I came from a horse riding background. My father put me on a pony at the age of three and as they say 'the rest is history'. My childhood, teenage and young adult years were filled with pony clubs, eventing, showing and breeding horses.....I lived and breathed them as did my younger sister. Self preservation kicked in after I had my daughter and after a series of 'not too nice' falls I decided to look for a safer way to satisfy my competitive nature. Of course being 'animal mad' as my mother put it, it inevitably had to involve animals in some way! Around this time I became friends with a dog exhibitor and so it began.....

I had always had a dog, and had in fact trialled my German Shepherd bitch to her CD title. I began going to shows with my friend, helping her with her dogs and watching what went on. I knew I wanted a dog that was excellent with children and other animals, was intelligent and easy to train and would be able to fit in with our busy and often noisy household. I had also decided that I didn't mind a bit of grooming and therefore a long coated breed would be suitable.... I loved the glamour of the long coated breeds in the showring. At this point I had never actually set eyes on a Beardie and in fact came upon one by accident when I was on holiday in Queensland. After meeting him, I decided that this was the breed I had been looking for and I set about finding out as much as I could about the Bearded Collie.

After devouring every bit of information I could find, I was lucky enough to purchase a puppy from the well reknowned kennels of Joan and David Smith 'Burnhardt' in Victoria. Toby (Ch Burnhardt Logans Legend) joined our family in 1996, and I was hooked. Since then, I have had three more Burnhardt beardies come to live with us. I am grateful for the advice, support and guidance that Joan and Dave have extended to me over the years, but more importantly I am so grateful for their friendship.

Our first much awaited litter arrived at Edinglen in May 2004. Out of this litter came our Multi Best in Show winning bitch Aust Grand Ch Edinglen Fascination (Charlotte). She is more than I could ever have imagined and has been extremely successful in the showring, taking out numerous awards from a young age.

I would like to say a huge thank you to my fabulous friends, you know who you are, that have helped me with my dogs, offered support and have just 'been there', I don't know what I'd do without you xx

Edinglen Bearded Collies are situated at Sandford, which is near Hobart in Tasmania. Our home is on 7 acres and the beardies have great fun chasing the bunnies (and our chickens when we're not watching!!!)

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