Why Pure Bred Dogs
I was considered shy as a teenager and so in 1971, following a holiday visit to my Aunt's farm in Tasmania ("TANSPREY" Old English Sheepdogs), I was given a beautiful OES puppy to show - Ch Tansprey Faithful Joy. At that time I did not have a driving licence or a car, so my mother and I went off to Dog Shows together. I think she enjoyed it just as much as I did and eventually went on to show and breed her own dogs - initially OES, but as time went by she returned to the breed she loved the most - Australian Terriers. She stayed active with breeding and showing into her 70's and still had 3 Aussies as her constant companions until she passed away in 2007.
Over the years, the enjoyment I gained from showing and breeding my dogs grew. I was actively involved with my O.E.S. from 1971 - 1986. With a desire to help the Breed and a thirst for knowledge, I became involved with the OES Club of Victoria club administration, serving in may positions, and through the friendship of Glenyse Acreman and Judy Scanlon, I joined the committee of the Junior Kennel Club of Victoria, again serving in a few different positions - including Secretary - and gaining much valuable knowledge which has been useful over the years in guiding me through the various stages of my life in the "Dog World".
In an endeavour to learn more about the dogs in various countries around the world, I read books on dogs and purchased several publications from America and the United Kingdom. I began corresponding with a few people and then in 1974 I took a leap of faith and travelled to both the USA and the UK to look at various breeds of dogs I had become interested in. I was fortunate enough to meet with and learn from some long time breeders of OES, Bearded Collies and Smooth Collies. Little did I realise at that time how this would change my life in such a major way.
In April 1975, after some interesting negotiations and much to the surprise of a few people, my first pair of Imported dogs was on their way to Australia and thus began "FOXBELL" Smooth Collies.
Since then I have been involved with other Breeds such as Bearded Collies, Rough Collies, Briards, Belgian Shepherds, however my love for the Smooth Collie has never failed and after 40 years and 40+ Champions, I doubt it ever will.
Apart from my involvement with the dogs, I work part time in an office and also run a small Boarding Cattery where I get to indulge my love of Cats.
I also love to travel and usually combine my trips overseas with Dog activities such as the World Dog Shows or Judging appointments. I have been with my husband Allan for over 35 years and together we were part of a Government funded program fostering Teenagers in need. As a result of that we have quite a large extended family, but sadely none have taken up showing dogs.