Currently we share the house with two Wire-haired Dachshunds, and two cats (a Bengal and a Persian cross).

Springwood is the kennel name used by Brigitte since 1984 for her Standard Wire-haired Dachshunds. Springwood has produced over 24 SW Dachshund Champions, with titles in Canada, U.S.A. and Australia, in the showring, field, den and obedience work. Much pride has been taken in producing these sound and versatile dogs.

After becoming enamoured with Laekens in 1986, Springwood imported its first Laeken in 1993 from Holland (Haicha v. Ijsselvliedt). Haicha became only the fourth Laeken Champion in Canada. She was well known as the Laeken of choice by the judges in Canada, used as the example of the breed for others to follow. She produced several litters for Springwood. Her progeny has excelled in every discipline. After moving to Australia, Bill and Brigitte acquired a superb male specimen, Blackwolf L Enzo, from a breeding of a bitch bred by Springwood (Eska v Springwood, then owned by B & C Denniss) - and semen from the superb Finnish stud Oud-Sabbbinge Uriel v. Quichot. After completing Enzo's Australian Championship, Springwood decided to share his top-quality genes with two of Finland's most enthusiastic Laeken breeders. Enzo now lives in Finland in the lap of Laeken luxury in Lapland.

Since moving to Australia, Brigitte has qualified as a Conformation Steward, and Earthdog Judge to Masters level. Wilkie, her Black & Tan SWH Dachshund, is the first Dachshund in Australia to attain the level of Master Earthdog.

Brigitte is a member of Dogs SA, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Wirehaired Dachshund Club of England, Past member of Dogs NSW, Dachshund Club of NSW, DCA.

Brigitte is kept busy in her dog activities and school services work.

Bill bred Bullmastiffs under the Shayla prefix from 1975 to 1995 (Shayla was transferred to his ex-partner in 1995) and then a new prefix, Brookhill, in 1999. Over 35 Champions have been produced, titled in Canada and the U.S. with several Specialty and Group winners, and a Best In Show. The highlight being winning the American National Specialty with an entry of over 400 Bullmastiffs.

Bill is also the author of the book "The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual" which has sold out and a second, hard cover, full-colour edition: "The Bullmastiff Manual" by TFH United Kingdom was released in March of 1999. The book has been an unprecedented success. In 2006 a further printing of the second book was authorised.

Bill has also bred Border Terriers in the past and made up 5 Champions and several field titles. Bill is licensed to judge Groups 1,2,3,4, and 7 plus Best In Show in North America. and Groups 2,3,4,5,6, and Great Danes is Group 7 in Australia. He has judged overseas in F.C.I. countries several times, awarding CCs and CACIBs.

Bill is a member of Dogs SA, Canadian Kennel Club, plus various Bullmastiff Clubs, and a Patron of The Bullmastiff Club of W.A. Past member of Dogs NSW, BTCA.

In his spare time he is kept busy with computer graphic work, genealogy and as a world-wide consultant on the Bullmastiff breed.