..................................................................................................................... SHOWDOGS: We're very pleased to meet you, Gael Morison. Can you tell us more about you, the person?

Gael: Married to Les, no children. We live in Gillitts, about 30kms west of Durban, in the mist belt, great for coats! I am South African born and bred, parents of Scottish and Irish descent. I did Highland Dancing for 25 years and am licensed to teach by Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance. That soon took second place as Highland Gatherings clashed with dog shows!!

Maintaining two coated breeds, Afghans and Shelties leaves little time for other hobbies.
As a result, gardening and reading take up any precious spare time.

I am a member of Toastmasters International and am working towards my Competent Toastmasters title.

SHOWDOGS: When did dogs and doggy matters begin to occupy a large portion of your life?

Gael: My parents bred and exhibited Rough Collies under the "Clan Campbell" prefix. They both judged and travelled extensively to shows, so I was exposed to all facets of dogdom from a very early age.

Fellow Collie exhibitors had one of the first Afghan Hounds in Natal - I was fascinated with this exotic hound and the die was cast, I would own an Afghan. In 1974 I went to Doreen Powell's grooming parlour and asked if she knew of any Afghan litters. I got my first Afghan but alas, he was not to be a show dog. My mom was living in Cape Town and she bought me my first show dog, a black-masked gold bitch, Shasavaar Diablo of Atlantis. We went to our first shows - Pietermaritzburg Kennel Club and Natal Sporting Hound Association. Invitations to judge and join committees followed. We registered our Atlantis prefix with KUSA in 1976, judged first Open Show Hound Group in 1978 and joined PMBKC committee in 1979. With stewarding, you just got thrown in the deep end - "So and so hasn't pitched, just do it, its easy." With great trepidation, we bred our first litter in 1978. We have been involved with Natal Afghan Hound Association since its formation. I was Chairman during the time when Specialist Clubs had to have 35 dogs present to maintain championship status. That was really a challenge to lure and cajole Afghan exhibitors to enter and be there. I am at present Chairman of Natal Sporting Hound Association.

SHOWDOGS: Can you share some of the highlights in your breeding/exhibiting career?

Gael: Afghans were very strong numerically in the late 70s. Winning Open Bitch from an entry of 29 and then CC was so exciting. Allan Brooks (Bondor) judged in Johannesburg in 1979 and had 101 Afghans entered. Every win was rewarding and appreciated. Dog and Bitch CCs were all 2 pointers. Gaining Champion's title for your first home bred Champion is memorable. The bug bites and the pattern is set. There's always another goal and the sense of achievement when you reach it. I most enjoy campaigning a puppy through from the fun Puppy class to Junior, Graduate and Open. Collecting Challenge Certificates and working with a young dog is exciting and stimulating - it satisfies my competitive nature !!

Winning Best in Show at the Natal Afghan Hound Associations Silver Jubilee show in 2001 with Ch. Kohinoor Gael Force of Atlantis was very special as it was 25 years almost to the day since we had registered our ATLANTIS prefix with KUSA.

SHOWDOGS: What motivates you as a judge?

Gael: No different to many other judges - I started exhibiting, then breeding and it's a natural progression to judging. Your first appointment is the acid test, you either love it or hate it. I prefer exhibiting to judging but do enjoy judging dogs. The mechanics of dogs, how they use what they have, the wow of going over a really good dog all make up the enjoyment of judging. I think judging is a great leveller and helps you be aware of your own dogs' qualities and shortcomings. You admire and respect dedicated, knowledgeable breeders.

SHOWDOGS: In which other countries have you judged? Which was the most memorable?

Gael: I have judged in Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Canada, Finland, Norway, Indonesia, Phillipines, Brazil, Columbia and India.

The Eastern and South American shows are very different to ours. There's far more pomp and ceremony - the show is a gala event with huge crowd participation. There's lots of floral decorations, visiting dignitaries and national anthems played at the opening of the show as you stand next to your country's flag.

The handling and presentation in Canada and South America is fantastic. The professional handlers have teams of helpers that prepare the dogs. The scene sort of resembles the pits at a Formula One Grand Prix. They hand over to the kingpin professional handler when the class is called and he does his magic. If I had my life again I would love to go on the show circuit with the handlers.They are brilliant, know each dog's strengths and weaknesses and are masters at pushing the good and concealing the bad points.They should be good judges.
Show procedures are all so vastly different. Thank goodness for first rate stewards that settle you into their country's routine.

SHOWDOGS: What do you expect from exhibitors?

Gael: To exhibit a clean, well groomed dog in good show condition and carry out instructions to the best of their ability.

SHOWDOGS: How do you handle bad sportsmanship?

Gael: We are all told "If you cant stand the heat, keep out the kitchen". Sadly, if you judge you are going to be subject to all of the above at some time. So, you just have to rise above it and toughen your hide. It is distressing when an exhibitor throws a tantrum during your judging assignment. You have to put the unpleasantness behind you and get on with judging the rest of the dogs entered.

SHOWDOGS: Do you have any amusing judging anecdotes to share with us?

Gael: I have escaped bloopers and embarrassment thus far!! Always hear lots of hair raising and hilarious stories from other judges, though, which shall remain a secret!

SHOWDOGS thanks you most sincerely, Gael, for participating in this programme and wishes you lots of stunning dogs to go over.