09 June 2017 Dog World

Oh indeed, glorious Bath Championship Show, this show is the leading light in the dog world showing experience. I am positive the committee have OCD, the list of benefits are endless for this show. Every blade of grass is mown within an inch of its life; the marquees are set up in precision formation being beyond an exhibitor’s wildest dreams and hard walkways for the rainy days. The BIS marquee looked amazing. The trade stands are close by for easy shopping and everything is to hand. The committee are smartly dressed in their blue blazers, catering to everyone’s whim and needs all day. The stakes classes and groups are timed to perfection, even stating the exact times in the catalogue. Bath committee you go above and beyond, all of you should be so proud. Give yourself a big 100% tick and congratulations.

Toy day was Friday and what a gloriously sunny day it was showing Bath in all its splendour. The in out marquees are spacious with bags of grooming space. Well respected toy specialist Mr Robert Dunlop (Habiba) was judging our breed and arrived promptly in readiness for his judging, looking immaculate in a light blue suit. Two of our favourite stewards were in attendance, so we and the judge were in safe hands. Let judging commence.

Mr Dunlop went over the dogs in a kind considerate way on the table, making sure the four paws were confident and happy. Always showed respect for giving the exhibitor the time and space for showing off their exhibits to the best advantage. No pot holes to navigate as the grass and ground were in bowling ground condition. So the day went smoothly along with everyone enjoying their day, meeting and chatting with one and another. I did notice the ice cream van was doing a roaring trade, wouldn’t have been surprised if supplies had been depleted by the closing of day.

The principal winners for the day were as follows; DCC/ BOB and shortlisted in the group under Margaret Wildman, Glenn & Irene Robb and Mia & Glenn Aagaard’s Int Ch DK Ch Gr Ch SU Ch Gleniren Santediego Sunshoo. This was a second cc for this boy after returning back home for a stay in the UK from his Danish owners. Glenn and I were thrilled also that our little one at just nine months Miss Martini Royal De Costalina Suniren (Imp) who is co-owned with her breeder Jan Roosens took the BCC/BP, following on from her RBCC the week before at SKC . She strutted her stuff in the TPGP taking a TPGP3 under Paul Harding. The RDCC was awarded to Joe Magri & Kevin Arrowsmith’s Rozamie Monsieur Ruffles and for the RBCC Pat Munn’s Ringlands Treasure Sunshine. Many congratulations to you both and also to all the class winners.

Travis (Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker) attended the show to compete in the Eukanuba Champion Stakes. We were thrilled that he won the day heat and returned on the Monday for the final of the overall heat for Bath Show. Apparently on the Friday evening it was a fireworks display with thunder and lightening, with many of the dogs residing in the caravans and motor homes un-nerved by the loud noise.

Monday weather-wise was in complete contrast to the sunny Friday. Torrential rain was firmly on the agenda of the day with a few muddy patches thrown in along the way. The BIS marquee kept us warm and dry, so all in all, we were quite happy to watch the rain tipple down the plastic panes at a fast rate of knots. The UK weather can certainly go from one extreme to another and never boring, Friday suntan cream and Monday umbrellas and water wings at the ready!

The four winners from each of the days were here to compete in the show final, top flight BIS winners. So we were all treated to an extraordinary show of professionalism from both handlers and exhibits. Each dog giving their handler 100% and much more for the judge Mr John Thirlwell, combine this with the setting of the BIS marquee; it couldn’t have been more perfect. We were thrilled beyond words that Travis won the overall heat for Bath show going forward to the final later in the year. The very lovely Tibetian Terrier Ch Tetsimi Moves Like Jagger took the runner up spot. To be honest every one of the finalist deserved to be a winner. But how nice is it for a Toy to take top place, our thanks to Mr Thirlwell. This is Travis’s third consecutive qualification for the Eukanuba Champion Stakes final, a first for the breed and quite an achievement.

An Open show result for The North of Scotland Toy Dog. Angela Skelton had a lovely day with her youngster Adnamashan Still Game. Little one is owned by Angela and handled by John Ramsey. This was a first time experience for John and what a start, taking BPIS3 under the BIS judge Wendy Walters. Me thinks, John could get bitten by the bug, what says you? Another little one bred by Angela but owned by Pam Taylor Adnamashan Craig Language took BMPIS. What a good start for these youngsters, oh my goodness puppies are so much fun.

Everyone take care travelling to the shows, here’s hoping sunshine, sunshades and ice creams for the shows coming up. Let’s take a vote of confidence.

IRENE ROBB