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I've been lucky enough to share my life with some
wonderful animals, from horses that are so generous of spirit they will
give their last ounce of effort to dogs who have hearts as big as the
sun.
I first fell in love with the Irish Setter some 32
years ago, I was riding out by a farm and saw a red dog, chained up and
barking like a creature possessed! Each day as I rode past this dog he
grew quieter, to me that was a sign that his spirit was slowly ebbing
away...day seven and I went into the farmyard unchained the dog and
offered the farmer a few pounds, he seemed glad to be rid of him..what a
fool!
A few years later I was persuaded by Sally Reece (Fenmaster)
to take on a beautiful young bitch called Heronwater CountryGirl .
From Cornevon lines ,
Katie taught me so much about the humour and intelligence of Irish
Setters and introduced me to serious showing , I was bitten by the show
bug almost immediately!
I had to give up my competitive riding career after one
too many falls and transferred my attention to smaller four legged
friends, training horses and dogs are really quite similar, both respond
to clear and consistent instructions delivered with kindness and a
sense of fun.
Then followed Border Terriers, Italian Spinoni and
Giant Schnauzers...well, once you have two, you might as well have
three....
I feel strongly that whatever the breed , they have a
natural purpose in life and an aptitude for certain activities. gundogs
love to hunt and carry things in their mouths, terriers truly enjoy
dispatching vermin . Whatever the talent of your dog try to work with it
, rather than against it...you'll enjoy it so much more.
Siamese
Cats (under the Toybox Prefix) as well as rescue cats joined the growing
throng , as did the breed with the highest libido I have ever
known!..Chinese Cresteds, I remain grateful to the late Ruth Harris for
introducing me to them and their colourful characters
For some years I worked as consultant to the BBC
and their Crufts Coverage, my mission was to educate as well as
entertain, I ended up in hot water many times by sticking to my guns and
not soft soaping the viewing public. Only by clear information can the
partnership of dogs and people continue to be supported.
The years have passed and along with highs and lows of
showing and breeding I have met some fabulous characters both animal and
human!
One of the most influential people in my life has been
Sharkey Ward, not just a terrific photographer but someone who
truly appreciates the worth of animals , my thanks to him and his lovely
wife Annette for their generous gift of friendship.
My grateful thanks to Steve, not just for his
invaluable help with the website but for putting up with my crew of
animals and rarely complaining about the dog hair in his soup!
!
Hope you enjoy the website and the pictures
Geraldine

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