History ~ About Me

The past has shaped my present more than anyone could possibly guess, and the future is a place I cant wait
to see. I thought it only right to recall those special influences here… and it is very much by way of thanks!
Contrary to many breed introductions I had no ‘dog mad’ family member who introduced me to German
Shepherds and took me along to a dog show as a kid! My grandmother had a pet German Shepherd named
‘Rebel’ who was pretty much a family member and I spent most visits to her curled up on top of the dog
behind her chair, chatting away to him… much to my mothers horror (she not being very animal minded
herself.) But visits weren’t that frequent and I don’t remember him anywhere other than the space behind
Nana’s chair…. He could be to blame though……

At high school, invited to a friends house for lunch, I discovered her family’s three German shepherds and a
hallway lined with coloured rosettes. They enjoyed GSDs as a hobby, but introduced me to Roseanne McGinn
(Auntie Zahn) and her daughter Mandy (Hundark GSD) who recognised and nurtured what was becoming a
quite overwhelming interest and so, bolstered by Roseanne’s assurances after a bit of training at the
‘Scottish Western Alsatian Club’, I entered my first ‘Junior Handling’ class on 26th June 1988 with one of
her lovely characters ‘Blue.’

We won that class – I was hooked, amazed by the red rosette, thrilled with the trophy which still sits on my
shelf to this day and even more so by the comments of the judge who thought me a ‘natural’ and a ‘handler
of the future’ – bless you Christine Gillies! I wish I could have delivered a CC or three to you.
Through Roseanne I met my beloved friend Janette Irvine of the Millvins Kennel and in the years spent with
her I learned the meaning of ‘type’, I learned what I liked and disliked in the breed, and I learned that what you
give a German Shepherd, it will return tenfold.

Throughout my early years I was smart enough to know that several top kennels were very much
the fore leaders of the breed… my admiration of the Amulree kennel was no secret and my recognition
of some superb animals in the Gayville kennel led to more friendships, and opportunities to handle
some historic dogs (the stunning sable Ch Gayvilles Dixie and I were masters of the Veteran class!)
At the same time the breed people who entrusted me with their dogs (too too many to mention)
and parted with some of their knowledge, added to what has become the greatest gift …. So to
Auntie Pat McCulloch, to Kevan Mee, to Linda Barclay, Linda Kitson and their Delcost boys, to
Christine Gillies, Rae McSheehy, Rab McPhee and of course to my great friend the late Jayne
Swan, my thanks, my love and my respect.

After a few years break mid 90’s, to pursue my education I realized how terribly badly I was
missing the dogs (how the hell did I fill my days?) and so the slightest hint of an invitation to a
show (again it was Mandy McGinn – you good good soul!) took me to Fife Championship show
where I reconnected with Janette who showed a female that day she claimed ‘she knew I’d like!’
The female was a young Millvins Zolli.

Over the next months as my great friend and teachers health declined, through the good grace
of she and her husband John, ‘Zollii’ came to live with me, my first ever dog at home – more than 15years from that first handling class with Blue.
I was soon after given charge of Demi vom Amulree by Fiona Anderson… a daughter of the gorgeous Nero Nobachtal from the Amulree bitchline I had admired for years…. I could scarcely believe it, and she won her way through puppy in style finishing 1995 4th top UK puppy. My first showdog! The fondest memories.
Demi was followed by Zorro, Darcey, Cindy,and involvement and partnerships in the unforgettable Ferdinand, Figo, Farina, Ellie, Halle my great pal Cassy vom Amulree; and for every second spent with these incredible animals I will be forever grateful to Fiona for her faith in my abilities. The best of bloodlines, the cream of shows, the most fun you can imagine.

In the meantime I was busy with my judging exams and assessment and fulfilled the ambition to judge, finally now judging at open breed level and working towards championship status. I am very proud that of my four chosen BOB winners to date, three are now breed champions (each of whom I judged under 24 months old) and the other has 1CC.

In 2008 having yo-yo’d back and forth for a couple of years, I landed in BELGIUM for good, having fallen for the doggy heaven that is Vliegenstal 6 and it is here that VOM CINDERHOF was born and thoroughly hopes to remain!
For this new year 2010 we are joined by Santamar babies in partnership with my closest friend Marita (and Marc of course) – so watch this space…. There is undoubtedly fun to come!

New friendships have meant new opportunities, but for me not a single moment of the past is ever forgotten. Ever y soul who has touched my life in dogs – I wish you shining trophies, healthy puppies and as much joy as this wonderful breed can bring.
‘Zollii’ is still my soul mate for a reason… She is a daily reminder of how great this breed, and the people in it, can be.