Vale – Cristina Fornasier – Rohan Ally – Carol Speed – Lyn Durrington

The NQ and Central Qld community were shocked and saddened to hear of the unexpected passing of Crissy Fornasier on 18 November 2021 – a committed stalwart of showing for many years.

Cristina Fornasier grew up in Mount Isa and whilst a teenager joined the Mount Isa Kennel Club with her 2 dogs, a German Shepherd Dog called Pharaoh and a Doberman. This Dobe, Chaka, was her first and main ‘heart’ dog. She always referred to him as My Chaka – and this is where her prefix came from – Mychaka.

Crissy was active in Obedience and conformation events and travelled to shows on offer. The distance travelled were not to be sneezed at. Mt Isa to Cloncurry, a measly 120kms whilst Mt Isa to Charters Towers was a staggering 769kms. Occasional trips to Townsville shows entailed an approximate 10 hour trip and 900 kms each way. So travelling to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne for breed specialities, distance meant very little to Crissy. She was very involved with club activities and held various positions in the club. Crissy moved to Townsville in the mid 90’s and after a break, again became involved in dog showing joining the two local clubs – Townsville Kennel Association and Thuringowa City Kennel Club, taking on committee positions. She never refused help when asked and throughout her illness, whenever there were community breed displays, handling classes and photography events or stewarding, she was always there. Crissy was passionate about responsible and ethical breeding practices and took part in a couple of local radio interviews promoting pure bred dogs and the hobby of dog showing. Her dogs were her passion but she also developed her skills with photography and graphic design and integrated these skills into the show scene. Many breeders owe their kennel designs and advertisements to Crissy. She spent countless hours photographing dogs in the ring and at play with their owners, with at times hilarious candids of owners and dogs. Crissy also used her talents to collate and make special mementos for people celebrating their wins or just because…. It was an always unexpected and a beautiful gift. Crissy had been very passionate about Juniors right from the early days in Mt Isa. She was always willing to mentor new and junior handlers and guide them through the intricacies of ring procedure and etiquette. Her patience with children was unsurpassed and she always made dogs available for junior handlers to use in competition. After her Chaka passed away Crissy came to her next great loves: the Sighthounds – Whippets, Italian Greyhounds and Pharaoh Hounds campaigning these breeds with passion and vigour throughout the state. Crissy bred a number of Whippets under her prefix and enjoyed many successes over the years. The pithy one liners, the crazy memes on Facebook, her ‘Phftt’ and ‘Whatever’ will always be a part of her. So farewell Crissy till we meet again. – Louise Marsden

Vale Rohan Jason Ally 1973- 2021

Rohan Ally was born in South Africa on August 21, 1973. His family never planned to have dogs but this soon changed when Rohan started feeding a stray dog the left overs after his family had dinner. Before long, the dog was renamed Lucky and became part of the family, though Rohan always remained Lucky’s favourite.

Eventually, Rohan and his family moved from South Africa to Australia on New Year’s Eve in 1990, arriving to start their life in a new country with the new year in 1991. They settled in the Gold Coast region and most of his family remain in that area now.

Rohan started his journey in the pedigree dog world over 20 years ago, initially trialling Border Collies in the obedience ring. He soon found that his passion lay with agility. Over the years, Rohan went on to become an enthusiastic pupil and later instructor at various clubs in the Gold Coast and southern Brisbane regions.

Among it all, Rohan was a self-employed businessman and dedicated family man. He was a natural and loving father to three wonderful children – Hadassah and Levi from his first relationship, and Layla with wife Meegan. He always found time for his faith, remaining in touch with the Church through his youngest daughter’s day care at King’s Church. He was a fantastic cook – I remember shows where Rohan had been up since 1 or 2 in the morning, cooking food and baking treats for us and preparing some of his delicious cocktails.

Rohan was the ultimate dog sport competitor, competing in various disciplines including Agility and games, Conformation Showing, Obedience, Rally Obedience and Lure Coursing. He was a supportive, competitive and gracious sportsman – win or lose.

Rohan has campaigned Perrioak Borders Collies and both Aprilraine and Lidlriva Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. He was a skilled handler and both he and his dogs were quick learners at all they put their minds to. Rohan was a supportive husband to Meegan. Meegan has had many medical issues whilst they were together and Rohan was with her every step of the way, taking her to doctors’ appointments, being her daily driver, doing all the little things that we take for granted.

Rohan and Meegan have recently bred their first Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever litter under the prefix Tollerflare. Unfortunately, Rohan will not have the opportunity to see their first litter compete for Best of Breed however we hope that his girls will continue to make the occasional appearance in the show and sporting rings.

On 6 November 2021, Rohan suffered a major cardiac arrest while competing at Redlands Dog Obedience Club’s Agility Trial. Despite the best efforts of first responders at the club and the paramedics that arrived, sadly he never recovered and passed away with his loved ones by his side on 10 November 2021. He was a dedicated family man and dog owner. His sudden passing has shocked so many and left a hole in the agility community especially, where he was so well loved and respected.

Rohan is survived by his three young children as well as his wife Meegan. We miss his big smile, big laugh and gentle nature. Great run, Rohan.

– Kirstie Kettleton, sister-in-law

Vale Carol Speed

A long time member of the dog world, Carol passed away unexpectedly on the 8 November 2021. Carol was an experienced all breeds judge who had judged all over Australia as well as overseas.

I first met Carol in 1993 when she knocked on my door in Childers and met my Mini Long Dachshunds. At the time she was well known for her Australian Cattle Dogs which she had been breeding and showing since the 70’s. It wasn’t long before she had one of my Kajmytt Dachshunds and then another from Shasdin Kennels.

