In 1990 the patter of tiny paws announced the arrival of 12 week old Sophie [Carillyon Chimes Of Spring]. I had bought my first Westie from Thelma Lees as a pet and companion for our Golden Retriever, Digby. “ I think “ observed Sophie, “ there’ll be some big changes around here. For a start I shall generally take over the household-in the cutest possible way of course ” [Or barks to that effect anyway ] And she was right
The “big changes” began in earnest a couple of years later , when I decided that it would be nice for Sophie to have puppies and I took her to Ch.Heatherwood Hannibal. Sophie produced a litter of seven and I kept a bitch puppy - Jilly (Carillyon Carefree Spring at Jillso)
Sophie’s achievement also prompted the birth of a new idea - that I perhaps could take my interest a lot further .Thelma Lees and Chris Lingwoood offered much help and encouragement and I began to spend hours travelling to their homes for lessons in grooming and stripping
In retrospect it was obvious I had contracted S-H-O-W- Syndrome (Seriously-Hooked-On-Westies) - a condition for which there is no known cure ! It was now time to Boldly -Go - I was off on my Enterprise in fact !
I began by showing and qualifying Jilly for the Stud Book . I then decided to let her have a litter and took her to Ch.Ashgate Bern Era. This was a very difficult time and Jilly lost all but one puppy- but he was Oliver [Ch. Jillso Just For Me JW ], who became my first champion
Oliver was everything I could have hoped for - a born showman (and show-off!) He gained 7 CC’s, 7 Res CC’s,5 BOB’s and BIS at the Southern WHWT Club Championship Show in 1998. He was also Reserve Top Dog 1998
In 1999 , despite all our best efforts , we lost Sophie and obviously still miss her greatly.
I am now showing Oliver’s son George [Jillso Just Jazz ) and my new baby Jenny [Belle Vue Maid For Jillso ]. The past few years have been rewarding , and I am enjoying my hobby as much as ever - and the Westies seem pretty pleased too!
Alison Mellor - Jillso Westies [ August 2001]
