My story with dogs….

by Daphne Tomblin

Farm Diggity Interview Video of Daphne Tomblin

https://www.facebook.com/diggityfarm/videos/824956961218259

We would like to honour the memory of Daphe Tomblin, a long time BCSDA member, who served on our board and touched so many lives. She passed away on January 7, 2026 at the age of 94 and so many of us will feel the loss of this vibrant human. Her passion, drive and quest for learning was always an inspiration for those new to the club and sport and she will not be forgotten. 

Dogs have always been an integral part of my life. My parents always had dogs & my earliest memory is of my mother shooing a little black dog out the house with a broom.   They didn’t get on well. 

Apart from the first 2 years when my husband & I came to Canada, I have never been without one, two or more dogs. Those early years in Canada, I never actively sought a dog but somehow they seemed to come to me.  From various friends who needed a home for their dogs, to one memorable mutt who on a snowy March night wandered into the house following my German Shepherd. Bootleg was a survivor who in spite of developing Addison’s disease lived to the grand old age of 19 years. 

Over the course of years, I adopted and rescued 16 dogs ranging from a Dalmatian to a Chihuahua to a Border Collie.   I was hooked on Border Collies.  I loved their loyalty, intelligence and athleticism.  I soon realized that my work (running a business), left me little time to fulfill this breed’s need for attention and purpose. Many years later when I was 70, I sold the boarding kennel and got my first Border collie puppy, Ghillie. He was all I expected and more. 

 At that time, there wasn’t much of herding activity on the Island, so I embraced Agility.  It was a way of keeping my dogs & myself engaged & active. Time passed & more was seen of herding so I searched out & purchased a puppy, Lesp from a sheep farm.  He was a lovely puppy & Rudii (BCSDA member) helped me get him started on sheep. Sadly, at a year old he developed a severe case of epilepsy. He was euthanized at 4 years old, blind & with grand mal seizures.

My hopes for herding died with him.  I continued with Agility until my very special and talented dog Meg died. Then 7 years ago, I bought Sweep.  Bill Crawford (BCSDA member) had bought his litter mate Bella & we teamed up to travel many weekends to Stirling Acres to learn the art of herding from Lee Lumb (BCSDA member). Together we travelled far & wide to trials and clinics.   A passion for herding was re-ignited.  Now that I have had both knees replaced & gained my mobility I’m hoping to pursue my passion for years to come. This is my life with dogs in a nutshell, all 89 years!