10 October 2014 – Dog World

Susan Lanson has very kindly send me in a write up from her Belfast which is so helpful when you have not attended the show. Susan writes; Another year and another Belfast trip, unfortunately, has come to an end. My friend Debby Fisher and I went on our annual trip, or shall I say pilgrimage, to Belfast where we spend a few days as a mini and wonderful holiday. The weather was perfect with sun and warmth throughout our stay. On the Saturday the Shetland Sheepdog of Northern Ireland Championship Show was held where my friend Debby did very well in all her classes and got BPD. I also helped out by showing Debby’s pup and taking photos. It was a great day with cake and wine on offer by exhibitors. My three Papillons were present to add a bit of glamour to the proceedings!!

The following day was the Belfast Championship Show and our Papillon judge on the day was Brenda Banbury. It was lovely to see the Papillon exhibitors who had travelled from Scotland, Ireland and England. This year Papillons had an entry of 32 with 3 absentees there was a total of only 29. The grooming area was not large enough for all and therefore the majority of Papillon exhibitors were placed in another grooming area, which was further away from our ring. Judging started at 9.00 am and was completed in just over 2 hours. All exhibitors who were placed were given a tiny coloured ribbon instead of a card or rosette. After judging ended everyone scattered to do their own thing. I was busy taking photos, shopping and of course socialising.

There were stalls selling all things to make our dogs look beautiful and healthy. Hub International a regular at the Belfast Show and I know that our Irish exhibitors (in different breeds) look forward to stocking up on items they cannot buy in Ireland. Some of the other stalls were Happy Dog (whom I believe were sponsoring the show), Royal Canin, Splendid Pets, June’s Pet Bedding and others. Exhibitors would never go hungry as there was a lot of food and drink that could be purchased, not forgetting the yummy ice cream. Hopefully I shall be in a position to return back to glorious Belfast again next year and until then adieu to my friend.

Thank you so much Susan that is so good that readers can get a taste of the Belfast show atmosphere. The principal winners of the show were as follows. Breed judge Mrs Brenda Banbury DCC/BOB Davies and Urwin’s Ch/Fin CH Paparottsie Painted Lord JW shCM who then went on to take GP2 under Mrs Zena Thorne-Andrews. BCC Davidson-Poston’s Spinillons Classic Caress JW shCM who also took the RDCC with CH/IR CH Spinillons Rebel Rowser JW shCM. RBCC was Carroll and Newman’s (with James handling) IR/GER CH Denemore Toy Story. BP Mooney’s Omaonaig’s Silver Shimna.

Judy Porter had another good Open Show result at Barking Canine Club with her youngster Parvana Pretty Pumpkin taking TPGP3. The breed judge was Elizabeth Montgomery (Cabotcove),Group Judge Mike Beater (Starforth).

I am so delighted there was a super Pap attendance at Rosemary Ayris’s funeral. Glenn and I set of early with plenty of time in hand but after travelling what should have taken us half an hour we came to standstill on the A500 and it took us a further two hours to travel two miles to the M6 junction. Tomtom was saying that the M6 had major holdup also so calculating it would have been impossible to get there in time for even the gathering afterwards. It was very upsetting indeed but we just had to turn back. Apparently if you had also travelled from the south delays were many. Kirsten Stewart –Knight and her Mum Elaine arrived late missing the service but made the gathering of friends.

Sue Victor has kindly send in a little something on how the day went. As mentioned many Papillon exhibitors were present and the floral tribute were beautiful from both friends, relatives and the Papillon Clubs. A lovely floral Butterfly was prominent from David and Helen. During the service Rosemary’s sister Margaret read a poem. Rosemary would have been so proud of Ross her grandson as he had written a heartfelt poem. Ross has given permission for it to be included in the breed notes and I am sure each and every one of you when reading will be touch by the sincerity.

Sundown:
When my day broke and the sun began to rise. Your sun was already way up in the sky.
The time I knew you best was the evening of your life.
As your sun descended better times have passed you by.
Now my sun burns brightly way up in its peak. Your sun has set and peace I know you seek.
In life your sun was strong. You were my guiding light and now that you are gone from here, I burn twice as bright.
For each of us who knew you well, our lights once quite dim. For each of our lives you impacted on, we carry your light within.
As you leave us for the beyond, moving on uptown. We strive to bear your light. To remember, you Sundown.

After the service the gathering of friends was at Ibstock Working Men’s Club where a super spread was laid on. Mary Whitehill had been making a scrapbook to give to Rosemary. So many pictures and memories it turned into two. Mary gave the scrapbooks to Rosemary’s daughter Julia. At the gathering the books were passed around and people attending I am sure travelled down memory lane a hundred times over.

It was Rosemary’s wish that the Ibstock affix will continue with Rosemary’s husband David and Rosemary’s closest friend Helen Wheeler in partnership. That is very good news indeed.

The next show to report will be the South Wales Papillon Club. I will be on the sidelines watching Glenn judging the breed. I know we are in for a lovely day as the friendly atmosphere of the South Wales Club is always evident. I am really looking forward to spending the day watching instead of showing. Fingers crossed the Welsh rain stays away and it is sunshine all the way.

Take care travelling and enjoy your four paws.

IRENE ROBB