Ms Darke has been active in the breeding and showing of Cocker Spaniels for 25  years under the prefix Darkehaven.  She bred some 90 plus champions in all three varieties both B/O/H and using Professional Handlers achieving top honors at a national level.

Patty is a member of the American Spaniel Club where she has also been active and is a past member of the board of the ASC, has held numerous positions for the ASC including Judges Education and the Standards Committee  and also held the Executive Director and President position of the non-profit American Spaniel Club Foundation board.  She is also a member of Lake Minnetonka Kennel Club and The Hiawatha Cocker Spaniel Club. 

She has her license since 2006 and judge only cockers now but starting in 2011 will be working towards adding the other sporting breeds.

Outside of the dog activities, Ms Darke is President and Owner of Darke & Associates.