

I am Raina Moss, a 24-year-old Clumber Spaniel-obsessed dog enthusiast, and preservation breeder behind Rainsway Clumber Spaniels located in the Pacific Northwest. When I was a young child, I vividly remember being scared of dogs. Through a series of events, my life took a wild turn, and dogs became the very heart of it. Now, I’m 24 years old and I have spent the last 12 years of my life dedicating every free moment of time — and every free moment of thought — to dogs. Specifically, Clumber Spaniels.

I was 8 years old when I got my first dog. A gun dog breeder who lived not too far away from my family unexpectedly passed away, and his dogs had to be rehomed. We were offered one of the breeder’s Springer Spaniels, among them two young sisters, Zoey and Tessa. Zoey was outgoing and friendly, while Tessa was shy and timid. We learned that for a time after the breeder had passed away, the dogs had been left to fend for themselves before they were found, and during this time Tessa had a litter of puppies who all died of malnourishment. My Mom wanted Zoey, an easy choice to become a great family companion for my brothers and I. However, Tessa, who understandably seemed scared of her own shadow, came and sat by me —an 8-year-old who was afraid of dogs. Perhaps this was the turning point for the rest of my life.

Tessa chose me, and I was her person from that day on. Somehow, I talked my Mom and Dad into keeping both sisters. Shortly after, my Mom enrolled me and Tessa in our local Dog 4-H program. While Tessa was very reserved, much due to her tragedy, in 4-H we were able to work through this.

If you don’t know, 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization founded over 100 years ago, centered around agriculture and related subjects. In the 4-H Dog project, youth gain hands-on learning experience that develops life skills, and learn all things ‘dog’. From general care, health care, nutrition, housing, to training and working with your dog to compete in events like showmanship, obedience, agility and rally, 4-H teaches youth responsible dog ownership.

I developed a massive passion for dogs after that. I loved training Tessa in all the events, and it came so easy to me. I excelled in 4-H and immersed myself into learning all I could. The following year, my 4-H leader took my Mom and me to our first American Kennel Club (AKC) dog show as spectators, and I fell in love with a Clumber Spaniel at first sight — literally love at first sight. 

We were directed to a breeder who happened to have a litter of Clumber Spaniels, so we did some research and arranged to come visit the breeder at her home. We, of course, didn’t expect to be bringing a Clumber home with us during that visit, but as soon as we arrived, 7-month-old Betty ran out the door and straight to me! So I sat in the breeder's driveway hugging her. Betty left with us that day, riding at my feet the whole drive home. When we got home, I set up her crate at the end of my bed.

I competed in 4-H and AKC Conformation & Junior events with Betty. In AKC Conformation, a dog is judged on how well he or she fits to the breed standard. Junior events are for ages 9-18 and winners are based on the handler’s showmanship. I finished Betty’s AKC Championship and Grand Championship in Conformation, and in 2011 achieved my next goal. Betty and I were Invited to the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for both the Clumber Spaniel Breed competition and the Limited Juniors Event. 

Later, in 2012, we embarked on our next adventure. After completing all Betty’s health clearances, and careful research, my mom and I picked a stud dog, bred Betty, and welcomed our first litter — Betty’s only — of three beautiful Rainsway Clumber Spaniel girls. This was just the beginning!

During the following years, I continued to be a part of 4-H and became a youth leader, helping other young dog enthusiasts find their passion for dogs, while competing in AKC Conformation and Juniors, and continuing my breeding program. In Juniors, I became the first Junior showing a Clumber to be ranked #1 Sporting Dog Junior Handler in the country and place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In 2015, I won Best Junior Handler at the AKC National Championship which took me to CRUFTS – the largest dog show in the world—where I represented the USA and was shortlisted in the Top 10 Junior handlers in the world. All my accomplishments in Juniors were with a Clumber Spaniel on the end of my show lead.

Like all great successes, I am not the only person behind Rainsway Clumbers. Rainsway Clumbers has been a collaborative effort with valuable mentors and breeding partners. I am extremely thankful to have had such supportive parents, who believed in me and my love of dogs since that day Tessa walked into my life. I am especially lucky to have my Mom, Darcy, as the second half of Rainsway Clumbers every step of the way. After we brought home Betty, her breeder, Janice Scott of Clumons Clumbers in Oregon, became an invaluable mentor and supporter to me. When I bred Betty, the stud dog breeders, Milford Cole and Peggy Holman of Cajun Clumbers in Louisiana, quickly became forever breeding partners and family to me.

Today, Rainsway is among the top breeders for Clumber Spaniels, and we have had a Clumber in the Top Five AKC standings since 2013, multiple Sporting Group winners, multiple Specialty & National Specialty winners, and an All-Breed Best in Show Winner. Together with Cajun Clumbers, we have bred multiple #1 Clumber Spaniels in AKC standings, including Razzles #1 All-Breed in 2019, Reese’s #1 Breed in 2020 and Dunkin Donuts is currently the #1 Clumber Spaniel All-Breed thus far in 2021.

I breed Clumbers not only because I have a dire passion to preserve this magnificent breed, but also because I want to provide healthy, predictable companions for people. I promote responsible dog ownership, help with rescues, and enjoy participating in the showing/breeding community of purebred dogs throughout the world. I’m excited that I have a lifetime ahead of me to dedicate to this breed. 

As an ambassador for responsible breeding practices and dog ownership, I believe it’s important to be transparent and this is exactly what Good Dog is doing — making it simple for people to get dogs from good sources and make quality more accessible. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Good Dog Family.

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