It all started back in 1994. My parents bought their first Siberian Husky and decided they would give showing ago. I attended with them on weekends and showed in the Junior Handlers Competitions with a lot of success. In no time at all I was handling like a professional.

People began approaching me to show their dogs for them as they thought I could present their dog better than they could. It was a wonderful feeling, especially when their dog won. I have handled many different breeds of dogs over the years, and even now as the years pass, I still get to show many other breeds of dogs. It is a wonderful experience, dogs have their own personality and you never can really know what to expect. In fact, I am also a Handler’s Judge now and hopefully in the not to distant future will become a Group 6 Judge with an outlook of becoming an All Breeds Judge.

On the 19^th of December 1995, a litter of Alaskan Malamutes were born that unknown to me at the time, would change my life forever………………….

Whilst attending the shows with my parents, we were introduced to an Alaskan Malamute & Shiba – Inu breeder. I did some professional handling for the breeder and it became a regular event. I showed one of the Shib-Inu’s the breeder owned and then I was asked to show an Alaskan Malamute baby and it was love at first sight.

Her name was STARWIND SUMMER DREAM aka “Gemma”. Gemma’s sire American Champion/Australian Champion Stormklouds Hhuckleberry, was imported from America and her dam was Australian Champion Polstars Akutan Leona who was out of an American Stormkloud Imported sire. She was the most beautiful dog I had ever seen. Gemma did a lot of winning in her time. She became Australia’s youngest Championship Titled Alaskan Malamute, won Runner-Up Best of Breed at the Brisbane Royal one year and also Best Puppy In Specialty Show down in Victoria. Gemma had gained her Championship Title with ease and without one single 6 point challenge.

Unfortunately, Gemma’s show career was cut short due to family circumstances. She was not far off her Grand Championship Title either. Sadly, Gemma’s life too was cut short on the 19^th of September 2002 when she was diagnosed with Pyometra. It was one of the most horrific feelings I have ever felt. There is still a hole in my heart that her departing has left.

She will always be remembered as my BABY BEAR and I know when my turn comes to cross the Rainbow Bridge, she will be waiting for me.