She went looking for a suitable stud and whilst judging in N.S.W spotted Karen Glandfords’ boy Ch Midaka Huck Fin and so began her long friendship with Karen and the beginning of her Dachshund breeding under the Kimscott prefix.

At this time she also had Affenpinschers which she showed. Carol continued her Mini Long lines by importing a bitch from Mistydale Kennels in New Zealand. During this time she also became interested in Standard Longs and they became her favourites.

While judging in N.Z. Carol fell in love with a Standard Long, NZ Ch. Kernoel Eyes of a Warrior (Locky). She brought him back to Australia and he has produced some great Best in Show winners.

Carol loved judging and would always put her hand up to fill in or steward when needed. She was always there with a kind word or advice for exhibitors and would take beginners under her wing.

She especially loved the baby puppies and would follow them through their show careers to see how they fared. She was certainly a character with a great sense of humour and would always say it as she saw it.

Her family were very important to her and much of her time was spent with her grandchildren. Her son Ben had recently started showing her dogs for her and she was really looking forward to him hitting the show ring in a big way in 2022.

I’m sure if Carol was writing this she would like to give thanks to Mark and Jo Yardley for all their help in recent years and more recently Brett Schonknecht for his help in ferrying her around and helping out with grooming and showing. Her health had been declining but she was still keen to be out amongst it.

Carol had many friends in the show world and she will be sadly missed. Her friends covered all groups and breeds and she loved going to shows just to catch up with them.

Our condolences to all her family and friends.

Cheryl Farley and Karen Glandford

Vale Lyn Durrington

Never one to shy away from competitions, Lyn travelled to many dog shows, locally and interstate including Sydney and Melbourne Royals and of course the Ekka – Queensland’s own Royal. On one of these occasions, the Sydney Royal, Lyn’s Oliver Ch. Eloucher aTouch oPryde, won BOB and had to return several days later fror Group Specials. It was quite a lengthy walk from the parking area and Oliver made good use of the exercise as he had been confined for a few days through travelling. Into the main area went Lyn and Oliver. As each dog came into the ring, the announcer would tell the audience about each of the breeds. The stands were packed with the general public eager to see the different types of dogs there were. He started, “and now, we have the Clumber Spaniel, let’s see what he can do”. Well, he showed them alright. Oliver did the biggest poop I have ever seen. The crowd broke out into laughter at Oliver’s efforts. Lyn took this all in her stride and we had many a laugh in years to come each time we recalled that show and Oliver’s star performance.

Lyn bred many Clumber champions and again had great success in the show ring, but no matter, win or lose, Lyn always left the ring with the best dog.

Sadly, Lyn’s health started to deteriorate and she was told to curtail her activities which she did for a while but being a fiercely independent woman and of Scottish heritage of which she was so proud, her stubbornness saw her back in the ring showing her Clumber Paddington. Again, she was happy doing what she loved, showing her beloved Clumber.

Always there to help and guide a person new to the breed or just to talk about them was Lyn.

The dog world is a much sadder place now as Lyn is no longer here with her cheeky smile and wicked sense of humour and always her willingness to help where needed.

Thanks for your friendship Lyn but rest now, you have earned it

Sheila Graham – Sylvan Clumbers

Merrilyn Durrington, Lyn as we all knew her, entered into the world of dog showing with Cocker Spaniels. In time, she was to breed many champions. Her Appentiki prefix was extremely well known and her dogs had great success in the show ring.

Apart from the Cockers, Lyn also owned and showed Field Spaniels, plus a Sussex Spaniel. Though Lyn loved all her different breeds of dogs, the breed that was to become her heart breed was the Clumber Spaniel.

The year was 1984 and I decided to show my

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We now stock Royal Canin products specific for breeding bitches, puppies and adult dogs. Also available is a range of high quality shampoos, conditioners and grooming products from Plush Puppy. Shop hours are: Monday to Friday 8.00am – 5.00pm 3 month old Clumber Spaniel, so with dog in hand we arrived at our first dog show. It wasn’t long before I was befriended by a Cocker Spaniel breeder, Lyn Durrington who immediately gave me a show lead and pointed out what was expected of me in the show ring. Her advice helped us take out Baby Puppy In Show, and so my career and a lifelong friendship was ignited.

For the first 5 long years Monty was the only Clumber being shown in Queensland until I imported English Show Champion Raycroft Society Girl from the famous Raycroft kennel in the UK.

Lyn began her involvement with Clumbers taking a puppy from our first litter and another 2 from subsequent litters. With her passion and unending love for the breed she started her very own successful breeding program with many more memorable puppies to follow.

Her incredible knowledge of pedigrees and the English Breed Standard was amazing … second best would not do, close enough was not good enough as her breeding would constantly show. Lyn’s relaxed temperament and sense of humour (not unlike a Clumber Spaniel) led to some interesting times. Driving through the night to Wollongong, then picking up our beautiful Oliver from the litter then driving back home through the night. Flying to Melbourne to take possession of our Abbey Rose or standing under a coloured umbrella, as you do, in the pouring rain waiting for group specials, only to look down and see different coloured patches on a white Clumber or tripping over the tent rope when called for general specials causing the tent to collapse on Lyn, myself and dogs resulting in a grin from judges and stewards! I think at times they made allowances for Clumbers …

Lyn’s generosity was legendary – there was no animal (and there were many that crossed her path) that were not loved and cared for with the greatest of devotion … everyone who knew and loved her are richer for the experience.

Sleep peacefully our friend … you will be missed.

Sherril Dalitz – Grashez Clumbers