I live in an outer western suburb of Sydney, Australia. I first became involved with the Lhasa Apso in 1967 and they have remained as my breed. My husband Jim showed an Afghan for a short time, but I have concentrated on the Lhasa's and have bred on a very limited scale, with great success.

I was foundation Secretary of the Lhasa Apso Club of N.S.W., a position I held for many years. I am also a Life Member of the club, which in itself is a great honour. Due to work commitments, an invalid husband, the dogs, and showing, it is very much a full time week so it has prevented me from remaining as Secretary, but I am still heavily involved in the club.

I am a foundation member of the Asian Breeds Club of NSW, and am actively involved with them, plus an All Breeds Club as well.

I have travelled to the USA five times for the Lhasa Nationals and to attend seminars to further my knowledge in the breed. I worked with a professional handler (Pat Keen-Fernandes) for a few weeks, travelling the shows and learning all about the show scene in the USA.

Probably the most thrilling show win for me was when "Sam", American & Aust. Grand CH. Amesen Time to Travel won Best of Winners and an Award of Merit at the American Lhasa Apso Club National Show in 1997, under world renown Lhasa Apso Breed Specialist Keke Khan (USA).

There has been a lot of other exciting moments, but winning this award in another country was just so very special. 

I have been involved in the Dog World since 1968 as a successful breeder,  exhibitor and exporter of Australian Silky Terriers under the "DULCANNINA"  prefix, and as an exhibitor of all three varieties of Poodles and Lhasa Apso's. From the age of ten I handled my family's dogs in the show ring and later became a partner in the kennel.

Highlights of my involvements with Silky Terriers include:

• Making up approximately 55 Champions

• Dulcannina bred and owned the first Silky Terrier to win Best Exhibit in Show at a Royal Show within Australia (Melbourne Royal 1972). 

• Best Exhibit in Group at 10 Royal Shows throughout Australia including Darwin Royal 1992, Melbourne Royal 1992. 

• Best in Group and Runner Up Best Exhibit in Show at Darwin Royal 1993 and again in 1994 Reserve Best in Group Sydney Royal 1994 & 1996.

In addition to my involvement with Silky Terriers I owned and handled the white Standard Poodle Australian Champion Leander White Blazer (Imp. South Africa) to Best Exhibit in Show at Sydney Royal Easter Show 1988. 

Since 1997 I have also been involved with Lhasa Apso's, with great success as a partner with Jenny Longmire in the "AMESEN" prefix.

I was first approved to judge the Toy breeds in 1978 and achieved "ALL BREEDS" status in 1989. 

I have officiated at shows in all States of Australia, Sweden, both Islands of New Zealand, India, Canada, Sweden (Hund 2005 in Stockholm), and Japan.

In 1992 I was invited to lecture on Silky Terriers to the Terrier Judges at the Terrier Derby Conference in Sweden.

I judged the Pedigree Chum Junior Showmanship Final at Crufts in 1994. 

I am contracted to judge the world Dog show 2008 to be held in Sweden.

Currently I am the Group Seven (Non Sporting Group) Co-ordinator, Examiner, Assessor and Breed Lecturer with the Judges Training Scheme in South Australia.

I am a past Treasurer, Secretary and President of the Junior Kennel Club of South Australia and in recognition of the ten plus years service to the Club was awarded Life Membership.

I am a past President and Secretary of the Poodle Club of South Australia and past Secretary of the Colomeke Kennel Club, an All Breeds Club of which I have also been awarded Life Membership.

I am a past Council member of the South Australian Canine Association (S.A.C.A.); past Committee Member of Target 97; and the Councillor responsible for the S.A.C.A. events including the prestigious Foundation Challenge Cup Final. Both of these committee's have the objective to raise money to finance the showgrounds complex purchased by the South Australian Canine Association.

Past committee member of the Government and Community Liaison Group which has been set up to educate the community on issues such as tail docking, dangerous dogs and to work with local councils on dog regulations and dog control.