Page 146 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

Di Johnston
Di Johnston

Di is no more and what a huge Basic common sense and a lot of
loss she will be to the whole dog wisdom better describes Di’s way
world and to her many good of teaching, something the world
friends. I think of Mark Cocozza seems rather short of these days!
who has been such a rock When actively breeding and
throughout: Stan, her very loyal showing. Carl was always the
friend for so long, who drove Di handler - some of those Dicarl
to whatever dog show or seminar Great Danes were absolutely
she wanted to go to. He has lived outstanding, looking like a
with Di and Carl for. As long as I different breed from the ones in
can remember and when Carl the ring today. A clever breeder, Di
passed away Stan took over all also had King Charles Spaniels, towards the end of her life. That
the driving duties. She was close Beagles, Giant Schnauzers, Irish should not happen to anybody.
to Ron James, Derek Smith, Helen Setters, Boxers and Mastiffs. Di loved people and dogs; she
Banks, her daughter Michelle, Kay, Di loved going to dog shows practically lived on her iPad, thrived
Ken Charity, Di’ s younger brother and seminars and liked nothing on human and canine contact, so
Steven, Geoff Corish. Chris better than parking herself and her would not have approved of being
Thomas, Graham Godfrey, Dave scooter at a ringside watching a “incarcerated” for 3 weeks at
and Jenny Killilea, Frances Krall, breed being judged from start to Peterborough City Hospital....Mind
Patricia Sutton, Stephen Gosling, finish. There would nearly always you, she would not have been
Ed McAlpine, Andy Scourfield be a few people joining her, talking keen on people seeing her without
- the list goes on and on. I am and asking questions, just keen to makeup and hair immaculate! Stan
bound to have forgotten some learn. told me he had dropped off some
obvious ones who are going to be The last time I spent in Di’s nail varnish at Twine hospital but
offended at not being named, so company was sharing a table at was worried it might not be the
please forgive me now! Pawscars, the night before the right colour! Probably not Stan,
We spoke on the phone every beginning of Crufts I could tell but Di would have appreciated the
day, not necessarily about dogs as she wasn’t feeling or looking well thought and smiled that big smile
we covered a lot of topics. Donald that night but nevertheless she of hers. And that is what we should
Russell’s Alpine fries were a great put on a good show. I knew she try to remember at this sad time.
favourite of Di’s, as were the pork was coming to Crufts on Working/ She would want us to look back
Pies from Watkins butcher shop Pastoral day to see the Boxers and think of all the good times
in Grantham. Did you know that and some other breeds. She was we shared, so let us do just that.
Mariska Hargitay who plays the very fond of Boxers so would have I know there is not going to be a
female lead in Law and Order been delighted that her favourite funeral but let’s plan for a proper
- Special Victims unit is Jayne young brindle male was BOB. With celebration party at some stage
Mansfield’s daughter? I didn’t hindsight perhaps, it wasn’t the when the lockdown is a distant
know until Di told me. best idea to venture to the NEC on memory
But what I admired most about a crowded and busy Saturday but I am not at all sure what I believe
Di was not just her vast knowledge having promised to go, she did of in after death, but if there is
but her true passion for dogs course. But she didn’t feel well and anything to follow then I hope she
which never ever diminished. She I know she had an uncomfortable and Carl can be together, maybe
was absolutely the perfect mentor car journey home from Crufts. joined by Shaun McAlpine, the
to anyone wanting to learn and We spoke many times once I young man they took under their
progress as a judge. I am not was home after Crufts, but sadly wing and who died so tragically.
saying that she knew everything not after she was hospitalised No more pain, dear Di, I can’t
about every single breed, but she when her health deteriorated. The believe you are no more and how
had that very special and unique worst thing for me was that for I shall miss our daily contact and
talent of explaining. Things in a over three weeks she could not wonderful friendship.
simple and straight forward way have any visitors, no one there to
Liz Cartledge
without using fancy vocabulary. hold her hand, or just sit with her photo:Alan V Walker

146 - K9 NEWS DIGITAL