10 April 2015 – Dog World

UK Toydog is a show which I think is on everyone’s list of favourite shows during the calendar year. The committee work in unison together each year to create something quite special. There is such a lovely atmosphere at this show, with lots of smiles from the exhibitors meeting and greeting. The breed rings are set out well with space to move around, plenty of grooming space for the trolleys to park up which is a good start for the day to commence in a positive fashion. The Papillon ring for last couple of years has been on the outer edge of the main hall and a brilliant place. Here you feel as if you are in the mix of things but with the added bonus of not too much noise. Plenty of trade stands on the balcony for everyone to browse with lots to tempt the purse to open.

For the BIS ring all stops are pulled out with the décor. A bright blue carpet to enhance and show the dogs off at their best, Union Jack banners decorating the picket fencing perimeter and the top table adorned with flowers and blue table coverings. Mrs Liz Stannard gave us a professional presentation on the microphone introducing each BOB winner on entering the ring. The ring stewards politely made sure everyone was in their rightful place at the right time. Everything detail is worked out to perfection. So congratulations committee members of the UK Toydog you’ve gone and done it again, a superb show.

This year to judge Papillons we had someone with a wealth of knowledge on the breed. No one knows more about the standard of the breed and what she is looking for. MrsPat Munn of the Ringlnds affix was to take the helm; this she did in a calm non hurried fashion going over each dog with a gentle approach but very methodical. Each dog and its handler had every chance to give of their best which was lovely to see. There was a good entry of Papillions with 166/169. As in the past there are always a lot of new puppies making their debut at UK Toydog for the coming year. Always entertaining to see the newbies step four paws in the ring for the first time carrying big hopes for their handlers, it is an exciting time for all concerned. A lot of the adult classes also had large entries but this was not a problem as everything was under control.

By the end of the judging the principal winners were as follows: DCC / BOB Irene & Glenn Robb’s CH Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo. The show team were over the moon as this was Travis’s ninth cc with ninth BOB’s. We thought the day couldn’t get any better but how wrong were we. Mrs Val Blore was judging the BIS and Travis went on to take RBIS behind the well respected Long Coat Chihuahua. What a brilliant day for the Papillon to be awarded such high honours at such a prestigious show, we were delighted too that Mrs Munn was there to watch it all unfold. We must say a thank you to of course the judges but also to the Papillon exhibitors who were so supportive both after the breed judging but also after the group. That means such a lot to us.

BCC was a delighted Ann Cooper as she took a third cc with her little girl Ancojo Pixie Pickles after taking the second at Crufts. Very well done Ann & John what a lovely day for you. For the RCC’s it was; RDCC Sean Carroll and James Newman’s Ger & Ir Ch Hundebuden’s Juno Pondabudens and the RBCC Tom Isherwood & Jenny Scovell’s Ch Afterglow Adelaide. BP went to Mrs J Gregory’s Skyvana Reddy To Go To Tonkory, BV Joyce Joyce’s Ch Calajoy Robbie Macfluff.

For those that couldn’t attend UK Toydog you have a chance to see what it was all about as DOG WORLD have produced a video of the group on utube. It really is a must to watch and all credit to the Dog World team for putting the videos together at the Championship Shows during the year.

Details on Meriel Hathaway’s funeral are as follows.Those who wish to say their last goodbyes to Meriel are invited to attend the service at St Mary’s Church, Wheaton Aston ST19 9PD at 2 p.m. on Thursday 16th April. The church service will be followed by cremation at the Telford Crematorium.

Frederick invites Meriel’s friends to a reception at the Church Hall at approximately 4 p.m. but those who do not wish to attend the cremation are welcome to refreshments at the Village Sports Centre following the church service. Family flowers only; details of charitable donations will be given at the service.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 18th April at the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Clubs Champ Show. The judges are Dogs: Mr Stuart Mallard (Tuckles), Bitches: Mrs Amanda Bruce- Jackson (Tijuana), BIS Mr Rob Sansom (Byermoor). It is to be held at the Kennel Club Buildings, Stoneleigh Park Warks, CV8 2LZ.

IRENE ROBB