Margaret Clarke

This time a puppy arrived at our home Laugharne Janus (Kent) 24-5-97. At first he was a trial having to get up at night on every hour to let outside to house train during the coldest month of the year, July. Eventually I told him to get on with it, and supprisingly he did. He chewed everything he could get in his mouth around, clothes, furniture, dog toys and baskets. We also were able to take him to visit our mother at the nursing home, and of course as a puppy was patted and much admired by all. Eventually we went to Woodville Dog Obedience classes, but to no avail he would not concentrate on being trained. Then after 6 months with Kent we adopted Laugharne Hughes (Prince) 31-10-95. So my brother and self were much occupied with daily walks morning and afternoon, as at that time we were living in a homette. Both dogs were allowed to visit our mother and couldn't get there quick enough for pats and treats.

It all came about when our cocker spaniel at the time suffered ill health, that when she passed away, my Dad suggested we obtain a stronger breed of dog, so we read books on dog breeds and came up with this one, twenty three years ago. SPANIEL WELSH SPRINGER History does not record the advent of the Welsh Springer as a distinctive breed, but early documents suggest that a Welsh Spaniel may have been known as early as 300 AD. The name Welsh Springer did not come into use until 1902, but the dogs marking difference of colouring gleaming icy white and brilliant chestnut red makes it easily identifiable in print and paintings throughout the centuries. They are not and never have been a fashionable breed, but they in little danger of dying out as they are appreciated as general purpose working animals in their home country Wales. They are vigorous, keen hunters with hardy constitutions, but also make a gentle house dog.
The next arrival was Rhys David Oakdean born 27-4-87 at two years old. He came into our kitchen, sat down and ordered dinner, then settled into our home as if he had always lived there. On arrival at Port Elliot or Woodville South he would inspect all the yards, to see if they were as he had left them. Enjoyed walks and was most friendly to most everyone except bikes, and people in overalls. When our Mother - resided to - a nursing home Rhys was allowed to visit at the same time as John and myself and of course greatly enjoyed the attentions from the other residents and staff. But alas Rhys left us in May 1997, after being a great companion to us three for ten years.
This time a puppy arrived at our home Laugharne Janus (Kent) 24-5-97. At first he was a trial having to get up at night on every hour to let outside to house train during the coldest month of the year, July. Eventually I told him to get on with it, and supprisingly he did. He chewed everything he could get in his mouth around, clothes, furniture, dog toys and baskets. We also were able to take him to visit our mother at the nursing home, and of course as a puppy was patted and much admired by all. Eventually we went to Woodville Dog Obedience classes, but to no avail he would not concentrate on being trained. Then after 6 months with Kent we adopted Laugharne Hughes (Prince) 31-10-95. So my brother and self were much occupied with daily walks morning and afternoon, as at that time we were living in a homette. Both dogs were allowed to visit our mother and couldn't get there quick enough for pats and treats.
	Port Elliot was a great place to visit and go walkies but one day on our walks my brother departed this life. So kindly Beth and Trevor Marschall came to my aid, and arranged for Kent to be adopted by a loving family. After a year of being together me and Prince, he seemed so lonely, so I contacted Beth and Trevor and to our delight CH Laugharne Evensong ET 19-8-94 (Dino) came into our lives. These two get on very well, in fact Dino copies everything Prince gets up to. Prince is the protector and Dino the Boss Lady. We three have a great relationship, with food, walks, car rides and lots of loving.. Port Elliot is a great retreat for us three retirees. On our walks we have been stopped many times, admired and told what beautiful dogs. To this declaration I can only agree, as it is really true. Prince also can talk, this happens while riding in the car, giving much amusement to my passengers. We three also enjoy Welshie Day at the beautiful Barossa in May with our relatives. So looking forward to the next one in 2004. Prince, Dino and Margaret.