Gladys' Story

"I had never owned a dog before, although I had always wanted one, so when my children grew up and left home I decided that it was time to have a puppy. We went to breeders in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders as we live in Melrose nearby to buy Hoolet (Toby), by then eleven weeks old. Although the breeders, Mrs Murray and Mrs Miller did say that he was of excellent show quality, I simply wanted him as a pet.
Ch. Mindlen Hoolet of Muhlross
Toby with Gladys and Three Bitches
Mother with three friends		 A few months later, Mrs Miller said that Hoolet had turned out exactly as they had hoped and again asked if I would consider showing him. This time I agreed. We travelled with Toby to numerous shows in both Scotland and England. The earliest recognition of his potential was when he was awarded Best Puppy in Show at the P.J.R.T. Club Show at just eight months under the well-known terrier judge and author, Mr Frank Jackson.
This was followed within a month with his first Championship Show success, Best Dog and Best Puppy in Breed at Driffield under Mrs Freda Wright. Our faith in our dog was well-rewarded by Toby gaining sufficient awards to be named the U.K's best Parson Jack Russell Terrier in 1994, 1995 and 1996. It was also rewarding to note that Toby sired the top winning puppy in the Club in 1995 and again in 1997, both times by different Dams. Hoolet was also the first P.J.R.T. to be short-listed in the Group ring at an All -Breeds General Championship Show by Mrs C.E. Cartledge at Birmingham National in 1994. Toby and friends discuss a point
There is always one who wants to argue
Now for stiff drink
Need a stiff drink after all that!		 I had the added thrill in 1995 and 1997 when Toby was invited to take part in the Canine Supporters' Contest of Champions at Heathrow, London, as one of the top 64 dogs of all breeds in the U.K. Handling in evening dress was difficult, to say the least! In 1997 our breed was awarded Challenge Certificates by the Kennel Club for the first time and Toby gained his first C.C. at the P.J.R.T Club's first ever Championship Show Judged by a past Chairman and Vice- President, Mr John Creed. But, in all this time, one prize had always eluded Toby - Crufts - and this was the one show that friends always asked about.
In March, 1998, we travelled down to Birmingham as we had every other year- very hopeful but very nervous. It was really very nerve wracking, waiting for Toby's class to be called, waiting to see if he would win his class, then Best Dog and then waiting again through all the Bitch classes until the Challenge. I shall never forget the sound of Mrs Zena Thorn- Andrews' voice at the Best of Breed Challenge saying-"The Dog". It was a wonderful experience and, as well as cards and 'phone calls from fellow exhibitors in the U.K., I have received messages of Congratulation from all around the World. So, you see, it just shows --- Yes a dog can have his dreams
---EVEN A PET CAN DREAM!