Why "Tailwind" Labradors?

When I started dreaming about this journey, I knew the name had to mean something—it couldn’t just sound nice or look good on a logo. It had to carry weight. It had to reflect the life we’ve built, the people who shaped it, and the legacy I want to honor. After many late nights and long walks with my dogs, “Tailwind” finally landed—and it felt just right.

My husband Taylor has been my rock through every step of this journey. He’s not just the behind-the-scenes guy who builds kennels and handles vet runs—he’s a big part of this whole operation. So when I thought about naming the kennel, I knew I wanted to honor him in some way. His family's story is woven into the land we live on, the air we breathe, and the values of hard work that we pass on to our kids.

Taylor’s great-grandfather, Alphonse Quesnel, and grandfather John Quesnel built what is now the Middlebury State Airport. They also owned and operated Dustaire, Inc., a family business that used planes to care for fruit orchards across New England. But it wasn’t just about work—they flew for joy. They’d step out the back door, hop into a plane, and take off for a spontaneous family adventure. Their hangars were playgrounds. Their flights were freedom.

We were lucky enough to build our forever home on Airport Road, surrounded by land still held by our family. Every day, we hear the hum of small planes overhead—a gentle reminder of the life Alphonse and John made possible for us. It’s not just history. It’s our present. It’s our children growing up with the same sense of wonder and possibility.

“Tailwind” is a nod to all of that. In aviation, a tailwind helps you move forward faster, with less resistance. That’s what this life has felt like—with Taylor, with our kids, with these incredible dogs. It’s momentum, legacy, and love, all wrapped into one word.

And every time I say it, I’m reminded of where we came from—and where we’re going.