Growing up in a military family meant I could not have a dog as a child. I then joined the Royal Military Police (nicknamed the Redcaps!) which meant a further 6 years without a dog.
In 1985 I left the Services and became owned by a wonderful German Shepherd dog called Max. For many years he was the faithful companion I had always wanted, the only problem being he was mine and mine ONLY! I was devastated when he went and it took some time to get over losing him.
I had had 2 daughters and decided to wait until they were old enough to respect a dog before getting another.
By 1995 I really longed to have a dog again and the choice of a Beagle came about when a friend mentioned they would love anyone who fed them! The girls and I loved the look of them and the fact that they were known to have a sound temperament clinched it.
I had already known what it was like to show as I had been showing my adorable Persian cats for a few years back in 1986. They were wonderful but I missed not having contact with them during the actual judging (GCCF rules are that all owners must leave the hall during judging). I think the digression into dog showing was destined to happen.
