Von Marja Kennels was founded in 1989 by Mary Von Drehle and her late husband Rusty Rhoads, after purchase of their first PON, "Elzbieta’s Kewalder", known to them as "Shadow". Mary and her husband became interested in PONs in the early 1980s. They spent several years searching to locate a PON from Poland before they learned of Kaz and Betty Augustowski, who had PONs available in Maryland. In 1986, Shadow was acquired from the Augustowskis -- sight unseen -- as was the case with many owners at that time. "Shadow" was the 75th PON to be born in the United States.

Once they had Shadow, Rusty and Mary fell in love with this breed. They became interested in showing in the rare breed circles and later, in breeding. They obtained "Elzbieta’s Karolek z Gwiazdy" whom they called "Charlie" and acquired "Ciena", a daughter of "Inbred Lapowka", the breed’s first Specialty winner, from Dr. Tom Borkowski and Dr. Margaret Supronowicz. Their first PON litter was sired by the outstanding Polish CH."Premier Oligarchia" while on a stateside visit in 1991. Two black and white females, "Missy" and "Blaize", were retained from this breeding.

Following Rusty's unexpected death in 1992, Mary continued with her dedication to reviving the breed and establishing PONs in the United States. Through her interest in PONs, she became acquainted with Cle Francis when he made a visit to film her PONs for the first video produced on the breed. They have been together since that time and currently reside with their PONs on Grand Lake in northeastern Oklahoma.

Von Marja Kennels has produced a number of champions and provided foundation stock for many PON Kennels. In addition to competing in conformation, Von Marja PONs have attained Therapy and Herding certifications, as well as Obedience and Agility titles.