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

Connie: I've been married to Rod for 38 years. We have two children, Tracey, who was a Junior Handler. She attended Crufts but did not exhibit. She currently lives in the USA. Another daughter, Belinda, lives in London. Both are married.

I am a born and bred South African, first living in Port Elizabeth and then in Kloof, Natal. I inherited my father's great love for dogs, especially Terriers and Hounds.

My first job after leaving school was working as a bookkeeper. After studying for a Diploma, I finished up as Branch Accountant for a big Insurance Company. The call of the dogs then took over and with my partner, Lyn Johnson, bought Ralun Kennels from Ralph Lundgren in 1975. I enjoyed the kennels but seem to enjoy the grooming side more. After selling the kennels, I opened my present grooming parlour "Canine Coiffure" in 1985.

I think I'm a talented cook and love to throw a good luncheon for my friends, which I like to do about 3 times a year. I'm also on a lifelong quest to make the best curry ever. When the children were small I used to make these fantasy creation birthday cakes until one of the dogs ate a cake I had been working on for 2 days!

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

Connie: I have been involved with dogs all my life. As a child, I worked in my father's hunting kennel with Beagles, Fox Hounds, Harriers and Irish Terriers. I first started breeding and showing Irish Terriers in 1967. At the kennels, I went into partnership with Lyn with some beautiful Afghans especially "Marna" who was imported from Marna Dodds of Horningsea Kennels. I had Wire Haired Fox Terriers over the years, two Welsh Terriers from Michael Collins in England, and Bichon Frise, with some especially nice ones while I was in partnership with Wendy Streatfield. To top it all, I had a Griffon named "Gruff" from Norman Butcher in England.

I have been Secretary of the Natal Terrier Club since 1977.

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

Connie: In 1981, the Welsh Terrier we imported from Michael Collins of Purston Kennels won our South African Supreme Champion, a contest for All Breed Best In Show winners, the prize being a trip to an FCI International Show in Europe. We exhibited in Berne, Switzerland, getting third in the Terrier Group and in Luxembourgh, winning the RCC.

SHOWDOGS: What motivates you as a judge?

Connie: In l974, I decided I seriously wanted to learn about other breeds, and because I love studying and writing exams, I applied to become an Aspirant Judge. One of my personal highlights was when I became an All Breeds Judge in 2002. My motivation to Judge is that maybe one day I will do the perfect job.

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

Connie: Zambia, Namibia, Australia, India, Norway, Indonesia.

My trip to Indonesia was the most memorable because the exhibitors just accepted the judges' decisions with such grace. Then my hosts took me to a Safari Park where I saw the Blue Bird of Paradise and five endangered White Tigers.

In Australia, the quality of dogs and handling is most thrilling.

SHOWDOGS: What do you expect from exhibitors?

Connie: I expect dogs to be in show condition, ie. groomed coats, clean teeth, well muscled, good weight, etc, just as I would present a dog in the ring. I can be very patient in the ring and will tolerate fidgety, nervous handlers but I cannot tolerate rude, grumpy exhibitors.

SHOWDOGS: How do you handle bad sportsmanship?

Connie: I put a funny look on my face and totally ignore them!

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

Connie: This lady in Cape Town put her Peke puppy on the table for examination and just then the loud speaker rang out announcing that South Africa had just won the cricket, I said to her isn't it just fabulous. She said, Yes, I bred it myself!

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