Lucy
Lucy was my first Saluki. She was a very patient soul, who taught me a great deal about what a Saluki is. She was my first show dog, and we earned my first Championship show title together. She was the perfect Saluki for a “newbie”, and I still miss her every day. Lucy was not bred.
Buzz
Buzz arrived in 2006. He was a beautiful dog, something I did not really appreciate until my eye developed years later. Buzz earned his Australian Champion title, but sadly died young before he could fulfil his real promise.
Jadir
Jadir was the dog who taught me much of what I really needed to know as a handler and trainer, as a youngster he was far from easy to work with. As he got older, he turned into a fantastic companion and a joy to show. Most of his specialist critiques commented on his beautiful movement, which was a joy to watch. Jadir was never used.
Floyd
Floyd was my first big winning show dog. With Floyd I had a lot of fun, and also learned a lot about show world. He was a beautiful dog, affectionate and fun. Floyd was the sire of my first litter.
Mab
Mab played a central role at Alshira as the mother of my first two litters. She and her children taught me much and carried me a long way in my journey in Salukis. I would have not have had Mab without the support and generosity of Mandy Manley-Smith at Farousi.
Lilith
Lilith was the much beloved mother of our third litter, coming to us all the way from Belgium. Lilith was 3 points off her Field Champion title in 2019 when the rules changed to double the number of points required. Cancellation of the 2020 Lure Coursing season in NSW due to COVID-19 put her into retirement. During her time on the field, Lilith won good placings under international judges and was a key contributor to the newly recognised sport of Lure Coursing in Australia, qualifying a number of dogs to run in Open class. I would not have had my beautiful Lilith without the generosity and patience of Henk and Daniela van der Lichte at Hadi el Basher Salukis.
Summer
Summer was a daughter of Lilith, a much anticipated member of our family, sired by Hilary Spence and Norm Strathdee’s “Bond”. Unfortunately Summer’s life was cut tragically short after ingesting bait in circumstances unknown. The grief of losing Summer before her potential was fully realised has been hard to bear.
