Last year I promised my mom a trip to England.  It took a long time to plan, but we finally got there!  And boy, did we have a good time.  Thanks to Sandra Tonkyn and her parents, Chris and Joy Tonkyn, for putting us up and carting us all over the countryside.  Crufts was a blast.  I highly recommend you try it sometime.


English/American/Canadian Ch. Beckrow Blue Cedar "Woody" (left) and
his son, English Ch. Willowglen Silver Cavalier "97" or "Nines"
For many years Woody held the record as top winning blue merle in the breed with 30 CCs (challenge certificates).  
When Woody left for America, his son was just beginning his show career, with 2 CCs and all were hoping for his Championship.  In 1993 Nines earned 11 CCs, winning his championship and the Dog of the Year award!
The rest is history -- well, almost.
Nines was also Dog of the Year in 1994, 1996 and 1997.  
He continued to accumulate CCs, finishing out 1997 by tying his daddy's record.
Nines waited for me to come and see him so I could watch him break his daddy's record by taking Best of Breed
at Crufts -- something his dad never did!!
Congratulations to Nines, proud dad Woody, happy momma Sandra, and beaming grandma -- ME!

UPDATE!!!
Nines wins his 34th CC and breaks the record for top-winning male Cardigan!!!

Oh yeah -- some other dogs won at Crufts, too:

Eng. Ch. Kilvewood Pie in the Sky was Best of Breed last year at Crufts. This year she competed as a veteran and was 3rd.  She is shown here with her owner, Theresa Maddox.  Theresa has Salvenik Pembrokes and Cardigans and took best male Pembroke with Eng. Ch. Salvenik Sweet Tribute.

This is Rikarlo Annjka. She is the litter sister to our own Am. Ch. Rikarlo American Pie. Annie was Best of Breed at the 1997 CWCA 70th Jubilee show.  She won her 2nd CC shortly after Crufts.  Here's hoping she ultimately wins her championship -- she is 9 years old!

This is the limit bitch class.  Notice how some dogs ACT like show dogs and some don't.  Also notice who is in third place.  Stand that dog up!  Only kidding -- who cares after the judging is over!

First place is Joseter Chivas with Anne Clifton, second is Jogela Spot the Difference with Diane Barnes and silly girl getting scritches from mom is Willowglen Silver Memory with Sandra Tonkyn.

The evening was equally exciting -- watching Sandra and Nines compete in the BIG RING at Crufts.  Here's how its done, folks:

Nines on the table being examined.

The judge watching Nines move.

This is the group pullout.  Twelve dogs out of 43.  Do you see Sandra standing there?  
O.K -- I couldn't get Nines in the picture, but I'm still VERY proud of that team!

Our London Photos (view if you like, they're pretty standard!)

Mom & I had a wonderful trip to London.  We spent one full day taking a bus tour (urp - I got motion sick), then another day shopping.  We found the food court at Selfridge's and had a gourmet meal in our hotel room.  That was after our 3 hour unscheduled night tour of London -- I still have a lot to learn about the bus system.  The next day we took the tube and got around just fine, finishing up our shopping and site-seeing.  We also saw "Buddy -- the Buddy Holly Story" and "Chicago."   I just love the theatre!  After spending all our money, we went back to Castle Stream Farm in the Cotswalds.  A short trip to Wales to visit Belroyd Pembrokes, a day trip to Cheddar Gorge (and cream tea -- yum), and another day trip to Bath and it was time to go home.  I hope to return soon and maybe tour some more castles.


It is with great sadness that I report the death of Sandra Tonkyn, at her home on July 22, 1998.  I am blessed to have counted Sandra amongst my dearest friends.  I will miss her more than I can say.  I lovingly dedicate this page to her.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Sandra. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon her.
May her soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.


About Phi-Vestavia
Meet the Dogs: Percy/Bonnie/Gloria/Lyneth/Hillary/Woody/Suki/Treasure
Breeding Stuff: Upcoming Litters/Puppies!
Show Stuff: 1998 Trip to England/1998 Show Happenings/1997 Show Happenings/
New BIS Winner/National Specialty Report/Gallery of Champions
Also of Interest: Awards/Ear Taping Instructions/Whelping Information/
The English Influence/Tributes/Dedication