Eileen: He is Ch. Connemara The Great Gatsby (Imp USA), known as "Gatsby" to his friends.

SHOWDOGS: You won this points-based title by virtue of the great number of top awards you won during 2003, how do you feel about this wonderful achievement?

Eileen: Winning this award is unquestionably my greatest achievement in 16 years of showing Beardies. It is the result of sheer dedication and commitment and a huge dose of perseverence. I made the decision at the beginning of 2003 to campaign Gatsby, hoping he would make it as top Herding Dog for the second year. When I realised that he had a chance to 'go bigger' there was a whole new goal to work towards, and a wonderful sense of pride when we achieved it.

SHOWDOGS: How long have you been showing dogs? Please tell us about the first time you entered a show ring. How has the showing experience been for you so far?

Eileen: I have been showing dogs for some 16 years. I remember sitting at Goldfields with the late Penny Ashford, and having her explain what a CC and an RCC was (and feeling very confused, I might add). When my first showdog won her first BOB (under Sheila Baker, at the old Epol grounds in Midrand) I wanted to declare it a public holiday, I was so excited! My then Jewish boyfriend was summonsed from "Shul" to come and watch us in the group, I don't think he was impressed (maybe that's why he became and "ex" boyfriend shortly afterwards!!)

Showing dogs has taught me a great deal about people and myself. Dog people are different, there is no question about that. Perhaps my greatest moment in dogs was also my saddest, as not one person has congratulated me, other than one person in my breed. I guess what I learnt last year was that you are everyone's friend (well, almost) as long as you are not doing big winning. The moment you start to win consistently, people change. This has been very hard for me to accept, but I have dealt with it. I will continue to show Beardies for as long as I am a 'human'. I love being in the showring and I have an all-consuming passion for my breed (that extends outside of the showring).

SHOWDOGS: To what would you attribute your success over the years?

Eileen: I am totally dedicated to the welfare of my breed, and take a great interest in the 'pet' Beardie. Perhaps my success is a reward for this, I don't know. Beardies for me, are about heart, there is nothing I won't do for them. Apart from this I have been privileged to have made friends with top kennels worldwide, and been able to import some fabulous dogs who have enhanced and improved the gene pool here considerably.

My success with Gatsby can be attributed to something else - a bond, a connection, a team effort - call it what you will, but its something special. I feel proud and privileged to have enjoyed our moments in the sun together.

SHOWDOGS: As is the nature of competitive sport, I’m sure you’ve had a taste of unkind comments aired in public. How do you tend to respond to these statements?

Eileen: Very personally, I admit. Because I am so passionate about my dogs, I take everything to heart……and it hurts. I have had to go through a huge learning curve in the past year or so, as the more Gatsby won the more vocal exhibitors become about him (as is the case with all top winners). I guess 'the green eyed monster' gets the better of most people at times.

SHOWDOGS: What made you decide to be owned by a Beardie?

Eileen: A love for shaggy dogs (dare I say "Boomer" dogs) which goes back to my childhood. I just happened to discover a pedigreed version, with a wonderful 'joie de vivre' and a fabulous sense of humour. Beardies are like peanuts, once discovered, there is no stopping with just one……

SHOWDOGS: Which club do you think offers the best-organised show and which was your all-time favourite show?

Eileen: I always enjoy the Eastern Districts Kennel Club shows and the Natal Working and Herding Breeds Show (Tony always manages to create a super atmosphere, with music etc, and if the weather is kind, its just fab)

SHOWDOGS: Thank you very much for your participation, Eileen. SHOWDOGS wishes you well for 2004 and further.