More from Dawn

My Favourite...

Books:

I love books written by people who inspire me and further my knowledge, such as autobiographies by Richard Branson and Anita Roddick. I used to read more fictional novels but now I get more out of learning from others.

Food:

I really love eating food that someone else has cooked. That's not to say I am a bad cook, but somehow it always tastes better when you haven't had to do all the hard work! I enjoy Italian food and occasionally visitng one of the excellent restaurants around the area.

Wine:

Like many ladies, I simply adore champagne. However this tends to be only on special occasions so otherwise I enjoy a good glass of red wine, preferably a nice oak-aged Merlot. I am no connoisseur at all, despite the quantities I drink!!

Flowers:

I want to know why horticulturalists have taken away the scents of so many flowers. Cut flowers especially seem to have no smells anymore. Nothing beats the amazing fragrance of the traditional English roses - takes me back to my childhood collecting rose petals to make rose water!

Pastimes:

I enjoy surfing - no, not the energetic variety but I can spend hours on the internet looking at websites on eco-issues, organic products and entrepreneurs. There is such a huge amount you can learn about on the web. And last but not least I love spending quality time with family and close friends.

My Interests include...

Photography: I am certainly no expert but I take my digital camera about with me and sometimes get some fairly good shots
Gardening: although I never seem to get enough time, and I am still waiting for my new greenhouse to be erected!! One day I hope to grow my own vegetables.

My Passion is...

My dogs. We have had German Shepherds for many years, despite being chased up a tree by one in my childhood. They are a loyal and intelligent breed, although there long tails can cause havoc around the house!

However in recent times, I have fallen madly in love with Utonagans - Teyha (pictured above) is nearly twelve months old now and has the most wonderful temperament and intuition. I hope to breed from her in the future.

I find canine communication immensly interesting - I am lucky to have spent some time with Shaun Ellis - The Wolfman from TV, who lives in Combe martin and helps me understand more about the canine world. My biggest problem is that i am a big softie, and tend to view things with human instead of animal eyes and instincts.