14 April 2017 – Dog World

It was the first show of 2017 for the South Wales Papillon Club, kick-starting the year with their Open Show. For this occasion non breed specialist Mr Alan Carter (Alamiks) was taking up the helm and judging our lovely butterflies and moths. Unfortunately Glenn and I were unable to attend as we had an event the day before, more of that later. Very grateful to a friend who attended and they were able to enlighten me on the proceedings for the day. Mr Carter received a good entry and I am sure he enjoyed going over another breed rather than his own.

Len Stansbury the club secretary had once again donned his chefs hat and pinnie in readiness for the hungry tums brigade. He had to work under duress as it was found the microwave was non functional, making things challenging to say the least. I am sure if I know Len he managed brilliantly. Sue and Lens granddaughter Kathryn was there giving a hand or should I say many hands. She not only helped her granddad in the kitchen but also took photographs of the major winners, in between helping to show some of the dogs. Who says we women are not multi- task functional. Well done Kathryn your grandparents are immensely proud of you.

Win Price was the show manager and kept everything running smoothly along, with the help of the two very capable stewards. The pictures I have seen on FB showed some beautiful rosettes for the winners and fantastic array of raffle prizes on offer. I am sure the atmosphere for the show was as always just lovely. The committee always put in such a lot of work to maintain a professional yet friendly show day, so I suspect everyone present had a super day.

The principal winners were as follows; BIS/BB Shane Church’s Invanse Tantrums n’Tiaras, RBIS/ RBB Pat Cox’s Tricianbri Tuppence A Kiss JW, BPIS Sheila Wilkinson’s Lafford Inspector Morse In Poppywood, BOSIS Sue & Jon Caton’s Coffe Ice Cream Forussi at Henrix(imp POL), RBPIS Sue Stanbury’s Inixia Potty Dotty, BVIS Melanie Mann’s Melangel Pickle Pumpkin and lastly BPHIS Susie and Margaret Orchard’s Semicvetik Dayana Divine Panspayon (Imp RUS).

Mrs Carlotte Rivett put the juniors through their paces and awarded Best Junior Handler In Show to 16 year old Cerys Lewis. Congratulations to the class and principal winners on their successful day.

The day before, Glenn and I went along with Travis (Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo) to attend the Contest of Champions. For those who are not sure what this event is all about, it is a Canine Supporters Charity. The objects of the charity are to raise funds for the promotion, study and welfare of dogs. The constitution also encourages academic and practical study and importantly, will provide the opportunities to bring people together to discuss at all levels, the essence of the charity’s work – Dogs.

They are supported for the event very generously by Royal Canin. Other supporters of the event are also Dog World, Our Dogs, Award Board Rosettes, The Holiday Inn, David & Angela Cavill, Chris Brown Road show, Hooker & Young, Cromesell, Fosse Data,, Showinsurance, KH Cake Design, Lintbells, Sue Glennon, Pawscars, Welsh Kennel Club, Artisand, Richmond Dog Show, Transcool and Groomers. The Stewards were Sue Glennon, Glynn Payne, Marion Sargent, Chris Evison, Naomi Cowley, Ryan Lack and Barry Canty. Superb commentating by Ric Beall and assisted by Allyson King. The auctioneer Michael Alexander did a great job prising the wallets open and finally the photographers were Dog World and Our Dogs.

There was tombola the length of the room with prizes galore, a sweepstake and a five pound note draw. Of which we all soon found out that writing on the new £5 note is not an easy task! Fabulous prizes for an equally fabulous cause.

The judges, who we found out on the day, were Malgorzata Supronowicz from Poland, Pedo Sanches Delerue from Portugal and Christine Rossiter from Switzerland.

Sixty four champions who were Top dog in their various breeds from the previous year qualify for this event. Each breed is represented by one dog, so it is the crème de la crème of the canine world. The contest is a match, for those of you that perhaps are not sure what this is. You compete in two’s and the winner goes forward to the next round until you reach four dogs in the final. We arrived at 11.30 am met with a cheerful greeting from Barry Canty and the numbers are drawn to see which dogs are competing against each other for the first round. A complete lottery rings to mind here.

For our first round we were up against the top winning English Springer Spaniel Sh Ch/Aus Sup Ch Sandicam The Look Of Love owned by Mr E Casey & Mr C Cavallo, who looked wonderful. First round and our thoughts were this is not going to be easy, no pressure then! Our second round was to be against the Briard Ch Bourntwyn In Motion owned by Mr RC & Mrs Bithel who looked and went so well. The third round was like little and large as we were up against the most beautifully presented Newfoundland CH Merrybear D’Artagnan owned by Mrs L & MT Chapman. But we made it to the semi final and Travis was beside himself with excitement. Every time the claps and cheers went up he was on a Fizz stick, having the best time of his life.

It certainly didn’t get any easier for the semi final as it was the Afghan Hound and Papillon. The beautiful Ch/Int/Lux Ch Tahkira Like It Like That was on top form and looked amazing. He is owned by Claire and Liz Millward and Miss C Mottershaw. So here we are in the final and thrilled to bits by this point. In the final were the Bulldog, Irish Wolfhound, Cocker Spaniel and Papillon. There is the winner, who was the Bulldog and the remaining three in the final are all joint runner ups. Just as it should have been as all the dogs were outstanding. We were all presented with a beautiful glass trophy sponsored by Royal Canin and rosettes by Award Board Rosettes.

The atmosphere between the exhibitors was so lovely, supporting each other as the day went on, so nice to be involved with and in their company.

The day started from leaving home at 9am to the final after dinner was at 10pm, so a long day for all the four legs, but Travis was still buzzing as if it was 9 am. After the final was completed then everyone enjoyed the dance floor. So a good night was had by all and valuable funds for charity received. Well done Travis you were an absolute joy all day.

Can’t believe we are nearly at Easter, looks like the calorie intake could increase over the next few weeks, just saying.

IRENE ROBB