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About Us
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Our introduction to the marvellous Rhodesian Ridgeback was literally 'by accident' in January 1994. "Spencer" (aka Spenmeister) was found by Rhonda's sister near her shop (located in Spence Street - hence the name!) in Cairns as a ten month old, complete with broken leg. Suffice it to say, we ended up with a Ridgeback in plaster, a hastily-built corral, a 13 year old terrier cross, Baru, who thought 'finally a mate' and two cats who were to prove Ridgebacks really are gentle giants. Sadly we lost Baru to cancer three week's after Spen's arrival and having asked well over one hundred people if they wanted this lovely lad, decided greater powers were at work and the rest is history, as they say. Spen was joined less than a year later by a neglected golden labrador who was to be put to sleep. You guessed it - Spen had a new mate, the divine Miss Pats. Although only six years old, Pats had done it really tough and looked more like a fifteen year old. With many visits to the vet and lots of love and care, the twinkle returned to Patsie's eyes and we were all blessed with her companionship until December 2000 when a stroke claimed 'our and Spen's girl'. Enter - our first pedigreed 'Rhoddy' Ridgeback!!!!!!! While searching the web, we were fortunate enough to find Fiona Long (LaSimba Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Brisbane). Fiona had a show girl available and quite honestly, we had no idea what that meant!!!! Scary when we think back. 'Two Socks' became a North Queenslander on the 28th January, 2001 and our lives have never been the same. The name 'Kel' (aka Au. Ch. LaSimba Look With Pride) was created by combining her Mum (Kierra) and Dad (Jelani's) name. Little did we know our new life was about to begin! Kelbelle (yet another name) gained her first points at the ripe old age of just over seven months by winning Best of Breed at the Malanda Ag Show in July, 2001. To say we were excited would be an understatement - to say we understood all that had happened would be an overstatement. Kel continued on her winning way with class, group and in show awards and gained her Australian Title in May, 2002 - not sure who was the most proud - her owners or her breeder (Fiona's first litter champ). We maintained good contact with Fiona and when her litter was born in March 2002, I couldn't help but keep returning to a certain photo of a young RR boy's photo with a potplant and lovely flower above his head - meet Bailey. When we travelled to Brisbane, Bails was still with Fiona and fortunately for us, she agreed to send him north to join the growing Cairns family. Bailey-dog (they all have 'extra' names) burst onto the scene in July 2002 and like his half-sister Kel, developed into a fine example of his breed. Bails too, won a number of class, group and in-show awards before gaining his Australian Championship at the age of sixteen months. Given the limited number of shows available in NQ, both 'kids' have done well, in fact, Bails went on to accrue a further 124 points by the end of our show year - October, 2003. We have great belief in this young man's potential in all arenas, but especially winter cuddles!!!! Realising we were destined to be involved with our ridgies for many years, it was time to move out of the city - and then there came 'Wendaru'. Our new home is fifteen minutes south of Cairns and until our purchase in November 2002, was a small cane farm. The Queenslander we live in was built in 1938 and still stands proudly in the corner of the block. With one very long fence installed and some clearing on the block, the Kelanco kennel became a reality - Our first litter was born on the 23rd June, 2003 - 3 girls Cyndy (now Gally), Spirit & Marnie), 6 boys Katu (now Hops), Riff, Woody (now Zeb), Junior (now Bear), Beau (now Bounder) and DJ (Deege). We are thankful that we were sent five wonderful families to love our bubs and we watch with great interest as they grow. Of course, Marns and Deege live with us and so babies make five!!!!!!! WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. We're soon due back in the ring, after our summer break. Mum Kel, Uncle Bails, Miss Marns and Mr. Deege will be up there 'smiling' and their very own personal assistant, Mr. Spence, will be in attendance to make sure all goes smoothly - does it get any better? |
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