I have been involved in the world of dogs competitively since 1987 but have attended shows since birth. My showing career began as a child handler abnd progressed through to junior handling – all while continuing to compete in breed classes.
I initially handled Bearded and Rough Collies (owned by my parents) and other herding breeds. Later, we welcomed our first Miniature Smooth Dachshund, which introduced me to the Hound ring. At 16, I fulfilled a dream of owning a Great Dane, which led me to many years of showing Working breeds. However, after experiencing the heartbreak of the Dane's short lifespan, I turned to the Rhodesian Ridgeback in 2008 – and immediately fell in love with the breed.
To date, I have owned ten Rhodesian Ridgebacks (six still with me). Nine of them are champions, with the tenth still too young. I have bred the top-winning Rhodesian Ridgeback for 2020 and 2021, who was also the Top Bitch 2023, 2024 and 2025. She has achieved All Breeds Best in Show and won the prestigious Goldfields Kennel Club Dog of the Year 2023. One of my homebred boys won KUSA National Hound 2024 and went on to finish both 2024 and 2025 as the top-winning Rhodesian Ridgeback, also earning an All Breeds Best in Show.
I started off breeding Dachshunds and Great Danes as co-owners with my mom under Gaypaul Kennels in 1997. We then changed the kennel name to Bridgevale Kennels in 2012.
I am well known around the ring for being the first to assist newcomers and to step in and help whenever needed.
Showing dogs is both mt passion and hobby. I only breed when I am truly ready for a new puppy to join my home. It took time for me to feel mentally prepared to begin my judging journey, but I can now confidently say that I am fully ready and eager to learn from every judging experience. My judging experience has been limited to South Africa so far, as I chose to focus on gaining a deeper understanding of breed standards before accepting appointments abroad.
Through the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA), I became licensed for Hound in 2019, for Working and Herding in 2023 and for Gundogs in 2025. I am currently learning Toys and Utility and am a provisional judge for Showmanship. I am also the Treasurer of the South African Rhodesian Ridgeback Club and have served as a Committee member for over 10 years.
I view every judging appointment as a valuable learning opportunity – each dog has something to teach.
As an exhibitor, I understand that dogs have both good and naughty moments. As a judge, I do not expect a statue. In the ring – I appreciate a dog that is alive, confident, and showing its true character. As a breeder, my focus is on preserving breed type and adhering to the breed standard to safeguard the integrity of the breed.
