Biography

History

I have been involved in dog showing and breeding since I was a baby and attended my first dog show at 6 weeks of age.  My mother bred and worked Labradors along with showing and owning a Dachshund, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Setters and Pointers amongst others.  There has always been a dog in the house.

In 1988 I got my first Golden Retriever and thus began my involvement with this lovely breed. My initial involvement was showing my much loved pet and as I grew older and had the space the numbers increased, although I always strive to keep numbers very low and give the dogs the best life I can as I work full time as a Secondary School Art Teacher.

Breeding and Showing

I have been fortunate to have owned, shown and bred some exceptional Golden Retrievers and Pointers most notably NZ Gr Ch and Aus Sup Ch Glentreve Putting the Wind Up Goldsmith the first Golden to achieve these dual titles and who is 1 x BIS away from achieving his NZ Specialty Grand Ch title and his daughter Aus/NZ Ch Glentreve Playing with Fire at Goldsmith as well as NZ Ch/ Aus Sup Ch Goldsmith Making a Point for Chesterhope.  I strive to breed and show healthy, sound dogs that are typical of their breeds.

Club interests

I have been a committee member of the East Coast Gundog Show Society, Wairarapa Kennel Association and the Central Golden Retriever Club and have been involved in all aspects of show management including stewarding.

Judging

I have always had an interest in assessing livestock and begun my judging journey 8 years ago.

I have judged at Open Shows and Ribbon Parades in both islands of New Zealand and Australia