“Sweet Dreams” are made of this….

Ch Maketawa Sweet Dreams – “Annie”

Born 29th July 2001

Sire – Ch Azucroft On The Prowl

Dam – Ch Wongan Sweet Spirit

Annie came to “Sandicam” as a three year old in co-ownership with Ross and Mary West, initially as a companion to Ch Mewsdale All You Want, who we were promoting at the time. Mary, in her usual way, had given me this wonderful opportunity to show her along with Alex and also lease her for a litter. A typical, well balanced bitch, sound as a bell with just enough everywhere and everything in proportion.

In the whelping box, her biggest treasure for us has been “Charlie” – Ch Sandicam High Command. He himself, a very typical dog who has done his fair share of winning, particularly at specialties but more importantly has sired some of our fabulous youngsters who are shaping up to be a real force in the Sandicam/Maketawa show team.

She was always quite a challenging bitch to show – somewhat reluctant to move and not so easy to get a super outline out of however after about a year of persistence, the penny dropped and she then decided that showing was “her thing to do”. At that point, there was no stopping her!

Nigel Trainor gave her her first specialty win with BIS at the ACT Gundog Show. Her next was under Sue Aston where she shined through to beat her famous aunty Gr Ch Wongan Amazing Grace and cousin Ch Wongan Flying High, no surprise really as Annie’s mother Ch Wongan Sweet Spirit, was Grace’s sister keeping it really – a family affair!

Annie also took top honours, with BIS under John Thirwell (UK) and Bitch CC and Runner up BIS under Michael Keely, Liz Cartledge, Emma Parker and Gianni Guffanti. Robyn Nicholson gave her Reserve CC and Runner up in Show behind Grace and a month before her retirement, Steph Rickard piloted her to BOB and Runner Up BIS at the Sporting Spaniel Show in Sydney under the legendary David Wong.

Annie’s last and most special specialty BIS was awarded under world renowned Springer Specialist, Marie Merchant of the Clanach kennel. This was a very special day for us as it marked the end of her fabulous specialty show career and the last time that my darling girl would enter “her showring”.

A true princess and matriarch of the kennel at home, she now lives with her son and grandchildren. Seven Specialty CCs, three BISs, five Runner up BISs, a Gundog Show BIS and Runner Up at the SSS in NSW, this beautiful bitch has given us the time of our lives.

Thankyou Annie, your place in breed history is assured and we hope there is another just like you in the next litter – one can only hope!!