By Max Davies
A DOG from Romsey’s Inverbrae Jack Russell Kennel won the World Dog Show last month, becoming one of many in the kennel’s history to claim top honour on the world stage.
Inverbrae owner Fay Foster has a long history of breeding winning dogs and sending them worldwide, with Fidoralisa her most recent victor at a dog show in Brno, Czech Republic.
Fidoralisa, however, comes from a special background as her sire is regarded by Ms Foster as a ‘miracle puppy’ due to his unique life story.
“Fiordalisa’s sire is Jamboree who has won his class in the last three World Dog Shows,” she said.
“We think of Jamboree as somewhat of a miracle puppy because his mother Myth, who also won a World Dog Show in Paris, unfortunately did not survive having a litter.
“The only puppy from that litter to survive was Jamboree, who was raised thanks to a Yorkshire Terrier foster mother.”
Following the line of World Dog Show winners, Myth’s mother Celebration was also the mother of Centenary Harry, winner of multiple awards in Victoria and Darwin and sire to Royal Show Champions of his own.
“As successes became more well-known I received overseas requests for show puppies, resulting in the Inverbrae name appearing as many champions in many countries,” Ms Foster said.
“Among them is the legendary John of Gaunt who won best of breed and then best veteran at World Dog Shows in Mexico in 2007 and Denmark in 2010.”
Ms Foster said she had fond memories from her career as an award-winning dog breeder.
“Over the years I have made many friends overseas who have invited me to their country to see their dogs and present at shows and official engagements as the Inverbrae representative from Australia,” she said.
“Many of these folk still keep in touch.
“Unfortunately it is time for me to retire, I will miss all the dog world activity but will still be watching from outside the fence.”
