CAROLAKE

On the 8th November 2008 seven of Fancy's puppies returned home for a "6th month birthday get together".
Needless to say Fancy was horrified - but Puzzle was very pleased to see them!
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My first dog was "Cali" an English Setter. Although she had the sweetest temperament, she wasn't the brightest card in the pack!

I was given my first Golden Retriever, Brackengold Ghillie, by someone who couldn't cope with him continually picking up the childrens' toys! He just loved retrieving and I loved his willingness to please. We sadly lost him at only 3 years old, but now I was hooked on Goldens.

When I lost Cali at 11 I contacted Rex and Sybil Coward and before too long Brackengold Tasmin came to join us. "Tiffany" was the most bidable dog imaginable, she was never any trouble and she gave us three lovely litters. I showed one of her daughters, Carolake Jemina, but she really hated being in the ring and so the two Cattrysse puppies joined us as our first official show dogs.

In 1998 Seren, the WSS, invaded the peace and in 1999 little, quiet Freya was also added to the household. In June 2000 I booked a Stanroph puppy and after a wait of seven months I finally took a call from Anne Woodcock to say that a litter had been born and there was a puppy bitch available for me and so in 2001 Nina joined us. She has turned out to be the most beautiful bitch and I have had some memorable moments in the ring with her. However, her daughters Fancy, Heidi and Demi have all gained their Stud Book Numbers and they have followed in their dam's footsteps with some equally impressive wins in the show ring.

As well as enjoying my showing I decided to have a go at Working Tests and Freya proved her worth in the field. She is a complete "natural" and absolutely loves it. Both Nina and Freya had their first season picking up in 2002/03 and in January 2003 Nina gained her Show Gundog Working Certificate. Since then Fancy has gained both her Show Gundog Working Certificate and the Working Gundog Certificate in it's original form - both on dummies and then out on live game. In 2006/07 Freya retired from the field and her place has been taken up by Puzzle. Freya still has the odd day out at Ashley Clinton where the ground is less taxing and the pace is slightly more relaxed than at Gurston Down. At this point I have to thank my lovely husband John who looks after all those I leave behind when I am out for the day with my dogs.