Since Gilly (Am.Can.Ch. Swiftsure Out of Africa) was such a "special" dog, we thought it only fitting that he have his own page.  Gilly retired from the Canadian show ring in August 1999 on his 11th birthday in grand style - Best in Show at the Canadian National Specialty (for the 2nd time!).  But then Gilly always did things in grand style!

His remarkable show career spanned 11 ½ years.  He finished in Canada in three shows at 7 months of age, won his first Specialty at 10 months of age, was the Number One Whippet in Canada with all-breed Best in Shows and many, many Group Firsts.  Gilly won an unbelievable 16 Specialty Shows, and the crowning glory - Best in Show at the Canadian National twice, both from the Veteran's Class.   He finished easily in the US (defeated only once as a puppy), won supported entries and Hound Groups and has been honored with four Awards of Merit at US Specialties.

We lost Gilly on February 3, 2001 - we were so blessed to have been able to share nearly 13 years with this truly remarkable dog. He was a wonderful, unique individual who was full of life right up to end. He is very sadly missed at Swiftsure. It is with great pride that we present a few of our favorite photos of Gilly and introduce some of his kids.

Click Here to view his pedigree.

Gilly's first Specialty BIS - age 10 months, handled by Beth Hilborn

Our favorite photo - on his 10th birthday

Gilly's first American Hound Group win

 
CH. SWIFTSURE SURREY HILL LUNACY

(Gilly x Am.Dual Ch. Chelsea Selena, Am.CD, Am.FCh, SC) Bred & co-owned by Karen Lee. See "Photo Album" for Tyler's bio.

CH. COUNTERPOINT THE AFRICAN QUEEN, F.CH.
(Gilly x Ch. Counterpoint Emma Peel) Bred by John Ross & Trudy Taphorn, owned by John Ross. This lovely little brindle girl finished with many Group placements from the Puppy Class. Her first time out as a Special, "Nefer" was awarded a Specialty Best Opposite Sex and Best Puppy in Specialty and the following day topped a large entry to take Best of Breed and Group Two. Her final puppy outting resulted in Group First and Best Puppy in Show. "Nefer's" lure coursing debut was outstanding - Best in Field her first weekend out, followed by 3 more Best of Breeds!

CH. SUMMERTREE'S DEFINITELY DIAMONDS
(Gilly x Ch.Kamira Tyger Pavan) Bred/Owned by Cathy Anderson. "Nina" finished with BOB from the classes, several Puppy Group wins, and a Specialty Best in Sweeps.

CH. SWIFTSURE ALWAYS AT WHIMSY, AM.F.CH.Gilly x Ch. Mimbres Frosta Frolic), "Fannie", owned by Mary Downing & April Allaway. Fanny's wins included a Specialty Best of Winners from the 6 - 9 puppy class. An exceptional lure courser, she finished her ASFA title quickly and needs only a few points for her Can.F.Ch.

CH. SWIFTSURE GORILLAS IN THE MIST, AM.CAN.F.CH.
(Gilly x Ch. Mimbres Frosta Frolic) Owned by Swiftsure. See "Photo Album" for Willy's bio.

CH. CAMELOT'S LADY SINGS THE BLUES
(Gilly x Ch. Surrey Hill's Swingtime, F.Ch.) "Ravin", bred by Janis Castle, owned by Lauren Hodson. Ravin finished quickly in the ring with wins that included RW at two Specialties. She is the dam of a recent lovely litter by Am.Can.Ch. Allerei's Tax Refund, Am.Can.F.Ch.

CH. SWIFTSURE THE LION KING
(Gilly x Ch. Mimbres Frosta Frolic) "Simba", owned by April & Steve Allaway. Simba finished with a 5 point Specialty WD award, with his sire taking Best of Breed.

NOT PICTURED ARE:
* Ch. Swiftsure Jungle Fever ("Gilly" x Ch. Marial's Foxpoint). "Woody" finished at 8 months of age with a BOB over Specials and several Best Puppy in Group awards.
* the sisters, Ch. Swiftsure Cool Runnings, F.Ch. and Swiftsure Lost in Paradise, both flyball champions ("Gilly" x Ch. Mimbres Frosta Frolic). Cool Runnings is also a Best in Field winning F.Ch. and her sister has coursing points in Canada & the US.

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