Thirty five years ago, imported Pomeranian bloodlines were fairly limited in this country, however I did initially use Astral stud dogs, that kennel, having Hadleigh bloodlines during the 60’s.  In 1974, I imported direct from the late Gladys Dyke of U.K.: an orange sable male: Hadleigh Golden Pippin.  During the ensuing years, I had a further 9 Imports from U.K. including two bitches by Ch. Hadleigh Happy Star, plus a daughter and grand daughter of Ch. Derronills Maxamillion.

My story goes back even further than 1965.  As a child I was unable to have a pet dog and the school I attended was adjacent to a Park, where the local pound was housed.  Being a corrugated iron building, I was able to prise an opening to allow some of the dogs to escape, and would select one that took my fancy.  My parents at the time had a News agency in Bendigo and nearby was a factory, which served as a good  place to hide my ‘stolen’ dog. 

Needless to say, I was finally caught, duly reprimanded and the corrugated iron was replaced with bricks. I decided to purchase a Registered German Shepherd puppy which cost 25 guineas, and he took some time to pay off from my meager pocket money.  The puppy duly arrived from Melbourne by train, I collected him after school from the Rail Station and as I was not permitted to take him onto the tram and the 4 month old puppy was not lead trained, I had to carry him the 1 ½ miles home.  I was allowed to keep him, only because I had paid so much money for him.

Later, when my family moved to Melbourne, I did show my Shepherd for a few placings, and as I was then too young to drive and could only attend the shows accessible by train, I soon lost interest.  In 1960 I purchased a Miniature Poodle and later a Toy, which I showed for a short time, whilst I was living in Dubbo, central N.S.W.

I have owned and shown Pugs, and the odd Pekingese and Smooth Fox Terrier.  However, some 90 odd Champions, legitimately and honestly titled, and 17 Imports later, my most enduring love is for the Pomeranian.

During 1976 I gained my Toy Judging License and was fortunate enough to have judged at the main Metropolitan Shows, including twice at the prestigious Classic, the National Toy Dog Club Show, as well as Shows in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and on three occasions in New Zealand.

In 1991 I had the opportunity to travel to the U.S.A. and judged at the San Joachim Kennel Club and the Yosemite Kennel Club All Breeds Shows.  Whilst there for almost 6 weeks, I purchased an Arabian colt, a black Straight Egyptian bred by Whitehaven Plantation and owned at the time by Paoli Gucci, and duly imported him to Australia.

"During April 2001 I returned to the US to judge Toys, Terriers and Herding (Working) at 2 Shows in
California, culminating in Judging Best in Show (General Specials) at one of them"

Many years after obtaining my Toy License I decided to obtain my Terrier Judging License, quickly followed by Working Dogs. I now combine breeding and exhibiting my Pomeranians with managing my Arabian Stud which comprises of 50 Purebred horses, together with Club administration and Judging.

Blasts from the Past......

Cutting the cake at the 10th Anniversary of the Pomeranian Club of Victoria 29/5/1988

Accepting award for Runner up Best Exhibit in Show at the Pom show in 1989, from judge Royce walters. Winning dog was - Ch. Rothlynne Annie Oakley.

Lireva's Imperial Gem (imp UK), photo taken at home of Countess Cosse' Le Quai in Norfolk UK