Celebrating those who are sadly no longer with us.

Cullen - Aonachdubh the Black Grouse (1999-2010)

Owner    Kimberley Vallance

Born       03/09/1999

Sire      Sh Ch Kalinish Celtic Hero of Aonachdubh

Dam      Aonachdubh Meg o' the Hill

Breeders   Mr R & Mrs J Cunningham

Where do you start with a dog like Cullen! He was re-homed by us at 8 months old, and we don't think his previous owner had undertaken the socialisation that is so vital to some Gordons. In fact we don't think he ever got over this rejection at such a young age. He was not been the easiest dog to live with at times - but he did have his more appealing moments & the most beautiful of heads. He did well in the show ring and was the first of our dogs to qualify for Crufts (at his first Champ show). It soon became apparent he preferred life at home not in the ring, and he was retired at 3.

Open Show Group Placings                 1

Best of Breeds at Open Shows            4

Championships 1st's                              2

Open Show 1st's                                      18

 

Monet - Loyal David Bright Star (1999-2009)

 

 

 

Sire         Bonahaird September Beau

Dam         Lyngor Galatia

Dob          12/02/1999

Monet was just really bought by Kimberley as a pet, but at one year old we started showing him - after we had been out the ring ourselves for about 10 years. He was a brillant ambassador for the Irish Setter Breed - in the breed standard the temperment is described as demonstrably affectionate and that really does describe Monet to a tee. He loved going to shows - mostly because he got to make lots of friends, he would spend all his time outside the ring looking for people to talk to! He had lots of success in the ring, and you can't but wonder what could have been if he had ever got round to growing his coat. Later in his show career, Katie took over handling him, and they were to become a well known site in the ring, both in normal classes and junior handling. Many people would comment on the little girl and the big dog, and how well they worked together. In 2007 Monet was diagnosed with an enlarged heart but he continued along in his merry way - but then in late 2008 he developed a tumour on his hip, and in January 2009 to save further suffering he was sadly put to sleep. Another person that Monet had a very deep connection to was my mum (his biggest fan), and when she sadly passed away in 2005, Monet was bereft - he was her 'Big Red'. 

 

Monet's Highlights in the Ring

Best Gundog in Show            Paisley & District Canine Club 2002

Other Group Placings            8

1st Veteran Dog                     Setter & Pointer Championship Show 2007

Best of Breeds (Open Shows)      30

Open Show 1st's                             50 plus

 

 

Kizzy - Cromasaig Forever Friends (2004-2007)

 

 

Miss Cool Kizzy 2006

 

Kizzy was owned by my sister Kirstie & her daughter Katie, and was a personality plus of a Gordon. While she was not the most relaxed of performers in the ring she did have some lovely wins. Tragically she was knocked down by a tractor in 2007 - leaving a huge gap in the Vallance family setters. Like her sister Willow she loved nothing better than charging about the garden chasing birds - in fact once the naughty Gordon pair where found on top of the garage hunting small feathered things!  Her other forte was bouncing about on top of the trampoline - not always to the enjoyment of the kids.

Best of Breeds            3         

Open Show 1st's         8

 

 

Kerry - Laggan Lafferty (1985-1998)

 

 

Our first Irish Setter, owned by our sister Dawn who had wanted one since 1976!!!

It was because of Kerry we got into showing, after a chance meeting with Jim Shankland (Dalrickett Irish Setters). Things were to come full circle years later when we got Monet, who's father was Jim's last Irish Setter.

 

Rory - Lochfain Northern Echo (1986-1993)

(Murrayhill Red Start x Sh Ch Lochfain Nymph)

 

 

In 1985 I saw my first Gordon Setter in the flesh Euan- the beautiful Sh Ch Dunfionn Arran, and I just knew that it was a Gordon for me. I was very lucky to get Rory as there were not that many about then, but he was a shy boy and was not happy in the show ring. He was a fantastic dog at home. Unfortunately at the age of 3 he was to develope epilepsy which continued to increase in severity until he died before his 6th birthday.

 

Clancey - Laggan Glen Finnart (1986-1999)

(Sh Ch Laggen Bryan's Boy x Sh Ch Laggan Macbie Lady JW) 

 

 

Clancey was Kimberley's first Irish, and they were pretty much inseparable. He would lie at the gate waiting for her coming home from school, what a sweetie. In another full circle thingie - Clancey was Lowri's Great Uncle, and in some ways they did have various traits in common.

 

Lochie - Inkersell Fulmar (1994-1999)

(Liric Endeavour of Pairiedawn x Inkersell Silver Pheasant)

 

 

Lochie was Gordon No.2 - and while he was wild as a pup. He did mature into a gentleman of a Gordon. He was fantastic when my first two nephews were born, and would lie beside the pram to make sure everything was alright. Unfortunately aged 3 he was diagnosed with a serious heart problem. Sadly he was also to die before his 6th birthday.