I fell in love with the breed in 1965 and an unregistered Samoyed called Taisha joined our household. I attended a couple of Samoyed Xmas parties and won a ribbon or two and was hooked and so decided a pedigree dog that I could show was on the agenda. Along came my darling pair, Boofy and Mirinka, half brother and sister and despite their novice owner both became Champions. I registered the kennel name Silvertips and our first litter was born in 1969 but it became apparent that Mirinka had no milk despite veterinary help. Although we started to hand rear we were too late and tragically we lost her babies so our next litter was planned for this event and we were prepared with formula and baby bottles but, still hoped the milk would come down. It didn’t, but we successfully hand reared 5 puppies and I retained my lovely Snoopy who became the first Silvertips Champion.

I chose not to breed from Mirinka again and investigated bringing a vigorous new line into New Zealand. I chose my mentor Danny Van Doorn’s respected Snowmass kennels in South Australia and in 1973 the girl of my dreams arrived, Snowmass Silver Moon, the beautiful, adorable Bunty. Her bloodlines were impeccable with her sire the English Imported Champion, (to become Eng & Aust Ch Silver Dart of Sword dale), and what a wonderful journey she took me on, up to the elite level in the dog world. I adored her, she was my other half and one could never wish more from her. Not only was she a showgirl supreme and a great producer but also a wonderful companion who shared her life with me and when her time came to say goodbye I could not believe the immense loss I felt which continued for many years and can still brings tears. I had success in the show ring with my breeding and was at the top rung for over 20 years but, like most of us, I also experienced some heartbreak and plans that were not fulfilled.

I x-rayed my dogs from the late 60’s as I was well instructed by my other mentor Val Auckram and I vigorously advocated health checks and was seen as a "thorn in the sides of some" because of this. I also made some wonderful friends, some have left this earth and I miss them dearly and I also made enemies, as one will always.

Such is the dog world and we do not dwell on these people. Decisions made in the past may be viewed differently today with wisdom that comes from years of experience but I do believe that your path is set and you choose to take the path you tread and you learn from it. What is meant to be will be. I continue to hip score and now do elbow and eyes, I firmly believe in breeding healthy, beautiful dogs that bring joy to their owners and I know I have done that.

I invite you to take a trip down memory lane to view my past dogs, please click on the "Silvertips Samoyeds of the Past" link below.

It has been an exciting journey and experience renewing my love with the Samoyed breed and all of this can be enjoyed by viewing the "Our Samoyeds" links onwards.

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Website updated 2 December 2008 :: Website by Kalnovitch Samoyeds