It is with great sadness to inform that Avril Lacey peacefully passed away on Friday 18th March of this year. Avril established the respected Weetoneon Affix in 1968 and during the past 47 years the Weetoneon affix has become a well-known successful kennel throughout the UK, Europe, Australia and America. Avril was a florist by trade and over the years put to use of her great skills of flower arranging at various events and dog shows.
Avril started her showing career with boxers and in the early 70’s kept and bred Afghan Hounds of which several became champions and CC winners. They included the famous Ch. Karnak Shamrock who was Top Hound Stud Dog for two years and Top Afghan Stud dog for three years. Shamrock was co-owned with Avril’s partner Stan Szyczewski. Avril also owned and showed Komondors in the 1979 era.
Avril’s first puli was Fanny by Gaslight and who was bred by Pat Lanz. She arrived in 1974 and became Avril’s foundation bitch for the Weetoneon pulis. Fanny was Avril’s 1st puli Champion and group winner. Fanny’s son Weetoneon Frolic by Firelight had his mother’s qualities and produced several champions, which includes the famous Ch. Weetoneon the Equalizer (Turbo to his friends). Turbo is still the breed record holder and the first Puli to go BIS at a General All Breed Ch. Shows. He produced several Champions in the UK and Europe and which includes Ch. Weetoneon Jack the Lad who is today equal 2nd behind Turbo in the breed record list. Turbo’s litter sister Weetoneon Annie Get Your Gun produced a litter this resulted in two further Champions one being UK.CH and AM.CH Weetoneon Dirt Devil, and other international Champions which were successful in Europe.
Avril always took pride and pleasure of owning and breeding quality Puli’s and Afghans and has ensured that their new generation of pulis will be stepping into the ring in the future. Avril was a lovely person who was a great ambassador of the breed. She had so much knowledge and experience, which she was always happy to share with others. Her passing is a great loss to us all.
Click Here to view the Weetoneon Archive Site. The site is no longer maintained.
Lesley Cook