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My ownership of rough collies started in 1975, when I was 5 years old my parent’s bought a sable and white “Lassie” pup. I was ecstatic and could not wait to get home from school every day to see my puppy. His first year was interesting as he developed a passion for mum’s shoes and dad’s books but he made it through his first year and was the most loyal gentle dog anyone could wish for. He was a gentle giant. He was huge and had pricked ears but we though a beauty.
After Shep we had vowed there would be no more dogs as it was too painful to lose him, we lasted 3 weeks when we saw a advert in the local paper for sable and white puppies, so off we trotted to just to have a look at a litter of puppies, needless to say we picked a dog pup for collection the next week. We started obedience training with “Shadow” and showing was suggested so we decided to enter the show ring. It was obvious he wasn’t show quality and he also became seriously ill and was put to sleep at 18months to prevent any further suffering. I also bought a tricolour dog along the way called Storm who was a law unto himself and was rehomed with friends of the family as it became clear that keeping dogs and bitches together was no fun for anyone. He lived peacefully to 14 years old. As
a 21st birthday present my mother bought me my first bitch “Connie”
from Jean Brown. She was tricolour, and she was a “dream”,
she was gorgeous and she knew it. She loved the showring, unusual
for a rough collie, she had a wonderful shape and had the most gorgeous
head. Stronvar
Silent Dreamer At Avonfair
Connie
produced her first and my first puppies in May 1992 to Tashadon George
Washington she was a reluctant mother, she hated every minute of being
a mother she resented being confined to a whelping box, but mostly
how dirty and messy puppies were, so I had to be a quick learner to
keep 6 puppies alive day and night.
We kept a sable and white bitch “Chelsea.” Who was fiercely
independent probably due to her mother’s neglect. Chelsea was
a great puppy who won many BP and BOB and was a joy to show and own
Chelsea was also a wonderful mother when the time came. Chelsea produced
a litter of 8 in October 1995 to Roanburn Royal Oak. Avonfair
Armeria Dream Also
a long the way we purchased a sable and white bitch from Lynda James.
“Ceilidh” Jamesfair
Hot Pepper At Avonfair Over the years work and other commitment took over my life and dog showing took a back seat, until 2005 when we lost Connie at 15 years I was devastated I still think of her everyday. Again vowed I was not having anymore but decided to go along to SKC champ show in May 2005 and for some reason decided I wanted to renter the ring. We looked around for a sable bitch pup, tricolours are my favourite but I felt I was too raw for tricolour. In September we finally got “Cassidy” from Val Setchell. Cassidy has taken her time in maturing but is a lovely bitch with a great temperament.Cassidy has been well placed at every show she attended gaining BOB and Group placings, she then took time out to rear an exceptional litter of 3 puppies.
From this litter we have kept the only bitch puppy that we hope to campaign later in the year. Avonfair
Star Attraction
and Reserve Best Puppy in Show. It was a wonderful day.. SCOTTISH KENNEL CLUB Puppy of the Year Contest. Coral was invited to the Puppy of the Year contest on the 10th February 2008 where she got through to the final round and was placed 3rd by Judge Miss Sue Dykes. We are alo pleases to welcome to our Kennel SAMHAVEN CLASSICAL MUSIC
Pheobe
joined us at the end of 2007 and we look forward to showing her in
the Spring.
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