Robyn Smith (CURVO)
My love of Pembrokes came at a young age. Our first was when I was 9. Goldie, a Queenswood Menzies daughter, a Dygae. Following this introduction, Di kindly let us have Goldie's brother whom she was showing. He was entered in several shows and we were to take him along, eventually, as happens...we were hooked!
Along my show journey I was fortune to be befriended by Jean Johnson (JODIWYN) and through her David Dawes (DAWCO). I spent several summer holidays in Newcastle going to shows with Jean, watching her with puppies, pedigrees and plans! Jean would ask me to find the good in the dogs, not the faults; those were easy to spot she would say. We had some wonderful success, not the least of which was a Best of Breed at a Specialty with Dusty, a beautiful sable dog from David.
Life eventually came between my showing days and briefly my ability to even have a Pembroke. My work as Airline Cabin Crew madeit too difficult. I still managed to speak with and visit Jean often and on one visit, I got to meet her Great Niece, Liana. Funny how fate set you up! Many years later, life allowed a Pembroke back into my life, again through Jean, not a Jodiwyn but from her breeding. My mother and I attended a few shows, until I started my own family.
It was many years until I once again called Jean to ask her to help us find another Pembroke. By this time Liana had picked up the mantle with her own AZIAH prefix. Our friendship grew, and Lollie came to me in early 2010. In 2012 the National was held in Melbourne, our girl came second in a large class to her sister, I still have her ribbon on our wall. Liana's bitch Avery, Sup CH Aziah Curiouser and Curiouser was BIS.
We met at a few shows but still with family commitments it was difficult to return to showing. Liana has the same passion and love of the breed that Jean had and a plan, so many plans! I only needed a little time, and a push and then a lovely super quality puppy, who went on to become CH Aziah Winter in Coming. I was back!
David Dawes was also “pushed” a little, and now again, my life is full of shows, dogs , family and wonderful friendships built over years and a shared passion for our breed. Last year, We all travelled to Bowling Green, Kentucky USA to see the PWCCA National. Staying in a big house with new friends and fellow Pembroke lovers.
It’s been quite a journey. We often wonder what Jean would make of us all now, getting together talking bout our hopes and planning the next catch up! I feel she would be smiling and furious that she wasn’t with us to share it...but I feel she is, watching over us as we enjoy so many good times together.
I sit here, with my past, 3 elderly Pems, Lollie (now 15 years old), her two sons, Buddah and Boo (13) and young Will Turner (Dawco No Heroes Amongst Thieves at Aziah AI) our hopeful for the future and already a Best Baby Puppy In Show winner!