Our first dogs were mongrels but from an early age I dreamed of having a brace of Bullmastiffs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

I sat on my first pony at the age of four and finally had my own pony when i was 9 years old. We competed successfully with the horses at County level winning at Gymkhanas, show jumping and working hunter classes.

I have a love of horses to this day and am a member of the Arab Horse Society, it is my dream to own breed and handle a National Champion – one day LOL!

We have been showing Newfoundlands for well over 15 years and have enjoyed many ring successes with this benevolent breed. My Daughter Jade was desperate for a dog of her own to show, she found the Newfs too much of a handful. Having always admired the American Cocker, for their beauty and glamour but also their playful fun loving nature we decided to share our home with one or two... LOL

I did my research, went to some shows and saw the bitch I wanted a puppy from, she was Sundust Me Black – later to become a Champion. We booked a puppy, sadly there was only one bitch.

Yvonne then offered me a puppy from Lilly Am Ch Northyork Handcrafted at Sundust, who at eight years old still had a clear eye certificate, and Connor Sh Ch and Am Ch Picabos Pickpocket at Sundust, also with a clear eye certificate.

Later I was lucky enough to aquire 'Spencer' you can see him for yourself in our kennel pages and above. Spencer is my soulmate, my constant companion and my bed warmer...

I breed only occasionally and only with a view to keep something to show myself, i health test all of my dogs. Only dogs who have passed all of these tests will be used for breeding. I am also very mindful of the temperament of breeding stock and select only dogs of correct happy outgoing personalities for breeding, i believe this character is one of the most important aspects of this fabulous breed and helps to make them the ideal family dog.

All of my dogs are kept as family pets first and show dogs second. They are with me as much as possible, they have the free run of our home, and they are walked at least twice daily (weather permitting - though the newfies go out whatever the weather!!!). They have free running exercise, loads of ball play and a basket full of toys (most of the squeaks are broken!!! if anyone knows of an indestructable squeaky toy - please let me know.

When we do have puppies, they are well socialised from their first days, we handle all of our puppies. As soon as they are on their feet they are encouraged to wander around the house (we do have wipe clean floors), they are allowed to explore, they go outside from around 4 weeks to enjoy the garden and flowers etc. They have a whole range of toys to play with and of course my two teenagers and friends to get to know. They are exposed to hoovers, washing machines, etc, we constantly play soothing music to our pups and by the time they leave here they are generally fearless. They are also usually used to gentle grooming routines.

I am also approved to judge American Cockers, Newfoundlands and some breeds in the working group.