My journey with the Papillon and Corgi breeds began when I was just 14 years old. My fascination with Corgis, often associated with royalty as the Queen’s dogs, and the Papillon, which I first encountered at the Royal Adelaide Show, ignited my passion. I delved into extensive research on both breeds, but it was a Papillon litter advertisement that led me to my first pup, ‘Cindy,’ and thus, my adventure with the Papillon breed began. My affection for Corgis persisted in the background, awaiting the right moment to make its mark.
Gracepol officially took root in 2013 when I welcomed my first pedigree Papillon, Lily. Through Lily, I embarked on a journey of discovery, learning about showing, networking, breeding, and the intricacies of genetics. Over the years, I’ve crisscrossed Australia for dog shows and trials, earning titles for my dogs. The friendships forged with fellow dog enthusiasts have been invaluable, and in 2022, Gracepol is determined to leave its imprint on the Cardigan Corgi breed.
Things I do
Dog Shows: I’ve spent several years showcasing dogs at dog shows, learning from each experience.
Dog Obedience: My role on the Blue Lake Dog Obedience Committee has enriched my understanding of obedience training, fostering effective communication with my dogs, and being an integral part of a like-minded community.
Rally: I’ve embarked on the journey of Rally, an exciting alternative in dog sports, and I’m eager to explore this domain further.
Tricks: My passion for Trick, a subset of Dancing with Dogs, has led to training and collaborating with my dogs to perform a myriad of tricks. This engaging activity is not only entertaining but also immensely enjoyable.
Agility: While I initially ventured into agility with Maverick, a natural talent, my current plans involve nurturing a high-energy dog from my next litter to rekindle my involvement in this exhilarating sport. Agility requires a special temperament, and understanding my puppies from the whelping box helps me gauge their potential suitability for various sports.
Story Dogs: My long-term aspiration is to become part of the reading dog program for schools. These dogs play a crucial role in fostering a positive reading environment for children, promoting relaxation, and reducing anxiety.
Assistance Dogs: I’m eager to provide assistance dogs to individuals who rely on their canine companions. The training involved is substantial, but it’s essential to establish a deep and personal connection between the dog and its owner. Given my personal experience as a type 1 diabetic, I deeply value working dogs and aim to expand my knowledge and involvement in this area.
Papillon involvement
Since 2013, my involvement with the Papillon breed has encompassed a diverse range of activities:
Breeding: Under the prefix ‘Gracepol,’ I’ve bred Papillons, contributing to the breed’s development.
Showing and Titling: I proudly showed and titled Lily, my first pedigree Papillon, earning her the prestigious Australian Champion Clockwork Pretty Pirouette title. We travelled extensively to dog shows across Australia, making cherished memories.
National and Specialty Shows: I’ve attended major shows across the country, including The Royal Sydney Show, The Royal Melbourne Show, The Royal Adelaide Show, The Royal Canberra Show, and numerous Papillon Specialty shows in Melbourne.
Awards: Over the years, I’ve been honoured with various awards, including Best in Show, Runner-up Best in Show, Best in Group, Runner-up in Group, Class in Show, Class in Group, and Breed-level awards, showcasing the excellence of Gracepol Papillons.
Training and Titling: I successfully trained and titled Maverick, the first male Papillon in South Australia, also known as Gracepol Astound Me, achieving his trick title starter award.
Breeding and Titles: In total, I’ve bred and titled eight Gracepol Papillons, contributing to the breed’s quality.
Club Involvement: I’ve played a role in establishing and supporting the foundation of the Papillon Dog Club of South Australia Inc. and served on its committee.
Education and Outreach: I’m passionate about educating Papillon owners and enthusiasts through various social media platforms and face-to-face interactions, sharing my knowledge and experiences to benefit the breed community.