Page 18 - ShowSight Presents - The Irish Setter
P. 18
THOUGHTS ON THE
IRISH SETTER
LORRAINE BISSO
My mother took me to my first show in 1962 to watch Collie judging because I was reading the Terhune Sunny- bank stories. The connection was immediate and I made my ring debut soon after with a Weimaraner. In 1964, friends of my parents offered me a lovely 10-month-old Irish sired by the BIS CH End O’Maine Pat Hand x a daughter of Ch Innisfail Color Scheme and Ch Hartsbourne Sallyann of Tirvelda. I was fortunate to have both Junior Showmanship and breed competition to learn about the breed and the sport. Sheelin finished easily and I met serious dog people early on who were passionate about purebred dogs and who helped me along the way. I was taught to look for and to understand, the reasons for breed type. After college, I bought a daughter of Ch Rockherin Rebecca and Ch Tirvel- da Telstar, a Michaelson son. Lark was ISCA Field Matron in 1986 in addition to her bench champion daughters. Exhibiting led to judging in 1996 and I am currently approved for the Sporting and Terrier Groups, Dachshunds, BIS and Junior Showmanship. I have judged from coast to coast and am honored to have judged the Irish Setter Club of Ameri- ca, the English Setter Association of America and the Gor- don Setter Club of America National Specialties as well as two Regional Futurity/Maturity competitions for the Wei- maraner Club of America and numerous breed specialties. I am a Past President of the Irish Setter Club of America and for several years was the Judges Education Chair. My fam- ily has lived in the New Orleans area since the latter part of the 19th century. I have a strong interest in US and local his- tory, love to read and feel that no fall Saturday afternoon is complete without LSU football!
MAUREEN A. DAY
I have been involved in the competi- tive dog world since the early 1970s. I purchased my foundation bitch from the California Rendition Kennels. Through the years I’ve shown and bred many dogs with great success and enjoyed every moment. After many years of show- ing, I knew that I wanted to continue in dogs and judging several sweepstakes set me on that path of the sport. I find the
task of learning new breeds very enjoyable and interesting. Each assignment sets the challenge to find the best dog in each class and I actually look forward to that challenge.
NENA DEE
My husband Norbert and I have lived in Leesburg, Virginia for over 30 years. I enjoy spending time with my dogs, of course and family, especially the grand- kids. I also enjoy reading and learning about other breeds. I got my first Irish Setter in 1963 and showed until 2003 when I started judging Irish Setters and progressed to having the Sporting Group and now moving onto Toys.
PETER A. FROST
I live in Melbourne, Australia and have recently retired after a career of teaching mathematics and classical stud- ies. Currently, I am acting as a volunteer for the St. Vincent De Paul Charity orga- nization. I grew up in family that always had a dog and started showing in 1972 after the purchase of my first Irish Setter. Since then I have owned both a Gordon and English Setter, but Irish have always
remained my true love. I began judging in the early 80s and am currently licensed for the Toy, Terrier, Gundog (Sporting), Hound, Herding (Working) and Utility (Working) groups.
SIDNEY MARX
I got my first Irish Setter, Scott’s Lady, in 1963. When she won a blue ribbon at her first match show, I was bitten by the show bug. In addition to the United States, I have had the pleasure of judging Irish Setters in Canada, Bermuda, China, Sweden and Australia. I have also been extremely honored to be one of the judges at an Irish Setter national specialty. At the present time, I am semi-retired and live with my wife, Shelly and our four dogs, Streamer, Gifford (Welsh Spring- er), Mason (Flat-Coated Retriever) and Frankie (Beagle) in Colorado Springs.
