The above picture is of Rigaya Annettes Bequest "Quest" with breeder/owner Diana Adam.

If,as the saying goes,"a kennel's strength is in its bitches", then Diana Adam's Rigaya cockers in South Auckland, NZ are proof that quality always shows through.

Diana's involvement in cockers began in her childhood, learning from her grandmother the traditional ways of breeding and showing.  Later on, while juggling home and her own growing family, she branched out on her own, beginning with the blue roan Dovedale Dream Lustre "Keri".

Keri became Diana's foundation bitch, and from her first litter came the stunning chocolate roan Rigaya Fair Chance "Milo", who was much admired by Mac Formston of Brightleaf, Ann O'Keeffe and Barbara Killworth, all prominent cocker spaniel specialists.

Milo in turn produced Diana's first homebred champion, Ch Rigaya Magic Minstrel, and when mated to Ch Camdach Power of One, produced the black bitch  Rigaya Cheveux Noir "Maddie" , during John & Bev Emerson's time here in New Zealand.  John & Bev became firm friends with Murray & Diana, which has stood the test of time and distance since their return to Adelaide.  John was a master at show presentation, knowledge that was generously passed on to Diana...

 Above left, Milkwood A Question of Style at Rigaya, a Quest daughter, blue roan, at 11 months, Puppy In Show Waikato Gundog Club at 8 months

 After experimenting with solid lines, Diana decided her heart was with the roans after all and with the help of good friends Annette Morrow "Rowanglen" and Eddie Croad "Karma", re-established her blue lines.  When Annette's health began to fail, Diana spent many hours grooming her dogs and was entrusted with Annette's coveted imported Glenbriar lines before she passed away.

Family took priority in recent years with dog-showing going on the back-burner, but still managed to breed the occasional litter and within this period bred the beautiful,if poignantly named Rigaya Annettes Bequest "Quest" the jewel in the Rigaya crown. Quest is now stamping his stock in his image, the mark of a truly good stud dog.

Above right, Rigaya Time-In-Style "Bailey" another Quest daughter, orange roan at 5 months

Left: "Bailey" at 23 months, groomed for the showring

After a long absence from the ring, Diana is now venturing back with Quest's progeny, and along with Quest's son NZ CH Rigaya By Request of Milkwood "Flint" and Puppy in Show winner Milkwood Aye Aint Stayin "Quincy" being campaigned in the Central Districts, will show she is still a force to be reckoned with.

Right: Rigaya Keeping The Style "Snoopy" at 12 months

To contact Diana for a chat about her beloved cockers, phone 09 238 2545 or email murrayadam@xtra.co.nz

 Right: Diana with Quest's daughter, Milkwood Inspiration for Rigaya "Issie"

Left: Rigaya Brothers in Arms "Ziggy" at 4 months, a Quest grandson.

Left and Right: A son from Rigaya A Question of Soul ex Rigaya Time-In-Style and below, 2 daughters from the same litter.

 Right: Rigaya Graceful Style "Gracie" at 8 months Minor Puppy in Show winner

Rigaya Annettes Bequest "Quest" in a less formal pose

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