26th September to 6th July 2016
I am absolutely heartbroken and devastated to be writing this post. Last night Pat Phillips (Kelltara), a dear, dear friend of ours, lost her brave battle against cancer.
Pat had a lifelong involvement with dogs & horses, but it was a Rottweiler, Abbey, that started the journey into showing, breeding and judging.
Pat was a knowledgeable stalwart of many breeds, she had a passion for the dog world and the great show successes that she & Steve had, reflected that. Pat was a well-respected judge, which culminated in her judging Alaskan Malamutes at a club show and at Crufts. Serving on many committees, she was happy to share her great knowledge and experience, to the betterment of the breeds. As breeder and co-breeder of many breed record holders and top dogs, her expertise in that field was also clearly evident. She had friends in many breeds as her interest in learning about dogs was great, she loved to attend seminars and to extend her knowledge.
Pat had many top honours with her Alaskan Malamutes and Greenland Dogs and she formed a great friendship & partnership with Janetta Parkyns (Seacourt) during her time in both breeds. Our lives were changed completely when we were joined by Otis, our first Greenland Dog, co-bred by Pat & Janetta. We’ll always be thankful to Pat for allowing us to start our own journey in the breed and for giving us such great support.
In Norwich & Norfolk terriers, she made up/bred champions in both and her proudest moment was when Steve handled their home bred Ch Kelltara Topsy Turvey, to BOB at Crufts in 1998, under breed specialist Michael Crawley. Another notable achievement was Ch Kelltara Dolly Daydream holding 12cc’s, a bitch breed record.
2005 started Pat & Steve’s journey into Pyrenean Sheep Dogs, where their mark was well and truly stamped. Their achievements in this breed have truly been astounding and results from their dogs have ranged from being the first PSD to win a puppy group, an adult group, RBIS & BIS, shortcut in the group at Crufts and Championship show group placings. Their full accolades in PSD’s are just too numerous to list, bringing the breed firmly to the attention of the judges.
Pat dedicated her life to her dogs and her other animals, a true ambassador for our sport, the dog world has lost a valuable, honest colleague. She leaves behind husband Steve, daughter Sharon & grandchildren Tori and Jake. My thoughts are with those and her extended family.
Pat will be missed by many and I certainly have lost a true friend. Goodbye Pat, I’ll forever be grateful to you, for all that you have done for Stuart & I and all that you’ve taught me over the years. xxx
Nicola Singh