Obituary - Julia Swann

Julia Swann with Doddsline Lord at Swanndale and Swanndale Black Orchid (Kennel Gazette 1998)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs Julia Swann, a long standing member of the Lancashire Heeler Club as well as a well known person within the Lancashire Heeler community. The loss of her was sudden and although she had been ill for some time now, her passing was unexpected. Friends and breeder colleagues will remember her for her friendship, her generosity and the unwavering dedication for our lovely breed, the Lancashire heeler.

Many of us came to meet with her through her unwavering dedication for our breed, the Lancashire Heeler. She came into the breed in the late 80s/ the beginning of the 90s, when she handled Heelers at shows for the late Mr Norman Johnston at the Doddsline kennels. A few years after that she had Doddsline Lord At Swanndale who went on to be made up a GB CH. Together with her husband, the late Mr John Swann, she bred numerous litters under the prefix Swanndale and exported dogs to America and Europe. Many of them became show champions both in the UK as well as abroad in the Nordic countries. Many of us came to know Julia first and foremost in the role of chairperson of the Lancashire Heeler Club, a position she held for many years. She was also a dog judge and came to judge club shows both at home in UK but also abroad. Julia travelled to Sweden and Finland on several occasions to judge breed club shows, always arriving with her own rosettes and prizes — a gesture that reflected both her thoughtfulness and her deep pride in the Lancashire Heeler. During her years serving as an officer on the breed club, she was also part of developing cooperation with other breed clubs and exchanging knowledge and experience across borders. One important meeting was when the Lancashire Heeler Club initiated one of the first health meetings ever was organised at the Greyhound hotel in Leigh.

Many of us will remember meeting Julia at Crufts and other shows, sharing long journeys, laughter, and the companionship that comes from true friendship. Julia will be remembered with great affection for her warmth and her lifelong dedication to the Lancashire Heeler. Her legacy lives on in the dogs she bred, the friendships she nurtured, and the many lives she touched within the international Heeler community. You will be missed but we will remember you, rest in peace.

Susanne Nilsson

Chairperson

Swedish Lancashire Heeler Club