Page 88 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

A Tribute to Norman Davis

The Man I Knew

by Karlynne McLauchlan-Sellstrome (Kaviking)

In the 80’s, many learned of an amazing breeder, Mr Norman Davis of the Bulldog
fraternity. I say with a full heart, I admired him for many reasons.

The appearance of his charges, in tip top condition presented for top honours. How he handled in the ring.
The clear commitment for his breed. Last but not least, Norman was a Professional.
His immaculate dress sense, Buttonhole flower then heart shaped ring number. His waistcoats. All of which
made Norman unique.
At a glimpse all would notice the outstanding pride Norman took in his appearance, his glowing complexion,
wonderful skin, his face was radiant, with the warmest of smiles & sparking white teeth, he would light up a
room and most definitely your day.
Norman, - a loyal man, A One of a kind old style true gentleman.
Whatever he did, would be undertaken with complete dedication.
Caring, loving and generous in nature, making him approachable
to many asking his opinion or advice on different matters but
mostly about the bulldog.
A gentle spoken man, he would be sure all questions were
answered with precision, paying attention to detail. Should you
need help, (as long as he was not showing) Norman would stop
and share his time with you. “I’m always at the end of the phone”
he would say, with his infectious warm radiant smile. True to his
word he was.

Norman & Pat dedicated much of their time helping others begin
their journey in bulldogs or take the next step.
Moving on, Ocobo/Mystyle was a true family affair, Norman, Kevin
& Pat the Golden Trio, readily continued to share their knowledge
with anyone looking to learn. Again, some continued their journey
others fell by the wayside. The countless that have learned from
this combination trio’s knowledge to date have expressed how
fortunate they were, and Norman was, and is known as “A
Legend”.
When young, Norman’ took a liking to pigeons although his love
of dogs shone through from around 6 years of age along with Pat
who from an early age had a fondness for animals.
After much learning, it was 1975 when Norman and wife Pat
found themselves with what they recall as their first real show
dog “Ocobo Innocent Love” taking her first CC at Birmingham. A
first ever CC for Norman. The feeling we get when awarded that
first CC stays with us for all time. As many more CCs followed.
Norman had that same feeling throughout his show life.
He was a humble man, sadly some abused his kindness. But
Norman was Norman, nothing could keep him down. No matter
what was thrown at him. He picked himself up, dusted himself
down, and continued in his gentlemanly manner. Norman, not a
tall man, but his heart was as deep as an ocean, his memory a
fountain of knowledge.
He was dedicated. A professional through and through. Dogs
were in his blood.

Born 1980 “Skipper” was the dog that would place Ocobo
alongside the top-quality bulldog kennels. Pat and Norman’s
learning and perseverance were being noted.
The late Pat Dellar of the renown Merriveen Kennel’s was the first

88 - K9 NEWS DIGITAL