I was raised in a small village, my father having racing greyhounds from the well known 'Westmead' kennel and for many years I went racing with him every chance I got and we had great success,there were good days and bad but some really memorable occasions and some great wins.
I left home at 16 and lived at a Quarantine Kennels in Bedfordshire working in the kennels for the 'Colonel,' a retired army man who took me shooting with his labradors at weekends.This was a total change from racing greyhounds but I was quick to learn. He gave me the first dog of my own, a lovely yellow labrador who I named Paxo! ( but that`s a long story)
While working at the kennels two Llasa Apso`s were imported in from America to a Show Kennel and after their 6mnths quarantine the breeder who imported them made me an offer I couldn`t refuse. I went to work for her to learn all about the showing side of the dog world,which is where I caught this showing bug, now over 25 yrs ago.
I aquired my first love a blue roan cocker in 1988 after saving up for what seemed like ages.With two small girls things were difficult. Known as 'Blue' (that's original !!) he was from Bitcon breeding, I then started showing at exemption shows with some success.
I was truly bitten by the bug and more cockers followed progressing on to Open and Championship Shows. Now many years later I mainly have black and golden but I have aquired a blue roan cocker to join my small kennel. Nearly all the dogs I have shown have been Crufts qualified, two of them winning their classes at Crufts and aquiring Stud Book No`s and one a JW. My latest additions are also Crufts qualified and doing well.
Dogs have always been a big part of my life, but Cockers have my heart.
We are a small hobby show kennel and only breed the occasional litter, all dogs are Hip Scored, PRA and FN Tested before being bred from or are clear by parentage.
I am currently on The Cocker Spaniel Club (parent club of the breed) and The Cocker Spaniel Breed Council `B`Judging Lists as a Breed Specialist.
