est. 2020
Growing up on the beautiful South Coast of NSW my immediate and extended family always had dogs and I was an animal lover from the start. My most cherished childhood book was “Lad, A Dog” and therein began my love affair with all things Collies. It’s almost unbelievable to think that little paper back book would foreshadow the reality of my life in dogs now.
Whilst in Kindergarten my family rescued a mixed breed dog from our local pound who was the most loving and devoted soul, and the toll of his loss in old age was felt by all. For me the void of his absence was one that needed filling - and of course no one second guessed my breed of choice. It took over 12 months of convincing my parents to finally (albeit reluctantly) give in and say yes to a Collie puppy - on the condition that I saved up and bought the dog with my money. I spent the next few months emailing breeders, researching all I could and going to local shows, until I was invited to the home of Leah Ryan’s Vedamea Collies, in Londonderry NSW, and never looked back.
I had saved every yellow pay-packet from my after-school job for 18 months and in December 2008 I came home with my very first Collie Rough puppy. “Lacey” was followed a week later by another Vedamea Sable girl “Sadie” born of a litter two weeks older; a daughter from the first litter sired by their newest American Import “Ty” (Ch Am Ch Fantasys North Star).
As we navigated puppyhood that year, training in obedience and agility arenas, Leah was a sounding board of advice that we were so thankful for. We were kept up to date on the progress of our pet puppies’ litter siblings who were retained as show prospects. The excitement of hearing them excel in their show careers had piqued my interest and in the Spring of 2009 I emailed Leah to ask if I could accompany her to a dog show - simply to see what it was all about. Having grown up attending the Sydney Royal Easter Show every year, I figured I had a vague idea of the pomp & ceremony.
The date arrived and my mum drove me to the Collie Club of NSW Specialty Show in October 2009 (judged by Mr Kevin Evans (Vic) - ‘Kevinwood' Collies). At the lunch break I was handed an 11 month old Sable female puppy to take in for the Junior Handlers competition and despite winning by-default, we came out with a fringed first place ribbon and that was it. I was sold that this would be the hobby for me.
That 11 month old puppy was soon trusted into my charge and would later become Best in Show Specialty/Best in Show Semi Specialty Winning Australian Champion Vedamea I’m Nobody’s Alibi. ‘Lydia’ was my introduction into the dog world and I was so fortunate to be given the opportunity of such a strong start. She was my first show dog, my first Champion, my first Best in Group winner, first Best in Show winner, first Royal winner (many times over), a study-budy throughout my HSC, University degree, 4 Certificates, 2 Diplomas, 6 house moves…she is of course my heart dog.
Over the next 10 years I spent many weekends at Leah’s Home of Vedamea on her office floor looking through old dog journals, magazines, reading books, talking Collies until 2am, and watching Collie Specialty videos from the late 1980’s until the present. I familiarised myself with the greats of the past which (short of being there) has given me a good understanding of the depth of quality that existed, in all facets. I’d be set with breed homework to complete and we’d unpack opinions - discussing type, kinetics, progeny and parents, breed hallmarks and appreciating qualities. I was invited to assist in whelping & raising litters and learning proper animal husbandry, keeping journals of everything I learnt. We would assess litters, watch pups grow out and grow up, groom dogs, and study pedigrees to become familiar with Collie families and lines both Nationally and abroad. Weekend days were spent at dog shows locally and interstate enjoying the hobby with friends. How I used to fit all my show gear, camping gear, two dogs and myself into a 3-door Peugeot remains a mystery. Bigger cars followed to suit.
In 2011 I spent time backpacking overseas and the tail end of my travels finished with a short stint living in the United States. During my stay I was fortunate to be put in touch with Nancy McDonald of Barksdale Collies in North Carolina; whom graciously welcomed me into her home to spend some time and learn everything I could. That experience was an invaluable opportunity and one I will never forget. Through Nancy I was introduced to some breeders and dogs I had only ever seen in magazines and breed journals, and I am grateful for all of their shared knowledge, friendship, and that famous Southern hospitality.
In 2023 I had the trip of a lifetime with my mentor Leah where we spent over 3 weeks in the USA where we planned on visiting breeders & roadtripping to the National Show. Starting with a couple of FUN days in NYC, we picked up our good friend Mr Alexandre de Carvalho of the world reknown Lakefield Collies from JFK airport and set off on a journey that started at the home of Lynn Butler & Lotta Hedman’s “Milas Collies” in NY state. Whilst there we visited with Judy & Larry Evans of Clarion Collies…driving up that driveway and seeing the Clarion sign was a surreal moment. Thank you Judy & Larry for having us! We spent a few days at camp Milas talking dogs, looking at puppies, and preparing for our joint convoy to the CCA National in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a 9+hr drive (and 14hr drive back LOL) with 9 Collies in tow. There is not enough space on the page to detail everything from that trip - I might have to dedicate a separate section with photos - but suffice to say between the seminars, ringside immersion, grooming, shopping, catching up with old friends & making new ones, function dinners, early starts, and most importantly - the breathtaking Collies - I walked away completely inspired with renewed vigour. They really do raise the bar and the best aren’t necessarily on Facebook…getting your hands on them…seeing their families…with an entry of 660+ in all disciplines, there is simply no substitute for it. I was graciously afforded the opportunity to handle two Milas beauties in their 6-9 AOAC & Specials class respectively; and was chuffed to be cut in the BOV Group cut 1 with the outstanding “Carly” - Am GCH Milas Tairis Walk My Way under respected breeder judge, Mr Larry Williford (Windcrest Collies). We rounded out the trip by visiting Leahs friend; Breeder-judge Hildy Morgan in Colorado and what a wonderful host she was, so much history, I so enjoyed the opportunity of all those experiences.
I have had many successes in my time as a new exhibitor and have been proud to help pilot many Vedamea & Baqilodge Collies to their Championship titles; thanks to Leah and Mim for the opportunity. I have trained my own dogs in agility, herding and obedience fields and although my passion for showing took precedence, I still maintain a keen interest in agility and herding when time permits.
I am a member of The Collie Health Foundation (USA), the Collie Club of America, and have previously held the position of Show Manager for The Collie Club of NSW.
Professionally I am an Industrial & Graphic Designer and casual brooch maker, specialising in design for the canine fancy under the business name Fetch Creative. I am very proud to have wonderful clients and customers showcasing my work in all corners of Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Ireland, Croatia, Singapore and more!
