I have been actively involved in the world of purebred dogs since the age of 14 when I received a Miniature Poodle for my birthday. I learned a lot from that dog. Conformation, although attempted, was not so successful so Sam became my obedience dog. Dabbling in junior handling with friends’ dogs I decided I needed my own dog and bought my first show Springer when I was 16. This puppy became Am. Can. Mex. Ch Pinehill’s Follow The Sun - a multiple group winner. I was hooked on conformation. During my years at university, I bought another dog, Ch Tasmara’s Ace High, CD and many of the area Springer enthusiasts have fond memories of Tito - top veteran in obedience at WRESSAA’s first specialty. After university I moved to Northern California to travel with renowned professional handlers Bill and Taffe McFadden. It was during that time that I bought my foundation bitch, Am/Can Ch Salutaire’s Sophisticate, A/C CD, and the rest is history. Beswin now has close to 30 champions, most of which go back to Jenna.

In my teens and early 20’s I was very involved in the Alberta Junior Handlers Association and will occasionally judge junior handling. I am the founding President of the Wild Rose English Springer Spaniel Association of Alberta and the founding Vice-President of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Canada. I have held several executive positions in both clubs and am currently the Vice President of WRESSAA. I am a member of the ESSFTA.

As a handler, I have shown many other breeds to championships, all breed group and BIS wins and specialty wins but my main interest has been in the sporting and terrier breeds - West Highland White Terriers taking a close second to the Springers.

I have exhibited my Springers in conformation, obedience and tracking. In the future I would like to concentrate more on the performance side - obedience, tracking, agility and working certificates. I am considering working toward my judging license.