As a child, along with my brothers and sister, we always had various animals, some of which were quite unusual: ferrets, polecats, piranhas and snakes, along with the usual rabbits and budgies.
My parents, however, would not allow us to have a dog. After many years of pestering, I came to the conclusion that I would have to satisfy my love of dogs by borrowing other people's.
At the age of 8 I started walking our elderly neighbour's Border Terrier, 'Rose', taking her to our local dog training classes, which we both enjoyed. I borrowed more friends' dogs, training a poodle and a Labrador too.
In 1975 I started attending the local ringcraft classes, where I met Margaret Scaife. I began to handle her Chow Chows, enjoying her kennel's success at open and championship show level.
I made my first trip to Crufts at Earls Court in 1980, vowing that one day I would return and show my own dog there.
My love for Rough Collies was, of course, born through the famous Lassie films. I always knew that, although I loved all dogs, the only breed for me was the Rough Collie.
In 1985 I got married, so this naturally meant my first collie followed not long after. After attending a few breed club shows, I decided to approach Sandie Harrison from Abbeycraig Collies in Stirling.
In 1986 I collected my very first dog—of course, a Rough Collie—and so my journey really began...
OAKLEY ICE QUEEN FOR KARAFAYE (IMP CHE)
I showed Kas at open shows where he won a few rosettes. He taught me a lot about showing and we had a lot of fun together.
Sire: Corydon Seumas Beag of Abbeycraig x Dam: Abbeycraig Sprig Of Heather
I went back to Abbeycraig kennels in 1987, bringing home this time Glen.
Glen (I know I shouldn't say this) is my all-time favourite collie, a true gentleman and sorely missed still today.
He did very well at obedience and our local club visited local old people's homes regularly, where he won many hearts too. He did well for me in the show ring at open and championship level, winning many Best of Breeds and our first Best in Show at a local show in 1989.
Due to a divorce, nowhere to live, remarrying and then having three children, I didn't have another dog until 2003, when I bought Honeyfield Golden Sunset.
Sire: Amalie I'm a Believer in Aintshe x Dam: Honeyfield Kiss of Dawn
Charlie was shown until he was two years old, when he decided he didn't enjoy showing.
He won many firsts, qualifying for Crufts at his first show.
In 2005 I started looking around for another show dog, coming across Ladnar Kennels and resulting in us welcoming home Brook.
Sire: Ch Brooklynson De Carvalho x Dam: Ladnar Red Rowena
Brook was my first dog I took to Crufts. I was so very proud to be standing at last on that green carpet. He wasn't placed, but we had a super day out. He was also my first Best Puppy Dog at championship show level.
I also tried him at agility, which he loved; it certainly kept us both fit!
My children were now growing up and, as Mum wasn't needed so much, I decided it was the right time to purchase my very first bitch—and what a lady she is.
I have always admired the Corydon Kennels, as my old man Glen's father was from that kennel. I thought all my Christmases had come at once when Miranda Blake phoned to say she had a sable bitch for me.
Excitedly, I set off to the Corydon Kennels in March 2010, bringing home the gorgeous...
DOB 27/12/2009
Sire: Ch Demelewis Dark Moon Driftin over Corydon x Dam: Corydon Rio Rita
MDR +/+ Hips 2/4 = 6
Well, what can I say about this lady? She has surpassed all my expectations and I just love her to bits. By the time she was 18 months old she had won 12 BOB, 7 BPIB and 5 Group placings.
Faye was Best Bitch at Scottish Breeds Championship Show at 10 months old, going on to be placed third in the puppy group. She won Best in Show at Cumberland County Open Show, achieving our first Show Certificate of Merit.
Faye has passed her Good Citizens award and the Therapet assessment, giving testament to her brains and temperament as well as good looks.
Faye also returned to the show scene after her year out once she had some coat. From the four Open shows she attended she won two BOBs, Group 2 and two seconds.
At the three Championship shows she attended in Limit she was awarded two seconds and one third—not bad for having a year off.
2010 was the year I decided it was about time I applied for a Kennel Affix. Luckily, I was granted my first choice.
Karafaye means: Kara—Gaelic for beloved—and Faye needs no explanation; in essence, “beloved Faye”.
Faye gifted us with our first litter, born on 30 May 2012: three beautiful boys. From this litter I decided to keep my first tri-colour...
Sire: Demelewis Winter Moon Over Corydon x Dam: Corydon La Fayvorita Avec Karafaye ShCM
MDR +/+ CEA Clear Hips 3/4 = 7 - DM Carrier
Quillan only attended four open shows as a puppy. He won two firsts, two seconds, Puppy Group 4, and Best Puppy in Breed and Best AV Pastoral Minor Puppy under Frank Kane.
At his first Championship Show, aged 13 months, he won his junior class and was awarded the RCC from breed specialist Miranda Blake.
Quillan continued to be placed consistently at the limited shows he attended, including RCCs at LKA and East Anglian Collie Association, Reserve Best in Show at Cumberland CA and Carlisle CS, and further championship placings.
Quillan at Crufts 2015
DCC/BOB/BIS - East Anglian Collie Society Championship Show - July 2016
Judge: Mrs Val Geddes (Ingledene)
At the age of four Quillan was maturing into a very handsome Collie. His gentle, loving nature brings joy and happiness to all who meet him. Highlights included Best in Show at Northumberland and Durham Collie Club Open Show in January 2016 and his first DCC at East Anglian Collie Association Championship Show on 31 July 2016.
DCC - Three Counties Championship Show - June 2017
3rd and crowning DCC - Scottish Collie Club - May 2018
RCC - N & D Ch Show - April 2019
BVIB - EACA Ch Show July 2019
Sire: Aust. Ch Corydon Winds of Victory x Dam: Corydon La Fayvorita Avec Karafaye Sh CM
DOB 10.04.15 MDR +/+ Clinically Eye Clear Hips 2/5 = 7
Connie had yet to attend any shows, but was coming along nicely. The photo was taken at six months old. She is an absolute delight, but also a wee monkey. Poor Quillan bears the brunt of her enthusiasm, but secretly enjoys his new playmate.
Photo above taken at 12 months of age. Connie had a short but successful puppy career, being consistently placed at open show level and winning some BPIB, BOB and Group placings. At 8 months old she won a very nice MPB class at LKA Championship Show and Best Puppy in Show at Northumberland and Durham Collie Club Open Show in January 2016. At Crufts she was third in puppy, qualifying for Crufts 2017.
CC/BOB National - May 2018 - Judge Mr N Smith (Tentola)
DOB 15.09.2019 MDR +/+ Clinically Eye Clear
Sire: Karafaye Scotch Blend at Thistlewing x Dam: Yenroc Scottish Harmony at Thistlewing
On 10 November 2019 we welcomed a new addition to our kennel: eight-week-old Kara, bred by my good friend Brenda Welsh of Thistlewing Rough Collies. She is sired by Karafaye Scotch Blend, a brother to Connie. Brenda offered me the pick of her litter and we both agreed this playful little character with a look-at-me attitude was the one.
Kara is maturing nicely, above now aged 2 years.
Sire: Swiss CH Oakley Higher Than Hope x Dam: Corydon La Grande Dame
I would like to thank everyone who helped, encouraged and coached me over the years.
Loved, owned and shown by
Lorraine Quince
Annan, Dumfriesshire
Telephone: 01461 201652
Email: lorrainequince@talktalk.net
