Ch. Gleanntan Sonsie Solway Maid
Fiona
Sire: CH. Gleanntan T’Roc O’Gibraltar
Dam: Gleanntan Gibson Girl
Female July 5, 1994 - August 15, 2005
Michael & Maida’s first Gleanntan Skye
October, 1994 - A couple of days before going to the Skye Terrier Club of America Specialty - Montgomery Weekend, Maida and I first traveled to “Skye Mecca” - the home of Ben and Donna Dale, Gleanntan. This photo was taken by Donna from the deck soon after we arrived. We went to Gettysburg first to pick up our new puppy, Fiona, who was born that July. You can probably guess who I am holding in my arms.
October, 1994 - Before departing, Maida took this photo of Ben with "Fiona" in his arms and Donna with “Piper” in her arms. Piper was Fiona’s littermate.
Early in my involvement in dogs, I had the good fortune to be able to attend Al Kirby’s well-known handling classes at the VFW Hall in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Al Kirby was a demanding instructor but he was an excellent teacher and I learned how to handle from him.
When Fiona was about 4 months old, I began taking her to the classes. Of course, now I look at this photo and wonder "who was teaching who?"
Fiona - Spring, 1995 (approx. 9 months old)
Fiona - April, 1995 (9 months old)
Ch. Gleanntan Sonsie Solway Maid - May, 1995 (age 10 months)
Fiona - Westchester Kennel Club
September, 1995 (age 14 months)
Judge: Charles Foley
Fiona - October, 1995 (age 15 months)
Best Junior in Sweepstakes - STCA Specialty - Montgomery County KC
Left to right: STCA President Sharon Trbovich; judge Moira Barras; Michael handling “Fiona”, Donna Dale, Ben Dale and Maida Connor
Fiona - April, 1996 (age 22 months)
Winners Bitch & Best of Winners - Potomac Skye Terrier Club Specialty (5 point major)
Judge: Mary D. “Molly” Wilder, Whetstone Cairn Terriers
May 3, 1996 - Fiona completed her AKC Championship at the inaugural Garden State All-Terrier Club show on May 3, 1996. Breeders Ben and Donna Dale and owners Michael Pesare and Maida Connor were beaming with pride.
Judge: Richard Bauer
Bucks County Kennel Club - 1996 - the day after she finished her championship
Bucks County Kennel Club - 1996
Fiona in the snow in our yard in Aspers, PA
In September, 1995, Fiona earned her first point at the Westchester (NY) Kennel Club Show. The following month, at the Skye Terrier Club of America National Specialty Sweepstakes, breeder/judge Moira Barrass from Scotland awarded Fiona Best Junior Sweepstakes. In April, 1996, at the Potomac Skye Terrier Club Specialty Show, Fiona won Winners Bitch and Best of Winners for a five-point major win. Judge Mary D. (Molly) Wilder wrote, "Open Class, Winners Bitch and Best of Winners went to Gleanntan Sonsie Solway Maid, a thoroughly delightful, very feminine bitch. She moved freely and soundly and has a wonderful headpiece with near perfect ear placement." The following day, at the Old Dominion Kennel Club show in Leesburg, VA, Fiona again went Winners Bitch for her second five-point major. Two weeks later, at the inaugural Garden State Terrier Club group show, Fiona won Winners Bitch and Best of Opposite Sex for a four-point major, thus finishing her AKC Championship.