DOGS ... mostly Dalmatians!
I grew up with German Shepherds and throughout my life, I have owned Miniature Poodles and at one time my four legged friend was a cute little Lakeland Terrier called Dougal.
My first Dalmatian Midas ('Upjust Canasta Lad' - Colonsay/Tantivvy breeding) arrived in 1971. He was a wonderful boy with a temperament to match, and much to everyone's amusement he excelled at indoor show jumping.
Midas was replaced by Thomas ('Cragvallie Shikaree'), a lovely boy with, once again, a superb temperament. With the demise of Thomas came Benson ('Packway Peat') in 1999 and it seemed to me that his movement might be good enough for the show ring. His breeders, Gillian and Peter Lucas, confirmed this when we met at paignton Championship show in 1999 after which I decided that it might be fun to join the canine showing world. Benson achieved two firsts at his first Championship show. BUBA 1999, judge Mr D Cresswell.
And a place in his class at Crufts in 2000 - Judged by Ernie Patterson. Encouraged by this success and other good results I decided to carry on with this pleasant pursuit.
Kate ('Next at Knightstone'), a beautiful girl, was kindly given to me by Pat Kindersley after she had won many awards including 3 Reserve CCs.
Then came the Washakie girls. I first saw Desi ('Washakie Desert Orchid SHCM' - ' Ch Tollwood Lionel at Kilndandy' / 'Ch Washakie Indian Sunrise') being handled by Karen Goff-Leggett at a show and realised at once that I would love to show this super girl. Karen agreed to enter into a partnership whereby I purchased one half of Desi and Karen would have the first litter. Sadly, although mated to Benson and to Karen's Paris ('Ch Nutcracker Prince') no puppies were forthcoming, a great disappointment as this would have been my first litter.
Desi was shown by Karen until she was 9 months old and then shown by myself. To date she has achieved many open show group places and championship show places in breed classes, culminating with the award of a Show Certificate of Merit in 2007.
Clara ('Washakie Sugar Plum' - 'Aust Gr ChPampard Parisian Prince' / 'Washakie Smiles a Lot'
Clara out and about on Dartmoor. And seen here with Karen are, on the left 'Mullabouy Miss Chief of Washakie JW' and right is 'Ch. Washakie Nutcracker Prince'
Latest News: Washakie Aslan, Clara's litter brother joined the Washakie girls in September 2012. Shown lightly by Karen, he has one Reserve CC and many first places at championship level. Thanks to Karen for allowing to show her beautiful boy.
Clara was purchased from Karen as a puppy in 2008 and shown in partnership, she has achieved many puppy group firsts and places at open shows and a first place at her first championship show (Judge: Ann Bliss).
Clara was 2nd in her class at Crufts in 2009
Since then she has been shown spasmodically due to an injury to my spine but I hope to return to the show ring with her and Desi in 2012.
I must thank Karen for the opportunity to own and show these two wonderful girls and Aslan. They give me so much pleasure and I hope to carry on enjoying the company of so many kind and interesting people in the dog world whilst showing Desi and Clara.
Shellyhams has been our home for the past 20 years is situated near the lovely Devon village of South Tawton overlooking Dartmoor.