I am listed on the Scottish Shetland Sheepdog Club's 'B' list (Breed Specialist) for judges and have judged the breed many times as well as awarding Green Stars at championship shows in Ireland (IKC). More recently, I judged the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Northern Ireland open breed show. 

As a child, we always had Gundogs, my father being a hunting, shooting and fishing man.  Also my grandfather bred and exhibited Cocker Spaniels with considerable success and I imagine this is how I acquired my interest in our canine friends.

Like many children, I loved watching (and still do!) the "Lassie" films.  My dearest wish was to own a dog like Lassie and eventually my father bought me my own dog - a Cairn Terrier pup!  Not exactly a Collie and I must admit I was very disappointed, but at least I had a dog of my own, so, to compensate, I named her ... Lassie!

I acquired my first Sheltie in 1977, deciding they were similar to the Rough Collies, but smaller and easier to manage if I was going to own more than one dog.  I joined the Shetland Sheepdog Club of Northern Ireland, started showing and that was it.  I had found the breed which I was passionate about and have never had any desire to own any other breeds.  I have owned sables, blue merles and tricolours and made up a few Irish Champions.

More recently, I have enjoyed doing obedience with one of my Sheltie family.  I find it very challenging and much harder work than training for the show ring, but it is also very rewarding.  My young Sheltie 'Ardlyn I Believe with Rossnow' has recently gained his Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. 

In my spare time, I love walking my Shelties, which we do on a daily basis, around fields and beaches, come rain or shine!  My hobbies are photography, reading, gardening and listening to classical and Irish Folk music.

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