an interview with caroline gilmour (pro-am american cocker spaniels)
Sunday, January 11, 2009 7:22 PM                
 
All about "Calvin" : Junior Dog of the Year 2003
  
     
 

Photo © Lasting Image Photography

SHOWDOGS: "Calvin" has done exceptionally well since he arrived, Caroline, you must be so proud of him. What is his registered name and how old is he?
Caroline: Ch Cilso de la Gran Aldea, better known around the home as “Calvin”, was born on 8 March 2002 which makes him just under two years old right now.

SHOWDOGS: Were you able to pick him as a puppy? What made you choose him from his littermates?
Caroline: Calvin was offered to me by his breeder along with another pup from a different litter. The minute I saw the pictures of him – I knew I had to have him.

SHOWDOGS: For those who haven't been able to keep up, what are Calvin's major achievements?
Caroline: Calvin has really done so well for a young dog. He has been consistently placed in the Gundog Group and final line-ups. I think the most memorable wins other than his Best in Show and numerous Best Puppies in Show, was winning 3rd in the Dog of the Year and then following it with Junior Dog of the Year. To cap it all, he won the Western Cape Top Puppy and Top Dog awards.

  
 

SHOWDOGS: Amongst these wonderful achievements, is there one that stands out as the most significant?
Caroline: Yes, being placed 3rd in Dog of the Year, when he was still under the age of 18 months.

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?
Caroline: I started showing dogs in 1981 after getting my first buff American Cocker, called Eager Beaver, from Maureen Rees. At our first show he went Best Minor Puppy on Show, I remember the huge bag of food and I still have that rosette. Its great to still have Maureen sending me sms's to wish me luck when I am away and she still supports me - a true friend. I have enjoyed showing my dogs and have met so many people that I would not have met under normal circumstances. I have travelled to countries that I probably would not have done if it were not for dogs. Its great sitting down and talking about things that have happened at shows. On the down side, I find it rather sad that you can lose a good friendship through dogs as well - that's the part that makes me wonder whether its worth it in the long run, but I will never part with my dogs.

SHOWDOGS: Which club do you think offer the best-organized shows and which was your all time favourite show?
Caroline: This is a hard one, I don't normally look for fault at a show unless I actually experience it myself. Being involved in running a show myself I do not think we can compare the coastal shows to the Gauteng shows in terms of the prizes, organisation, and sponsorship.

I have always enjoyed the Wits/Midlands weekend and also the TKC/Ladies weekend, but then I will not miss the PE weekend. I try and support as many as possible, but it gets rather expensive when its not a back-to-back weekend.

SHOWDOGS: Have you ever calculated how many kilometers you travel to shows every year?
Caroline: I do not want to think how many kilometers we do in a year. After my car accident I have given up on driving to Gauteng and Durban. I now make use of a chauffer-driven Boeing - its beats the Bloemfontein General Hospital.

SHOWDOGS: How many dogs and how many different breeds do you own and co-own?
Caroline: Although we do have Boxers and an Afghan at home, I own 5 American Cockers at present.

SHOWDOGS: Your kennel name "Pro-am" is interesting. How did you happen upon this name?
Caroline: This was not the kennel name I started with, but I hated the previous one and decided to change it about 13 years ago. It kinda reminds me of.......well...... Pro- American.

SHOWDOGS: Tell us about your next "rising star".
Caroline: I have a very promising Calvin baby of 5 months and also some exciting new happenings which I cannot discuss right now.

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

  
                     
         
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