Page 128 - K9News_Issue13_October2020_download_Neat

coming junior handlers.
handlers was the same ring as the bulldog ring
which was always lovely as I had the support
of everyone participating that day. My breed
really is so accommodating, I was even made
the breed ambassador. This didn’t just stop
here I was slowly building a name for myself in
many countries in Europe. I had been invited to
The Netherlands to hold a class for the up and
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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / JULY 2020
In 2009 we had our hardest litter to date, but
by far the best. My amazing dog Ch Somyway
Lordswood Cocker was born. For anyone who
watched me grow in my show career knows
how amazing my boy was and he helped me
with all my successes. In 2011 we had made
our way through to the JHA semi finals were I
gained my first trip to the JHA finals at elm court.
I remember working so so hard to get there. At
the Finals I had been short listed into the final 6.
I had never shown another dog before and here
I had a short period of time to build a connection
and get to grips with showing an English
Springer spaniel. This was such an amazing
moment for me. I was so lucky and grateful to
Marina Scott for thinking so highly of me and
placing me sixth.
2012 Crufts was my first time showing in 12-16
years and I was terrified. I didn’t sleep before
this show as I was so anxious. I really gave
this class my best shot. Trying to block out
the amazing crowd around the YKC ring and
concentrate on everything I did. I remember as
the placing were happening looking down at
Cocker and thinking we have done our absolute
best and placed 1st which was just such a good
feeling. I was on cloud nine, I definitely cried and
ran out of the ring after our final walk around
and cuddled my mum and dad. My mum and
dad were so proud of me and I couldn’t have
made that placing without their support.
Our next adventure was to make Cocker a
champion. We didn’t just stop at making him a
champion we decided when he became a UK
champion it was time to take him abroad. We
had campaigned Cocker in France, Belgium,
Germany and Luxembourg. I had the pleasure
of also showing out in Italy where one of many
fantastic bulldog clubs out there wanted to
do an article on me. I had also decided to try
the Junior Handling out In all countries. Not to
blow my own trumpet for someone who had
never shown abroad before in my life, I did
very well. It was like restarting my show career
again. I found it an honour that when we had