Tyler and Josilee began their journey into purebred dogs with Dobermans shortly after getting married in 2015.  They were always intrigued by sighthounds and did several years of research trying to find the right breed to fit their family.  Tyler preferred the size of Whippets, and Josilee wanted something with a coat, like an Afghan Hound.  After considering each of those breeds, as well as Azawakh and Kyrgyz Taigans, they still did not feel they had found a breed that matched their lifestyle.  

When Josilee came across a Facebook post about Silken Windhounds in 2023, she was intrigued, but initially did not consider the breed, due to its lack of AKC acceptance.  A few months later, she thought about them again and did more research.  They fit every requirement she and Tyler had for their next breed.  They were close in size to Whippets, they had a longer coat that was easier to care for than an Afghan, they seemed to be very biddable, have good off-leash recall, and be good around cats and other dogs. 

On a flight to NYC in September 2023, Josilee said, "Do we really want to miss out on a breed that is a perfect match for us just because AKC doesn't recognize it yet?" Tyler began to agree.  Just days later, they happened to meet their first Silken in the park in New York City.  Meeting him confirmed that a Silken would be their next breed, but they would wait until they lost a dog.

Less than a year later, Tyler and Josilee unexpectedly lost their first Doberman, Kona.  They were distraught, but they knew that it was time to start looking for a Silken, immediately.  Their other Doberman, Kraus, was sad and lonely and in need of another dog.  After two months of searching, they were matched with Empyrean Test for Echo, by Vicki Frey.  They made the flight out to Texas and drove back with her.  She has been everything that they had hoped for, and helped them (and Kraus) heal from the loss of Kona.  

An Aralez is a winged canine from Armenian mythology that has the power to heal fallen warriors by licking their wounds.  The Aralez is a symbol of hope and healing in difficult times.  

Tyler and Josilee thought Aralez was a fitting name for their kennel, since Echo gave them hope and helped them heal after the loss of their first dog, Kona.  Echo is also very nurturing and loves to lick!  Additionally, Silkens are whimsical little fairy-dogs that deserve to be represented with wings. 

Kona was our first Doberman and first dog together.  She taught us so much about how to be good dog parents.  We are forever grateful for the radiant life that she lived and so freely dedicated to us.

Kraus is our second Doberman.  He is a big goofy boy who loves his family, vegetables, and barking at rollerbladers.  

Our first pets after we got married in 2015 were cats!  Zoey came first and Rory came about 6 weeks later.  They are best friends and keep the dogs in their place!  

In our experience, Silkens are good with cats, and puppies will be raised around them.