* * * * * *
In 1991 I imported this long-legged,
awkward, gangly puppy !
THANK GOODNESS !!!!
She was covered in dull Grey flecks/streaks,
and considering her colour
AND having come from New Zealand ...
I felt she HAD to be named "Fern"
after the NZ National Emblem,
the "SILVER FERN" !! :)))
At the time of her death,
Fern was STILL the Top All-Breeds & Specialty Winning
English Setter Bitch in our State in the last 30 years !!
* * * * * *
Fern's first litter was sired by "Aust Champion Raider of Paysett - import New Zealand".
This alliance
resulted in Jasper
(Aust Champion Aberlour Nobodys Fool)
and Bentley (Aust Champion Aberlour Neon Lights).
Jasper
is a Multi In-Group & Multi In-Show
(Specialty & All-Breeds) winner.
He's also a Multi "ROYAL" Challenge
and Best of Breed winner ...
his first Royal Challenge being at
the tender age of 6 months old,
with Bentley taking the Reserve.
To my pleasant surprise, they BOTH beat their Mum "Fern"
for Best and Reserve of Breed.
She had to be content with the Bitch Challenge !!
Two weeks later at the Sydney Royal Show,
Jasper (still 6 months old)
won Best English Setter Puppy (7 entries),
then Minor in Show at the NSW English Setter Show
the following day !
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