1984 I acquired my first pedigree dog, which was a Rough Collie.
In 1986, on taking her to obedience classes, the instructor asked if
I had entered her for the forthcoming Limerick Championship show.
As I had never been to a dog show before and did not know the
procedure, he made the entry for me. I took her and was bitten
by the bug straight away, but then decided to show a small dog. I
joined partnership with Joe Shire.
Then we bought a beautiful pom
from Madge and Mai Mc Mahon, from the GLAISNIONN Kennels in Dublin.
We did exceptionally well with 'Lady', she acquired 41 points, but
never became a champion as she was short one major. We did not
want to continue with poms, and we never bred from Lady, as we
always felt she was too small, she died in 2001, aged 15 years old.
1987 we bought our first Apso, a
black & white parti girl from the RAGOOSA Kennels. (Ragoosa
Ebony Glow at Bentarsna, i.e. Shiloh). Then in 1990 we
bought a dog from the SAXONSPRINGS Kennels. (Saxonsprings
Bailey at Bentarsna, i.e. Bailey).
He was our first
champion in the breed, attaining Reserve Best in Show at
Bray All Breed Ch Show 1992. He also qualified for
Top Irish Show dog of the year Finals.
We later acquired
other dogs from these Kennels. Namely, Ryan (Ragoosa Wot
Now at Bentarsna), Kelly, (Ragoosa Miss Quested) &
Felicity (Oraysha Slice Me Nice),and Scarlett
(Saxonsprings Lady Lisette at Bentarsna).
In 1988 we bought our first Lowchen from the SHIMEESHA
Kennels in the UK. Leo, (Shimeesah Space Wolf at
Bentarsna), was not only our first champion in the
breed,
|
 |
but our 'first' champion, gaining his title in
1990. He also won a toy group and reserve toy group. He
died in 2001 aged 14 years old.
In 1991 we acquired our first
Portuguese Water Dog, from the RYSALKA Kennels in the UK. Meg
(Rysalka Moon Masquerade at Bentarsna) became a champion and is the
mother and grandmother of my two current PWD’s.
I am a Championship Best in Show judge and FCI approved, having
judged at both National and International level, awarding greens
stars, CAC’s and CACIB’s.
I have had the pleasure to judge in
Ireland, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Spain.
We hope you will enjoy visiting our website and please feel free to
sign our guest book.
Flo and Joe
