Meet the name behind Stafface
'Yvonne Mitchell'
03/06/1952 - 30/12/2006
Daughter to Gordon Davis, Sister to Paul and Troy Davis
Special Friend to Deb
Good friend to many
Hi, I'll introduce myself with a bit of my history. I hope you enjoy
my pages as much as I have enjoyed doing them, please come back again and
check our updates.
Born in UK and raised in NZ, as children we always had animals around
us, especially dogs. I grew up with a mad love of horses and still have
a keen interest today. My favourite being the Arabian.
I arrived in Adelaide June 1980 and met my first Stafford in 1982.
I subsequently fell in love with Sharna, a pretty red bitch owned by a
friend. Her daughter came into our household in 1984. At that time I had
no interest in showing or breeding. Grem was no show prospect anyway as
it turned out, but we still loved her for who she was. My start in the
showring was to start late 1985 after I had undergone surgery and treatment
for cancer. My attitude to life became - "Get lost, Im not going to die,
Im going to show dogs"-. Our start was with the two bitches 'Sharnashire
Sparky' (who made it to her title) and 'Wareagle Shyanne Lady'
In 1991 I had the opportunity to use the import 'Ch Colonial Force
of Ashstock' to Ooremal Copatone. This mating was to produce my top show
and stud dog 'Ch Stafface Strike Force' and his sister Stafface Shaitarna
(retired just 8points off her title after suffering heat stress while we
were away travelling). These two kids became the center of our kennel.
I was also to use Ch Maxitamms Pommie Boy (imp UK) on one of my bitches,
producing for me Stafface Mega Star. Most of the dogs here today
go back to these kids.
The first Amstaff I met was one of Bob Murdochs. Although we would
only meet at Adelaide Royal each year his dogs were to take my eye. I was
keen to own one of these fabulous guys. In 1996 I was given the opportunity
to lease 'Lyntiki Sweet Georgia' (to show only) from Lynda Craw in Queensland.
At six months of age, Georgia was a delight to have and show, taking her
to her title before sending her back to Lynda at 10 months. Time has past
and now Georgia is back in my household, bought for my son Steven.
I was lucky enough to buy the lovely bitch pup 'Tsamstafs Denver
Dawn', (Roxy), who I campaigned to her title.
I now have a lovely daughter from Roxy and two males in my kennel.
Also a home bred dog and bitch, from Roxy, in co-ownership with friends.
2001:
Although once again fighting the dreaded cancer, I am looking
now to import some good Amstaffs to Australia in the near future, in partnership
with a friend. Increasing the gene pool here, but mostly to further
our own breeding plans.
I will still produce the quality Staffords I have done in
the past, with a lot of thought to the future of the breed.
(as again, not ready to give up till they come to get me,,,)
2002:
Well, as you can see I am still here. Loving my dogs and life.
Some exciting things have been happening during 2002.
As well as continuing my cancer treatment and staying on top of
it so far, I have been busy conversing with some lovely people in the United
States. I am now the proud owner of frozen semen from the 'oh so lovely'
Amstaff, Am,Can,Mex Ch Sierras Doc Holliday.
Next year should show some very exciting litters as I put the semen
to the lovely Royale, my special girl. Followed on by the hopeful mating
(AI) with Doc and Orca. Orca being the lovely black daughter of my imported
boy Indy.
My downer for this year was the loss of my beloved Rambo. A special
Stafford that will never be forgotten.
2003:
2003 brought a lot of interesting happenings, the importation
of two well bred Amstaffs, a dog from America and a bitch in whelp from
Norway. The export of my two pick Stafford pups to Norway, a bitch
from Kuta and a dog from Sharni. The bitch started her show career
over there with a wonderful Best Puppy in Group win over many quality dogs
just 10 days after arrival. She then went on a few weeks later to
gain a Best in Show win. We are just so proud of her.
My tragedy this year is the sudden death of my son Steven.
My son, my mate and my companion. 28th August 2003. This time has
been just so hard to bear and it is only through the wonderful dog fraternity
here and overseas that I have semi coped. Steven is remembered by
everyone that ever met him as a wonderful person with a heart of gold.
Always there to offer advise or help unconditionally. Steven had
his own dogs and his own breeding program. He ran under the prefix "Wai-iti",
which is Maori for 'who's small'.
As promised for Steven before his death, Riocha sent over a lovely
red boy for me. Jack was born just two days before Stevens birthday.
The bitch, You Too, whelped just one day out of quarantine and I
retained a dog and bitch from the litter. This litter was all named
"Heaven" pups for Steven. He knew mum was in quarantine, but never
got to meet her or her babies. I thank Donny in Victoria for all
his help at this time.
Ace gained his title in style, and started in a few weightpull comps
sucessfully as well.
The decision was made not to breed from Orca, and a lovely home
was found for her. She produced a litter for her new owners end of
2003.
Indy was rehoused to Tracy in NSW to live out his days in retirement.
2004:
2004 has been a hard year to get through, and Brisbane and Adelaide
Royal loom near.
So much has happened and so much time has gone past in a blur.
Ace produced a litter for me from Steven's sweet girl Nikki, from which
I have 2 bitches in co ownership and 1 in breeders terms. His
lovely Amstaff 'Gold Charm' whelped a wonderful litter for her new owner
and has proved to be the great mother and companion we expected her to
be.
