Page 89 - K9 News Digital - Issue 11 May2020

A Tribute to Norman Davis

to award an 11-month-old Skipper his fist CC. Some Norman proved to be more than a loyal friend when
6 months later Skipper gained his crown going on to an acquaintance of his voiced an opinion of my stock
take 13 CCs 13 RCC & qualified for Dog Worlds Pup constantly winning in the ring, in his gentlemanly
of the Year. manner he defended me in my absence. This was
Norman had gone on to breed some other breeds not a foreign situation for Norman, like the master,
and held a great interest in them. but nothing could with dignity he put an end to the matter. Informing me
come close to his love for Pat, his family and the of the situation later in the day.
Bulldog.
Norman’s judging appointments span over the globe
Between 1992 - 1993 the milestone of 100 CCs
would be achieved by the kennels. 1992 Ocobo held judging in more countries than most in bulldogs. An
invitation to judge the World Show not once but twice,
Top Puppy Top Sire. 1993 saw the kennels take Top
Hungary & Italy 1996 & 2000 was truly an honour.
Male, Top Brood, Top Stud. Through dedication,
In 2002 Norman received his invitation from Crufts,
determination, love and hard work Norman & Pat’s
carrying out this prestigious appointment in 2003.
dream was a reality.
More detailed information can be found in Norman’s Crufts 2019 was a lifetime memory for Norman
book. observing and enjoying the day with his beloved Pat,
surrounded by immediate family and close friends
as Kevin took to the ring to carry out his Crufts
appointment. Kevin’s bulldog entry topped the utility
breeds. Norman’s words that day. “I have judged
Crufts; I have watched my son judge Crufts. Kevin
has made me proud. This has made my life in dogs
complete”.
For any that became friends with Norman, Pat & the
Davis family, they will have experience the love and
kindness on offer as a unit. Breakfast, lunch or evening
meal. Depending on the time of day you arrived
(or stayed) you were welcome to eat at their table.
Invitations to join them in celebrations or occasions
was just a phone call away. Celebrating Norman’s
birthdays with family was a joyous occasion.
On one of Norman’s birthdays Kevin and I were
chatting on the phone, Kevin wanted to give his
father a surprise. Winston and I would turn up without
“Norman Davis Ocobo” - “The Bulldog - my Life Norman knowing. That’s only one of the many things
- my Passion - my Autobiography” Kevin would do for his father, to assure he was always
During one of our many conversations Norman happy. Quickly we loaded the car and made our way
chatted about how some years earlier he and Pat to Kings Lynne. Our Ocobo/Mystyle bulldog safely
had considered buying a Shar-Pei. Hence his interest in the kennels, we drove to the restaurant waiting in
in asking questions about the breed to understand hiding till the family arrived, later staying in the guest
the standard better, in return Norman would share house adjoining Norman and Pats home with our
his vast knowledge of the bulldog. Norman firmly bulldog by our side.
believed if you study more than one breed standard 2015 saw the publication of Norman’s book, he
all others will fall into place. proudly recalls people he has met who have become
At championship shows Norman was always the first lifelong friends. This relates to all that knew him
to ask many he respected “how did you get on today” worldwide.
He admired good breeding in all breeds, and let his I am humble to have had a strong friendship with a
thoughts be known. Another reason why he was liked man I respected and admired. I was aware Norman
and respected. would play a part in my life, but I never knew to what
extent. What I do know is there is a large void in my
If Norman had a question, he did not know the answer
heart and a life that cannot be replaced, his friendship
to, he would ask. Never would he pretend to know
and kindness is NOT something you find every day,
what he did not. That’s how you learn, something yet somewhere deep within, I know Norman will live
everyone can agree with. “What you show is what you
on inside his family assuring his memories will never
know” there in you can tell if a person understands
be lost.
their breed standard.
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