PATTISHAWL BEARDIES
Summer 2009
Edward , Scarlet (Lhasa), Freddie, Lottie, Poppy, Libby, Millie, Archie & Alice.
Pattishawl Bearded Collies was established in 1992, but I have lived with dogs all my life. At the age of eighteen I had saved enough money to buy my own dog. I wanted a large shaggy dog and bought an Old English Sheepdog and named him Ben. Out walking one day I met a couple with four Old English Sheepdogs. They told me Ben was a fine example of the breed and I should have a go at showing him. I did very well for a beginner and was soon hooked and showing became my new hobby. I must admit, those early starts after a night on the town was quite a challenge!!! Two years later I bought my second OES Luke, and Ben loved his new playmate. When my dogs passed away my children were very young, so I didn't feel it was the right time to have another dog. Soon after, my first marriage ended and I met my now husband Steve. Once we were settled into our new home we started the search for a family pet. It had to be a shaggy dog, but I didn't want one quite as big and hairy as the OES, so a beardie was perfect. We contacted the Kennel Club and they sent a list of Breeders with litters available. It wasn't long before all the family travelled down to Devon to visit Ian Burgoyne (Beardievale). I wish I had a camera when we arrived at his doorstep, as the look on Ian's face when he saw our four girls aged between 5 and 8 was a picture. Thankfully we all passed the interview and home came Charlie our first slate beardie boy. Charlie is no longer with us, he passed away on 03.03.05. He always lived life to the full, and was the happiest dog I have ever known. We owe Charlie so very much for introducing us to this wonderful breed. We currently share our home with seven beardies:-Archie 13, Poppy 12, Edward 9, Libby 6, Millie 4, Freddie & Alice 2.
Linda Evans
Salcey Forest our favourite walk
"Oh we do love to be beside the seaside"
