Where it all began...
It all started when my daughter (Bethany) was very little. She had a fascination for animals especially dogs. Unfortunately she was the recipient of 3 unprovoked dog attacks from dogs that were known to her. On each occasion she was supervised, but the dogs were somehow intimidated by a fascinated little girl who just wanted to watch them. My daughter still loved dogs, but naturally was becoming a little wary of them – to the point that she was becoming frightened. Then one day when Beth was about 12 she asked me if she could have a puppy.
I considered this very carefully – As you would expect. I had to find a dog that I could “trust”. One that was good with children. One that was intelligent enough to be able to pick up simple commands, one that could adapt to the likely situations for our lifestyle, and one that was pleasing to my eye.
I researched and researched the different breeds, and then narrowed down the selection to a couple of breeds, one being the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Now to find a reputable breeder. Enter Maryanne Silvester of Marcavan Cavaliers infamy.
I rang Maryanne and lucky for me she had a litter of Blenheim puppies, and of course I could go by and have a look. I took Bethany along to choose her puppy and we chose the most beautiful (in our eyes) boy there. We name him Bayley.
When Bayley was 18 months old, East Gippsland was in the grip of the worst bush fires for many years, and we were bracing ourselves for the worst case scenario whilst hoping for the best. I had not long moved from Metung into Bairnsdale township and I could not help thinking how lucky I was to be living in the town. Knowing how much I loved Bayley, I could not help thinking of Maryanne and the dogs she would have at her place. How must she be feeling?
I rang Maryanne and reintroduced myself to her and asked if she would like to relocate any or all of her dogs during that very frightening time, I would be happy to have them at my place in town. I felt quite comfortable that we would be safe, and if we were not, Maryanne only worked 5 minutes from where I lived, as opposed to 25 minute drive probably into the path of the fires, and then back again. It made sense to me to have the dogs in town.
After that telephone conversation, I popped out to my parents place to check on them and on the way home dropped by Maryanne’s. I had Bayley with me (my shadow) and Maryanne was quite astounded by how handsome he was and "look at his coat!" He had a coat that dripped to the ground, it was massive. I thought all Cavaliers did that, so I did not think it was special – until then.
Maryanne took me up on the offer of bringing her dogs in to my place during the danger period, and that was the start of a cherished friendship.
I considered this very carefully – As you would expect. I had to find a dog that I could “trust”. One that was good with children. One that was intelligent enough to be able to pick up simple commands, one that could adapt to the likely situations for our lifestyle, and one that was pleasing to my eye.
I researched and researched the different breeds, and then narrowed down the selection to a couple of breeds, one being the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Now to find a reputable breeder. Enter Maryanne Silvester of Marcavan Cavaliers infamy.
I rang Maryanne and lucky for me she had a litter of Blenheim puppies, and of course I could go by and have a look. I took Bethany along to choose her puppy and we chose the most beautiful (in our eyes) boy there. We name him Bayley.
When Bayley was 18 months old, East Gippsland was in the grip of the worst bush fires for many years, and we were bracing ourselves for the worst case scenario whilst hoping for the best. I had not long moved from Metung into Bairnsdale township and I could not help thinking how lucky I was to be living in the town. Knowing how much I loved Bayley, I could not help thinking of Maryanne and the dogs she would have at her place. How must she be feeling?
I rang Maryanne and reintroduced myself to her and asked if she would like to relocate any or all of her dogs during that very frightening time, I would be happy to have them at my place in town. I felt quite comfortable that we would be safe, and if we were not, Maryanne only worked 5 minutes from where I lived, as opposed to 25 minute drive probably into the path of the fires, and then back again. It made sense to me to have the dogs in town.
After that telephone conversation, I popped out to my parents place to check on them and on the way home dropped by Maryanne’s. I had Bayley with me (my shadow) and Maryanne was quite astounded by how handsome he was and "look at his coat!" He had a coat that dripped to the ground, it was massive. I thought all Cavaliers did that, so I did not think it was special – until then.
Maryanne took me up on the offer of bringing her dogs in to my place during the danger period, and that was the start of a cherished friendship.
