Barbara Gates, a resident at the Malthouse, has spent more than fifty years devoted to raising and showing champion dogs. Her story is one of loyalty, compassion and an exceptional bond with her animals.
Today, her room is filled with memories that celebrate her lifelong love of dogs.
Proudly displaying the championship rosettes won by her Belgian Shepherds over a lifetime of dog shows, including Crufts.
How Barbara’s Journey Began
Barbara and her late husband Philip first discovered their passion for dog showing in 1964.
They rescued a nine-month-old Belgian Shepherd named Shady from a difficult home. Shady was terrified at first and needed constant reassurance.
For the first week, Barbara slept on the kitchen floor beside her to help her feel safe.
This gentle approach transformed Shady.
She went on to win major awards at championship shows, including several Best in Show titles. Shady even qualified for Crufts, marking the beginning of Barbara and Philip’s long adventure with champion Belgian Shepherds.
Surrounded by photos of her champion Belgian Shepherds and their rosettes, a testament to a lifetime of dedication and success.
Travelling the Country with Their Dogs
To keep Shady company, the couple later brought home a puppy called Gigi.
For two years, Barbara and Philip travelled with both dogs to shows across the country.
They even purchased a converted van with dog cages in the back and camped in an attached awning.
In one year alone, they attended 35 shows.
Their longest journey took them all the way to Darlington.
Four Dogs, Four Crufts Qualifications
Every dog that Barbara and Philip owned eventually qualified for Crufts. After Shady and Gigi came Roda, a two-year-old Belgian Shepherd they found through a newspaper advert.
Out of 28 applicants, the breeder chose Barbara and Philip because she trusted that they genuinely cared about the dog’s welfare.
Barbara Gates holds a photo of her champion Belgian Shepherds
Roda later had a litter, and the couple kept one of the puppies, Flint. All four dogs- Shady, Gigi, Roda and Flint- qualified for Crufts, proving the couple’s dedication and exceptional care.
Flint went on to win a championship rosette at the Exonian Show in Exeter, where he also achieved Best in Show.
Shady also earned Best in Show titles and took part in the final Crufts held at Earls Court before the event moved to Birmingham.
A New Chapter in Life
Everything changed when Philip suffered a stroke.
Barbara and Philip stepped back from competitive showing and later kept Papillons simply for enjoyment.
Holding a photo of her Papillion’s,
Barbara’s final dog, Star, was born while she was helping a friend care for a pregnant dog.
Barbara was present at the moment Star entered the world, which made their bond especially strong.
After Philip passed away, Barbara was left caring for four dogs on her own.
As her health declined, she made the difficult decision to rehome all but Star.
Star’s New Life and a Touching Twist of Fate
Barbara moved to the Malthouse in February 2020. She walked Star daily in the gardens until it became too difficult.
Volunteers from the Cinnamon Trust then stepped in to help. Eventually, Barbara made the compassionate decision to let one of the volunteers adopt Star, ensuring she could enjoy a full and active life.
In an emotional twist, Star now lives at Stock Hill in Dorset.
This is the same estate where Philip had worked from the age of fifteen, caring for horses and cattle.
Star now lives in the old coach house, giving Barbara a comforting sense of connection to her late husband.
A Legacy of Love and Companionship
The volunteers have become close friends, regularly visiting Barbara and bringing photos of Star’s new adventures.
Although Barbara chooses not to visit Star in person, she takes comfort in knowing that her beloved dog is happy, settled and thriving.
Barbara’s story is a powerful reminder of how animals can enrich our lives.
Her lifelong dedication to her dogs continues to bring her joy, pride and a sense of connection to the past.
The Malthouse
Specialising in residential support for the elderly, The Malthouse is a traditional building with a quirky and charming interior set in beautiful grounds with a courtyard and a private rear garden.
Inside the home is a warm and homely atmosphere, and you’ll be greeted by a care team who pride themselves on friendliness and caring.
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