We
started showing English Setters in 1974. Bev had always
wanted a Gordon Setter since she was a child. While reading
the Sunday paper, Bev saw an ad for a Gordon Setter litter.
She had grown up with a Gordon next door to her and wanted
to go look at the puppies. We called and went over to look
at the litter. On the way over, I kept saying that we did
not need another dog and we were just going to look and
then leave! Well, you know the rest of the story; one of
the big boys crawled into my lap and licked me in the face
and chewed on my beard. That puppy went home with us and
I made Bev drive!! He grew up to be 32 inches tall and 100+
pounds, but he did receive a reserve winners dog ribbon!
We were hooked to dog shows. This was in 1973.
Our
first serious show dogs were English Setters. We had a few
English before we found another Gordon that we liked. In
the mid 70’s, we also acquired our first English Cocker.
Once the English Cockers came into our lives, the English
Setters slowly left. We had our first Gordon litter in 1978
shortly after we had relocated to Tucson, Arizona from Denver,
Colorado. The Arizona Irish Setter people are responsible
for us becoming interested in the Irish.
After
moving to Phoenix in 1983, we acquired our first Irish.
In the past we have also had an Afghan, a Briard, a Black
Standard Poodle and Smooth Fox Terriers, but our focus has
been on the Gordons and the English Cockers. We acquired
our first Irish Red and White Setter in 2001. Our first
Smooth Fox Terrier came to live with us in 2003. We are
now actively breeding Smooths. We are not actively breeding
Gordons since we presently do not have a female.
Gary
served 6 years on the National Board of the Gordon Setter
Club of America, is past president of Scottsdale Dog Fanciers
All Breed Club, and presently is President of the Sporting
Dog Association of Arizona. We have been active with the
Gordon Setter Rescue since the 80’s.
Bev
has served on several committees for Scottsdale Dog Fanciers
including Judge’s Selection Committee and Agility
Show Chair for six years. She also has served on committees
for one of the local agility clubs. She teaches a Conformation
handling class and beginning agility.
In
our “spare” time Bev quilts and uses her computerized
embroidery sewing machine. Gary takes lots and lots of pictures
and on occasion shoots weddings and other galas.
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