FC Parkbreck Elm of Bishwell
Owner: Thomas P. Ness of Oahe Kennels, Menoken, North Dakota
Breeder: Carl R. Colclough (England)
Whelped: July 28, 1990; Deceased in 2004
Liver Roan Bitch By Simon OF Kenstaff x EFC Zelda of Cadboll
During the period of the rebirth of cocker field trials in the 1990s, “Mave” was one of the most successful dogs, at one point setting a high bar for excellence by winning four trials in a row. Remembered fondly as a true competitor who was a pleasure to watch, she is credited with helping transform the sport of cocker field trials from a curiosity to a legitimate AKC field event. “Mave” was also a stellar brood bitch who passed along her best traits to her offspring and is the foundation bitch of five generations of field trial champions bred by Oahe Kennels.
“Mave” was imported to America by Tom Ness in the spring of 1993. She had been trained by Stuart Morgan of Bishwell Kennels near Swansea, Wales, and was just under three years old. At this point Tom, who was a part-time guide, was recovering from a hunting accident that occurred the previous fall. Tom stated when he picked “Mave” up at the Minneapolis airport, his first thought was she was the homeliest spaniel he had ever seen! He noted she was huddled in the back of a shipping kennel looking like some long legged pole cat. When he took her to the field for the first time, he said he quickly realized she was something special. Tom saw that “Mave” was extremely fast with a fluid stride that seemed effortless to her. He reported, in fact, it must have been effortless, as she possessed incredible stamina which was crucial to Tom as he was first and foremost a bird hunter and guide. Tom noted the thing he remembers most about “Mave”: although she was a very calm and gentle house dog, when she came to the field she was transformed, exhibiting tremendous drive and stamina no matter how tired or beat up she might have been from hunting.
One of Tom’s long time hunting clients, Tom Slatkin of Beverly Hills, California, had agreed to purchase “Mave” and encouraged Tom to run her in field trials. Tom ran her in the second post-resurgence trial in Minnesota on September 11, 1993 where she placed second and also in the Pennsylvania trial on September 24, 1993, where she placed third. The following year, 1994, she won the high point dog award and in 1995 she tied with another dog for the high point dog award. Realizing the special bond that existed between Tom and “Mave”, Mr. Slatkin chose not to have the dog transferred to his name and gave “Mave” to Tom.
“Mave” produced three field champions, but, according to Tom, none as good as herself with the possible exception of Oahe Sentinel, “Hoover.” She went on to become the foundation bitch of his kennel and, as of this writing, can be traced back in the pedigrees of 21 field champions. Those of us privileged to see Mave in action can attest to her deserved position in the ECSCA Hall of Fame. She exemplified the qualities we look for: the talent and teamwork she demonstrated in competition, the intelligence, stamina and initiative exhibited in all her field work whether in trials or hunting, and, so important, her role as a loving and trusted companion.
Tom reports that he can still see “Mave’s” influence today in his dogs which are five and six generations removed. He has called her his “dog of a lifetime.” “Mave” died on Tom’s lap at a ripe old age and was cremated. When tom’s time comes he has instructed his kids to take their ashes to his favorite piece of prairie and spread them to the wind together.