The Summerstone 'moments'

Eventually, when I was a grown up with a proper home and a proper job I was able to think about buying a dog of my own. My then husband, Trevor and I went to Crufts for two consecutive years to decide on a breed and to find a suitable breeder. We finally chose the English Springer - I think the size and temperament clinched it. We spent a long time walking around the benches, thinking how noisy some of the breeds were - not the case with the English Springers we thought. We watched some of the judging and spotted one particular bitch that appealed to us. The following year, we picked her out again - it was Sh Ch Tiverstone Play Misty For Me . Contact was made with her owners, Julie and Malcolm Shovel to find that she was in whelp. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Tiverstone Sweet Lady joined us and we named her 'Summer'. She was the best introduction to the breed you could ever wish for - such an easy, biddable, adorable girl - and in fact she never put a foot wrong in the whole of her life!

Tiverstone Sweet Lady 'Summer'

The first litter, to Eastriding Paco Rabanne produced us 'Eden', Summerstone Artemis who not long ago, became a grandmother herself! Bronte had a second litter of nine to Sh Ch Berkenbar Carrera two years later and this time, 'Honey' - Summerstone Basilissa stayed with us.

When Honey was about nine months old, I flew to The Honeymans in Scotland to have a look at a litter of puppies with the intention of hopefully bringing home another bitch puppy. Of course what actually happened was that I fell in love with a dog puppy and 'Dylan', Beecraigs Bedevilled eventually joined our little gang in Kent bringing his infectiously joyful personality with him.

L-R Rupert, Summer, Bronte & Eden

Lochranza Fancy Socks 'Fancy',

Unfortunately Summer was diagnosed with Addisons at not much more than a year old which meant she would never have puppies so the search was on to find another bitch to set us on our way. 'Bronte' Calvdale In Possession soon joined us like a whirlwind and the very antithesis of what we had been used to with an English Springer. Her breeder, Nicola Calvert once said she was a 'free spirit' and that she most definitely was - not a day of illness in her life, far too busy for that I'm sure!! She was the 'all action' girl in direct contrast to Summer's very dainty and girly ways, and it was Bronte who produced our first ever Summerstone litter - the affix chosen as a tribute to Summer who would never have babies of her own......

Calvdale In Possession 'Bronte'

Summerstone Basilissa 'Honey' - daughter of Bronte and Sh Ch Berkenbar Carrera

Both Honey and Dylan enjoyed some good times in the ring particulary Dylan who won well in both his Puppy and Junior classes. He was awarded his Junior Warrant and went on to gain a CC and one RCC.

Eden produced the third Summerstone litter to Dylan and the only two bitch puppies, Meg and Thea, went to live in Scotland with Elaine and Raymond and both have gained their Show Certificate of Merit awards.

Dylan and Bronte now live in Somerset with their Dad.