User:Paul venter/Laurie Venter

Laurie Venter born Lorraine Merl McCarthy (27 January 1945 Pietermaritzburg - 14 March 2013 Johannesburg) was a noted South African breeder of Rhodesian Ridgebacks, a painter and poet. She was the daughter of Phyllis McCarthy, founder of Glenaholm Kennels, and Victor McCarthy. Laurie was one of fraternal twins, another of her four brothers being Cuan McCarthy a well-known Springbok cricketer and fast bowler during the period 1948/52.

Laurie Venter managed Glenaholm, which, having been registered in 1949, is one of South Africa's oldest Ridgebacks kennels. She made frequent trips abroad to assess the quality of the breed and judged a number of shows, the last being that of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Eastern Canada in August 2012.

Glenaholm ridgebacks are renowned globally for their good health, striking colour and coat, shapely heads, outstanding ridges and importantly, for their consistency in breeding. They are known for their reliable temperament, making them loyal companions. Glenaholm dogs are found in more than 30 countries and formed the foundation stock of many breeders.

She attended The Girls’ Collegiate School in Pietermaritzburg and then enrolled at Rhodes University to study Fine Arts, in particular painting and sculpture.