Page 12 - 9 Spring 2023 Newsletter

recipient” from little acorns mighty
oaks do grow.
Mollie soon acquired a few quality
dogs usually from Miss Hastings but
some from Mrs Gardner of the
Presbury affix. In 1935 she obtained
the bitches Diana and Hedwig of
Evenlode, Presbury Sister, and a
young dog, Herzog of Evenlode
Around this time Richard Fort, Mollie’s Cim Van Sander, Black Peter and
first husband, was posted to the USA Annie Van Sander
for a period of approximately two Sander was winners bitch at the same
years and so the kennel went too. The shows. With the largest entry ever
dogs soon settled in their new home known in America. Champion Herzog
which had the enchanting name of CD also made history by being the
Apple Tree Hill in the town of first obedience trained Keeshond in
Pleasantville. The Van Sander kennel the USA to win the title “Companion
quickly became established as a Dog”.
breeder of quality stock and many of
the dogs took on and beat leading 1938 found the Van Sander kennel
American dogs of the day. Their back in the UK and the dogs, once out
progress was avidly followed by Miss of quarantine, were shown and
Hastings and references to their available at stud. However, they had
many show successes were recorded not been back in England a year
in her kennel cuttings book. The “Our when Mr Fort was again posted to
Dogs” Christmas issue of 1937 America, this time for a period of
approximately 5 years. Mollie was not
carried a summary of their success.
During the 16 months spent in so overjoyed by this and wanting help
America the kennel made up four US with the dogs, asked Barbara Glover
champions and the dogs won over to go with them. So occurred the
300 prizes. Ch. Black famous trip on the Cunard ship the
Peter and Ch. Presbury
Sister each won non-
sporting
groups and they and
Ch. Herzog of
Evenlode were placed
many times in the
groups. Ch. Herzog
was Best of Breed at
Westminster Show,
New York, the first
Keeshond speciality
show and the Morris
and Essex show. His
sister Ch. Anni Van
Mollie Collins on Queen Mary with Kees 1937
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