Shep
My first collie, purchased in 1975 a few months after the death of my father. Shep began my interest in collies over thirty years ago. I recall travelling to Urmston, Manchester with my mum and brother to view a litter and Shep was the one I chose. Mum paid the princely sum of £75 and he was mine.
I think Shep's KC registered name was 'Jones Holme Gold Abbot', though his pedigree was lost many years ago. I'd love to know any information about his breeding.
Why Demelewis?
After considering various names for a kennel affix I decided on Demelewis, the original version of my maiden name, Mellish. It's earliest recorded reference in England was attributed to Robert de Melewis in 1246.
Having learned to ride when I was five years old, I owned horses until I was in my late twenties, when a rather nasty fall ended my equestrian activities and didn't do my spine any favours either!
I began exhibiting rough collies in 1987 and soon realising Jake, my pet collie at the time, wasn't good enough for the show ring, Oscar joined us in 1989.
After exhibiting collies for severaI years before accepting any judging appointments, I am currently on several Rough Collie Breed Club A3 and B Lists and have judged many breeds within the Pastoral and Working Groups at Open Show level.
My husband Al, is a keen solo glider pilot and obsessed with all types of aircraft. I drag him to dog shows and he drags me to air shows!
Photos on this website are the copyright of Miranda Blake, Keith Harvey, Lene Newman, Piia & Minna Manninen and Kenneth Yim. All images are used with their permission.