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Harry was, without a doubt, the most successful RR in the Show Ring in New Zealand up to 1995 - no other RR had ever done the winning that Harry had. He was the first New Zealand Bred RR to gain Best in Show at the Rhodesian Ridgeback League's Championship Show, the first RR Reserve Best in Show winner at an Allbreeds Championship show, the first RR to be awarded RR of the Year 3 years running, the first RR to be awarded a Group win at NZ's National Dog Show (gaining Reserve of Group and Junior of Group), and it goes on and on. When mated to Lace, Aust & NZ Ch Nkazimlo Umhle (Aust), together they produced 5 Champions from their first 5 puppies (G litter). These progeny quickly came to the attention of Judges in the "In Show" lineups - NZ Ch Nambala Gboko, NZ Ch Nambala Gombe, NZ Ch Nambala Guruwe, NZ Ch Nambala Gimira & NZ Ch Nambala Gwandana |
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Here are some of his major achievements:
Harry was the sire of 3 litters. The first to Sara of Bozwell of Debbie Neame's Tandanga Kennels, the second and third to our own Lace, Aust & NZ Ch Nkazimlo Umhle (Aust) - G and J Litters. |
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By Jon Spargo - Harry lived with Jon and his family We weren't even looking for a dog. He just sort of arrived. I was off overseas for 3 months and the offer was made, "he'll be good security for the house, not to mention the companionship for Lynlea". So Harry "Hotcam" came to visit the Spargo household two weeks before I was due to go, a sort of hand over period you might say. Well he certainly changed our lives right from day one or should I say night one. After the usual fun packed day of having a cute playful puppy around the house, we introduced Harry to his kennel (a converted packing case) and settled down for what turned out to be a very long night. At about 2 in the morning we gave in and he spent the rest of the night at the side of the bed. From there on in that is where he continued to sleep for the next 3 months, while I was abroad. |
 His favourite sleeping position |
During that time Lynlea learned all the joys and responsibilities that go with sharing home with a four-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback dog. Apparently everything was all squared away and running smoothly before I reappeared on the scene. Suddenly Harry had to share Lynlea's attention with this other person in the house and believe me he didn't enjoy that at all. After many "heart to heart" talks and a little discipline thrown in Harry finally accepted that I was part of the deal, and we called a truce. When Lynlea and I first became involved with Rhodesian Ridgebacks, our experience with dogs of any form was rather limited, this changed with time rewarding us with all the joys of owning a dog of unlimited talent and a unique personality. Harry turned out to be a bit of a 'jumper'. This particular house that we were living in had a small backyard surrounded by an impregnable fence, let down only by a 4ft high gate. The only way we could stop Harry jumping the gate was to place the sprinkler (going) in front of it. This solution turned out to be only short term as Harry overcame his fear of sprinklers and chewed it to destruction. |
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The solution! Time to buy our own house. We selected a home with a quarter acre section on a hill and fully fenced in, we built Harry his own kennel and run and to top it off a large verandah along the front of the house. This gave him a prize position to sit and watch all the activities going on around the valley and if anyone arrived at the house, he rushed to the other end of the veranda, stood on the seat and peered around the corner of the house barking his welcome to all visitors. Harry became a well-known figure in the neighbourhood and especially popular with children of all ages, even the Postie accepted him as "friendly". Some may have called it a perfect world for any dog, however we soon realised that something was missing for our Harry. Every time we visited a household with dogs, Harry would become so excited and would run himself exhausted with all dog company of either sex. Inevitably after many visits to the Nambala RR family home we gave in to the obvious - Jessie (Harry's sister from the next litter) joined the Spargo's household. First off, Harry was a little unsure of this new dog that took up residence in his kennel (how dare she!!) but soon they grew to be great mates with Jessie always leading Harry astray. Like the time we found a young tree we had just planted (4 months old) dug clean out of the ground and laying beside the hole where it had come from. No two guesses as to who was the instigator. We only had to look and see who had the most dirt on their nose. |
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Harry was gifted with a rather unique laid back personality that made him many friends all over the country, of both the two legged and the four-legged species. After his initial surprise in meeting little people (babies and toddlers) he showed a real gentleness towards their enquiring and probing advances. His favourite time of the year was definitely the BBQ season. He lived for the taste of barbequed sausages, chops and steak and personally took it upon himself to ensure that no food scraps were left abandoned for very long. In this field he was a very dedicated cleaner-upperer! During one of these common social occasions he also developed a taste for the ole home brew and no glass was safe below table level. Many an unwary visitor went away believing they had a drinking problem; through a glass that always seems to mysteriously empty. |
 Harry (right) visiting his Mum Amber, Dad William & sister Jade |
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His welcoming performance for friends and guests was always very memorable. On a number of occasions I was absent for long periods of time and Harry and Jessie were been left in the care of friends. The reception I received upon my return was a welcome that always made me glad to be home. Although they were brother and sister, Jessie and Harry were so different in their nature. Jessie's welcome was so explosive that she almost lost control whereas Harry performed a controlled welcome that stopped and started for the next few hours. Hours later he would get up from his sleep and come over and welcome me all over again. For those of you who knew Harry, you will understand that this was just a small part of a very special dog. For those of you who have the privilege of owning one of his children or grandchildren, know that they come from a 'dog in a million' |
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| Carol Elgie - South Island |
Rachel Janes - North Island |
