11 November 2016 – Dog World

Midland Counties Championship Show at Stafford was the next show on the calendar, with a bumper entry across the board. Midland always pulls a good entry of exhibits. I suppose it being one of the last remaining Championship shows of the year and being located centrally for most exhibitors to travel to, helps considerably.

The Papillons were in the main hall and on first arriving the hall was warm and cosy but gradually as the day went on it got very chilly indeed. Someone must have not had enough change to top up the electric meter. Up on the balcony it was much warmer, only discovered this when looking at the trade stands later in the afternoon. There was a good array of stands available to browse and a chance to pick up all those things on the shopping list.

As always the parking is excellent at this venue even though we arrived later, as the Papillons were second in the ring after the Akitas. There was no problem for a parking space.

For this show the judge was from Scotland Mrs Mary Whitehill of the Amicae affix. Carolyn and I watched the Paps throughout ringside rubbing our hands trying to keep warm, she did certainly make us shiver when taking off her jacket part way through the dog classes, leaving a light sleeveless top. They certainly are made of sterner stuff up in Scotland, either that or it was the heat of the moment.

The principal winners for the day were as follows: DCC/BOB Magri & Arrowsmith CH Rozamie Dream Lover who also took TGP3 under Dr Tony Allcock MBE. RDCC Carroll & Newmans CH/IR/GER/CZECH CH Hundebuden’s Juno Pondabudens. BCC was a delighted Jill Varley with her import Ambre Dore Beata Bea at Coxley (imp). I think was a first CC for Jill, so many congratulations, what a magical moment for you. RBCC went to Sue Victor’s CH Lafford Kandy Floss handled by Caroline Lee-Slater and bred by Carol Lees. BP was Volpecula Handsome Is owned and bred by Elizabeth Patrick and handled for this show by Wendy Waters. Elizabeth must have been tickled pink and so excited when she heard the news, congratulations.

Can you believe, the next show LKA is the last of the show calendar for 2016, where on earth did that year go. Not many shows for the month of November so please let me know your results from the Open shows so I can let everyone share your successes. If you know of any one under the weather at present and would like to give them a mention in the breed notes, just let me know.

Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 13th November, a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom, please spare a moment of reflection for those brave souls of yesteryear and wear your poppy with pride.

IRENE ROBB