Seafire Scotties Humble Beginnings

Humble Beginnings…..

The question I am most frequently asked is how I developed such a passion for the Scottish Terrier breed.
It’s a story with a lot of twists and turns, and tears and laughter, but is nonetheless the humble beginnings
of Seafire Scotties.

When I was 7 years old, I took handling classes at the Ft. Lauderdale Armory and showed two of my
Chihuahua’s in Jr. Showmanship – see picture. At the time, in Ft. Lauderdale, there weren’t many juniors
showing Chihuahua’s. Although the first place ribbons I received from being the only JR. in the class helped
boost my ego – the challenge quickly wore off.   I moved onto more fulfilling pastimes which occupied my time
for many, many years.

When I was 32 years old I purchased my first West Highland White Terrier “Oliver” from a pet store – see picture. I always
dreamed of being able to walk a white Westie and a black Scotty down the street together like the black and white scotch bottle
ads – see picture. However, it took me a while to muster up the courage to purchase a Scotty because I knew
they had real feisty personalities.

One day when I was 34 years I went to a pet shop to buy fish. There was an 8 week black Scotty puppy that I fell
in love with. The counter help proudly pointed out a big white star on his chest and told me it was a sign of Scotty
royalty. Not knowing what they are supposed to look like, I impulsively bought the pet shop pup with big ears.
“Angus” was feisty but had a clown’s personality. I was hooked!

When I was 36, I decided it was time to find a show quality bitch Scotty to keep “Angus” company. I went on-line,
researched, e-mailed and called many well known kennels in the U.S. Nobody would sell me one. They either
did not have one or weren’t going to sell a novice like me one – I never got a straight story. I even called kennels
in Scotland making my phone bills outrageous! Completely frustrated and shocked at how difficult it was to get
my hands on a quality Scotty, I resorted to the Pet Shop again.   Next mistake I made was to order a
“show quality” bitch from Merryfield Kennels in Ft. Lauderdale. “We will scout the U.S. for you” – they told me –
“but it may be awhile before we can find one”.   Little did I know that scouting the U.S. meant ordering me a bitch from a puppy
mill in a Midwest state. It only took a day for them to find “Nessie” and being the ignorant fool I was, I paid handsomely for this
special order AKC pup.

Shortly after the purchase, I discovered there was a Scotty Fun Day in Florida put on by the Scottish Terrier Cub of Tampa Bay.
Since I wanted to get into showing Scotties, I figured it would be a good way to meet show people and have fun. I very proudly
brought my pet shop dogs. When I arrived, I was horrified! My Scotties did not look anything like the other Scotties. There were
retired show dogs, litters (all sold, of course) and all colors of Scotties.   I met the event host, Sheila-Faith Barry (Camdyn
Scotties) who invited me to come watch an upcoming dog show she was attending in Miami. Sheila-Faith was quite gracious
by holding in her giggles at the site of my Scotties. As I drove home, I cried from embarrassment and vowed I would get a ‘real”
Scotty someday - even if it took me a lifetime.

Later, I watched Sheila- Faith in the Miami Dog Show and was glad to find someone who was willing to give advice so freely and
to encourage me to get into the show ring – but not with any of the Scotties I had. The quest for a Scotty I could show began
again.

When I was 38, I discovered Rococo Scotties in Massachusetts. Nice website and dogs, I thought. As usual, the first few calls
were disappointing – no pups. Ms. Scott Rutherford referred me to a few other breeders – no pups. I
rethought my strategy and called Scott back to ask if she had an older pup – 6 months or more – that I
could show and eventually become my foundation bitch. Typical answer – No! I didn’t give up….I kept
calling…then I resorted to begging. It worked. She grew so tired of my calls that she finally sold me
one - if I promised to show her. Agreed….so before the end of 2003, I had my first show bitch – “Terra”!
Finally!

I spent the year or so learning how to groom and show a Scotty. I tagged along with Sheila-Faith Barry to
local and specialty shows and met many new friends. One dear friend, Suzanne Graham (Kiltscots) who
lives on the other coast of Florida, graciously gave her time and energy to teach me fine grooming. I made
endless trips to her house in Naples learning and relearning grooming techniques and enjoying our
growing friendship and favorite breed together.

After putting a few points on Terra myself, I decided it was time to breed her – see pictures. She was bred to Deblin’s Street
Talk “Sonny” and her first litter was born in November 2004.   I had a litter of 4 boys – but they were lovely boys. At the time of
this writing, my pick – Seafire’s Ring of Fire “Ringo” is very close to finishing his championship. Suzanne Graham’s pick from
this litter won second in Montgomery sweeps in puppy class, November 2004, and got a major first time out on the January
Florida circuit in 2006. I am very lucky to have a bitch that throws such nice pups and enjoys being a Mom. I am most thankful to
Rococo Scotties for giving Seafire Scotties its start.

My wish is that no one ever has to make all the mistakes I made - just to own a quality Scotty. Whether you want a pretty pet or
dare to take the ring on with a show one, my goal is to help you - as others in the breed have helped me. If you can hold back
your impulses, stay away from pet shops and back yard breeders and above all; be patient – your dream of owning a quality
Scotty can come true!