Dogs have always been a part of my life… from early days as a family pet along with other animals I collected along the way! When college days called, I had to leave them at home and I did not own my own dog until after I had married and had my two sons.

We decided that our first breed would be a Cocker Spaniel, and ‘Penny’ (Dulciana Black Wonder) gave us many happy years.  I mated her, and on letting the stud dog owner see the pups, I was asked if I had thought of ‘showing’. Did I know what this was? Well the rest, as they say, is history. I kept the best puppy, and thus began my interest in the breed. I was very fortunate in having pups that people thought highly of… gaining CC’s with several of them.

At the time we lived in Windsor, Berkshire, where my late husband was the Organist at St. Georges Chapel and the boys were Choristers. I wanted a kennel name and decided to choose a name from the organ stops. I submitted three names to the Kennel Club, and the one that I was given was ‘Gemshorn’. This is the name of a German Flute made from horn.

I owned several Cocker Spaniels with the Gemshorn name… and my breeding can be found in several lines still. During this time I met and later married my now husband Robin, who shares my interest in dogs, and owns two Beagles.

I also had a love for Dachshunds – the Miniature Wirehaired in particular. I bought  a young dog – Larrieux Leonardo – who did remarkably well in the show ring and sired several litters for me. He lived to the wonderful age of 12 years.

When in Germany in 2000 on a judging appointment I stayed with friends who owned Maremma’s, Cocker Spaniels and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen… can you see where this is going? My friend, Gunther Heroz, had a litter of Petit pups of approximately seven weeks. I spent as much time as I could with the litter. I was so taken with them, and one in particular – Bibi – kennel name ‘Bibi Herzogin Von Der Burginsel’. Gunther could see how I felt about the breed, and he very generously arranged for Bibi to be sent to me in the UK. I owe Gunther everything to do with my initial interest and involvement in the breed.

Whilst at a show, I got chatting with Linda Skerritt (Monkhams), and Linda gave me alot of help. We have become firm friends. I am lucky enough to co-own Dk Ch Monkhams Brimstone with Linda Skerritt and Jenna Betts.

I have bred several litters of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen to date. Bibi had her last litter in July 2007 .

The last pups born have been doing amazingly well. Both bred by Ch. Rooster Booster  x  Gemshorn Melody, Rocky gained his title in August 2010, and Bunty has been placed consistantly.

Having served on the committee of the Basset Griffon Vendeen Club for several years, I resigned in March 2010, but I am still looking after the Rescue and Welfare for the breed.