Over the years I have had numerous dogs including a Kelpie, German Shepherd, three Pekingnese and a Golden Retriever.

I first saw this stunning breed in 1994, when I spent five months travelling through the USA and Canada. I bought a dog book and found out that they were Australian Shepherds - I'd never heard of the breed!

I set out to find a show to see one in the flesh. The show I found also had obedience (which is my first love) and I introduced myself to some "Aussie" owners. I fell in love with their dogs and liked what I saw in the trial ring. I also discovered that this in an American breed and not a true blue Aussie!

On my return from America I discovered that the Australian Shepherd was a recognised breed in Australia and put my name down for a puppy, my criteria was strict it had to be a red merle male.

I waited for three years until I finally had word from Sharyn Gibson of Beckabrook Kennels that a pup was available. He was born 28 May 1997. When the pups were 7 weeks old I travelled up to Sharyn and Ken's property (a Brahma Cattle stud) and laid eyes on a beautiful dark red merle pup. It was love at first sight, with his one blue and one amber eye, solid body, stunning head and rich red coat. He is:

Australian Champion Beckabrook Hot Cayenne CDX AD JD (Anzac).

My foundation bitch came along two years later in 1999 when I wasn't even contemplating another dog. I had bought a Pekingese who I named "Whispa" which I was training her for her Open obedience title as well as trialling Anzac, my hands were full. I happened to be talking to some breeders at a show and mentioned how I loved the "Las Rocosa" dogs and one day hoped to import from their lines as I really liked the working brains behind them. Robyn Sutcliffe of Sugargum Kennels mentioned that she had an imported bitch who was half "Las Rocosa" and thus I met "Daysprings Dakota Rust" (Rusty). I liked what I saw, a sweet, gentle natured dog with intelligent eyes.

I rang Sharyn (Beckabrook Kennels) and asked if she would be interested in co-owning a puppy. The working lines were too much temptation and she agreed. Sharyn and her husband Ken run a Brahma cattle stud and their dogs have to work the cattle as well as look good. The icing on the cake came when the original stud dog was changed to "Australian Grand Ch/Am Ch Moonstrucks Star Slayer" (imp USA). I was totally sold and so she came to be:

Australian Ch Sugargum Ruff Player CDX (Shaali).