Member Spotlight: Gayle West
If you’ve attended a SCOA National within the last eight years, you are likely to have noticed a pair of adorable Spinone stuffies, with heart-melting eyes and perfectly quaffed fur. The genius creator of these special delights is our very own Gayle West. In this edition of member spotlight, we learn more about Gayle’s connection to Spinoni and her creations, “Bears/Hares and Furry Friends”.
Gayle and Sydney
Where do you call home?
Brookings, South Dakota USA
How long have you been a SCOA Member?
Since 2013
Tell us about your First Spinone! How did you discover the breed?
“Rigby” Mals About “Til There Was You”
Our “Best Boy” we couldn’t have ask for one better. He is sweet, lovable, and best brother to our 3 girls (despite at 14 mos. old he was mistreated by the trainer at hunt training) his spirit was broken for life. We have given him all the love possible to fight his fears and sensitivities and at 12 yrs, 4 mos. old he’s the best companion, as a result at the SCOA National in 2018 he was recognized and awarded the SCOA Cos Cup!
In 2013 we had another dog, Barley who was 12 years old, again, and we knew we did not want to be dogless. Moving to South Dakota, Jeff wanted a hunt companion we definitely wanted a loving, indoor dog, and we did not want a hyper dog. We wanted a dog with a coat, intelligent, and biddable. We researched every AKC breed and decided to pursue a Spinone Italiano. We spoke with several breeders, and decided to get “hands on” so we attended a dog show. After speaking with a few SCOA people in the grooming area, getting “pawed” by several beautiful Spinoni, with those EYES and carrying around their TOYS….and their demeanor, they won us over for life. Not long after that we were attending our first SCOA National Specialty and in a few months our lives changed forever.
What types of activities do you participate in with your Spinone/i?
Over the years we became parents to Rigby, Sydney, Chesca and Rorie. The girls were all great hunters, and they are Canine Good Citizens. We had a Bronze Grand Champion, a Grand Champion, and a Champion. Sydney was a Therapy Dog, spending most of her “career” at the VA Hospital Inpatient Units. She was also used at local dog training classes as the “model” displaying obedience. They all love walks, and are avid “retrievers” in our yard.
In November 2023 we lost our beloved Sydney, but she will always be in our hearts.
SCOA members who have attended a recent National Specialty are probably familiar with Bears/Hares and Furry Friends (formerly G Designs). You’re so talented! How long have you been sewing and creating these handmade furry friends?
I began donating my Spinone stuffies at the 2015 SCOA National. Since then I have donated many, almost every National since that year. I began my “bear stuffy career” about 25 years ago. My first Spinone stuffy was created in 2015.
What’s the most interesting request you’ve received?
Over the years I have had many varied requests, mostly memorials to their beloved departed Spinone (i.e., locks of hair sewn inside, a satin heart (that also had locks within) placed within). The most interesting Spinone request was to make 3 Spinoni of the same dog to give to all 3 children! Other requests I have had was a Batman, Bumble Bee, Mouse, Wooly Mammoth, and Chewbacca.
Do you have a favorite stage of the design? What’s the most difficult part of the process?
Although the entire process of creating my stuffies is fun, nothing compares to creating the face (EYES!!) and of course, the placement of the ears! The most difficult part of the process is the custom design. I always try to get as close as possible to the photographs I receive from the owner(s). I only use luxury faux furs in my creations. I was never able to find furs resembling Spinoni coloring domestically. Unfortunately that meant only international purchasing.
You’ve shared with me recently that there have been supply chain concerns with the materials you use. How has that affected your business?
Since all of my Spinoni furs were purchased from other countries, the first issue was COVID. Factories slowed down, shipping was a huge issue. Following that, obviously my purchases from Ukraine stopped entirely. Many of my suppliers were in Eastern Europe, and all the factories I used are now gone, so I am without any fur suppliers. I only have a few pieces left over from previous orders. Basically I have stopped creating Spinoni stuffies unless they are not custom. I now spend all my time concentrating on creating bears, hares and furry friends for Arts Festivals/Shows.
What other items for Spinone lovers do you make?
I have made feather brooches, golf club covers, dog beds, towels, tea towels, throws, and throw pillows.
Is there anything you’d like to share with the SCOA community?
Thank you to all SCOA Members (and other Spinone owners in the USA and other countries) for supporting me and loving my creations!