I said a teary goodbye to Royale, my sweet natured Amstaff that was
all I thought the breed should be. Unfortunately she was pinning
terribly for Steven and I was watching her slowly going downhill.
My love just wasnt enough, she needed us both.
I leased my dear Kuta to Valourforce to be campaigned as she so rightly
deserves. I thank Carla for the offer and hope she does well for
her.
Jack has at long last started his show career. He needs a strong
hand in training, but has a great temperament.
You Too gained her title in good company and still enjoys coming
out for the occassional show. Teaching new recruits the art of showing
an Amstaff.
The disapointment of Duke not making his flight to Australia due
to him being sick was a bit of a crunch. But he is doing well now
and being shown in Norway for a few wins.
Bandit first born daughter will travels to Norway. Named "Sabradog
Riochas Red Wine" (Vino), as she is a lovely deep rich red like her dad.
(mum is a daughter of Max).
Steven's red Stafford girl from Kuta, 'Time For Change', has returned
to be mated to Max and the litter to be registered by me. I made
the decision then to use his 'Waiiti' prefix for all future Staffordshire
Bull Terrier litters, in memory of Steven and to keep his prefix alive.
Stafface will now only be used for the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The horses are back in my life. Back in the racing scene this
time, as I send my Archway mare to stud. Breeding her in co ownership
with Anthony to a great 'Sir Tristram' son, looking for that elusive dream
of another stunning runner. What a way to keep my interest in horses
alive.
A 'Double Vice' filly found its way to the ownership of myself and
Anthony after a furious round of bidding at a recent Magic Millions sale.
Now to break her in and ready her for racing hopefully mid 2005
Woohooo, all my hard work wasnt for nothing. Stafface Heavens
Domain (IID), Lucas, took out Best Puppy In Group at Adelaide Royal 2004.
A first for an Amstaff in Adelaide and I believe only the second one at
a Royal throughout Australia.
Several more well bred Thoroughbreds joined the team of horses co
- owned with Anthony. One due to foal December.
Nikki was leased to Andrew in NSW. She gained her title with
ease.
Maddy arrived in quarantine from Norway (Riochas Custom Made for
Stafface) She is now being well looked after by good friends Donny
and Linda.
Max was retired after Adelaide Royal and started his hunt for a loving
home as a companion (couch potato type)
It was also decided that Bandit would be better in a new home as
a companion or to restart his show career. As I am concentrating
more on the Amstaff in the shows I dont think I am fair on Bandit.
The Doc semen was used on both Maxie (Ch Stafface Dragon Queen) producing
3 pups and also U2 (Ch You Too Tipit Z Hanky) producing 10 pups.
Mazie was then rehomed as a companion and her new son 'Meli' went
to Evie to live.
Yes its been a long and hard year, frought with many ups and downs.
It was good to find out exactly who the 'true friends' were when the chips
were down. Thanks guys. ;-))
2005:
2005 I am on the hunt for a small property. Somewhere with
a bit of acreage for the dogs and also the horses. It will be hard
to leave here with all the memories of Steven and our life. This being
Stevens home from 3 months of age.
Its also a dream Steven had at one time. The thought of our
own place with space and room for comfort.
But I think a fresh start is needed and I will love the extra room
a property will give my four legged kids. They will still live inside with
me and take turns sleeping on the bed, but also have the joy of having
their own larger space outside as well. With only 2 bitches here
at the moment and the rest males it can be hard for everyone to run together
at one time.
The Double Vice filly was named "Stafkees Surprise" (Crunchy).
She has been to the breakers and is in pretraining now ready to go to the
trainers in March. She is showing hepas of potential. A good forward
moving horse that likes to be in front. not fizzy and is sensible to work
with. ;-))
Bandit and Max both have wonderful new homes. So has Kuti (Stafface
Kutabove). All being spoilt rotten and loving retirement.
Several hiccups with the cancer has made life difficult and had me
in hospital several times for minor surgical procedures.
The end of the year I had the opportunity to travel to America for
the Amstaff Nationals in Vegas, (with a huge thanks to John of Wild West
Amstaffs). I enjoyed my self immensly and saw some wonderful dogs.
During this time I had Nikki boarded in the care of Laexotica Kennels,
where she whelped a nice litter to Jack. It cost me plenty, but the quality
of the offspring produced made the cost more than worth it. Stafface
Ez Magik and Stafface Ez Reflections from this litter are staying close
by with Dion Humbler in co-ownership.
2006
Not a good year at all. The partnership with the horses was
dissolved due to the other partners relationship split.
A property bought in December with supposedly good friend David
went sour after involvement from his mother and sister. I have not
moved and have signed my share of the property to them.
A car accident in March saw me in and out of hospital and unable
to function as I usually would. Due to high amounts of pain and depression,
I have not been able to show my dogs and feel fortunate to have good friends
that love my kids and are keen to show them for me.
Lucas (Ch Stafface Heavens Domain [iid]) gained his Championship,
as did Jack (Ch Riochas Magic of Waiiti [imp Nwy]) and also Maddy (Ch Riochas
Custom Made for Stafface [imp Nwy] ),(Maddy was campaigned for me by Andrew
in NSW)
As I write this I am getting ready to visit my family in NZ.
A much required week or two of rest and relaxation. Catching up while my
health allows me to. Lucas is traveling with me to have a small holiday
travelling the NZ show circuit for 6 months.
**Enjoy meeting my gang, past and present, as you roam through my
pages.**
South Australia
