Basil was exhibited for  the first time in Italy on the 05th  September 2004 at a Parade which was a good  test  for the more demanding official  shows that were to follow.
As Basil  was basically a very  shy dog by nature, this was a good opportunity for me to assess his style in the show ring.
I was truly amazed when I saw him move  around the ring with such superb self-confidence , his head held high  and proudly and with a swift but easy pase that quickly won over the public who were present to witness as well as the judges who awarded him Best in Show. I was so very proud.
After this fantastic beginning, Basil faced up to the International Show arena  and in less than four months he obtained the title of  Italian Champion of Beauty with the following outstanding performances:

09/26/04   Messina International Show      CAC - R. CACIB   Judge: Marina Guidetti

10/03/04   Reggio Calabria  International Show   CAC - CACIB - BOB - 3BOG  Judge: Bianca Tamagnone

10/30/04  Taranto National Show CAC-BOS Judge: Rotner Raiko

10/31/04   Ostuni National Show   CAC  - BOB - BIG Judges: George Kostopoulos-  August De Wilde

12/08/04  Cremona  National Show  CAC  - BOS    Judge: Paolo Fontana

12/11/04   Foggia International Show     CAC   -  R. CACIB     Judge: Manola Poggesi

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank my very good friend Kay O’Hare, owner of  Incanto Kennels in Australia, who is a very  extraordinary person that will do anything to help her friends.
Like me, she has the wonderful Maltese breed “in her veins” and I feel very great esteem and respect for her friendship .
Thanks to Kay I was able to meet another wonderful person, Tom Couchman, and through that introduction I was fortunate to have the outstanding Basil come into my life.