My
parents had Alsatians (as they were referred to in the olden days) back
in Britain when I was only a child before moving to Australia and
unfortunately the one we had in Britain was not allowed to come with us
because of the Import Ban into Australia in those days. That was a very
difficult time for my parents having to leave her behind.
Eventually
my parents just had to get another one in Australia and there it all
began. Mum and Dad "dragging us kids along" to dog shows where of
course we eventually got "the bug" and after all it was in the blood. I
was allowed to own my very first German Shepherd in the 60's and loved
the obedience side of things rather than the showing so did obedience
with her and actually took her through to CD which was a thrill for me
only being very young in those days.
Masterton
Kennels was registered as a kennel name back in the 70's when along
with my mother and sister the kennel name was decided after numerous
rejections of other name choices by the NSWCCC. On our 24th attempt the
NSWCCC allowed us the name of "Masterton" which my Dad had picked after
Steve Masterton had just won a major car race. It was a case of we
needed one more name for our list so we just threw it in and bingo we
were allowed that one. When my parents and I moved up to Queensland in
the 80's the kennel name was transferred into my name.
In
1985 we moved to Childers in Queensland. What a beautiful countryside
it was when seen for the first time. There had been plenty of rain and
everything was green. It isn't always nice and green because there is
never enough rain to maintain the lovely land. This is what it looks
like from above.
All
puppies that are kept get campaigned in the show ring with the hope
that they have the goods to become Australian Champions. Numerous
animals have achieved their Australian Championship titles with the most
prestigious one being Crossfire Claim To Fame "Trapper"
who became an Australian GRAND Champion. Trapper actually being bred
by my sister and was kindly given to me as a present. What a wonderful
gift. All breeding stock have been x-rayed for hips and elbows and I
have received the Gold Medal from the German Shepherd Club of Australia
for breeding over 50 animals that have achieved their pass for hips.
