17 September 2015 – Dog World

Two Championship shows I have to report on this week. The first being City of Birmingham held at Stoneleigh Park, which is near Coventry. A well run show by the committee that always give 100% commitment to the exhibitors. A revamp this year which I think was a huge advantage to both trade stands and exhibitor. Usually the trade stands were located in an area away from the proximity of many of the show ring areas, thus a determined effort was needed to peruse the stands, if you were just going to browse to see if anything took your fancy. If the weather was not dry and sunny then the urge went out the window pronto. However the committee in their wisdom have put that all to rights and have included the trade stands in the BIS ring area and the adjacent hall. Brilliant that the Papillion ring was situated in the hall so we received the full benefit of the change. Sometimes when you have a number of dogs to show it is so difficult to whiz down to the stands because you are always worrying where the classes are up to, then ending up rushing back and not seeing anything. However this was not the case at this show, you could browse at your leisure once or even twice in the day and keep an eye on what was going on. When speaking with the trade stand folk they all seemed happy bunnies with the arrangements, so well done Birmingham City, you’re on a winner.

The rings are of a generous size and the Papillon ring was green carpeted this will always enhance any breed that is white coated, making them look sparkling. Nothing wrong, with a bit of glitz and glamour, if in doubt add glitter!

One thing that did make me smile was the benching as the Papillon benching was the opposite end to the ring in the hall. My theory is that someone had, had a very good night out the evening before and looked at the layout upside down; either that or a visit to Specsavers may be on the cards. But all was positive there was a grooming area close by and right next to the Pap ring a column with no benching numbers, so problem solved.

For the Paps at this show we had breed specialist Mrs Estelle Kirk (Kirkchase) taking the helm. She arrived looking smart in a grey suit and ready to judge our lovely breed. Mrs Kirk went over the dogs on the table thoroughly with a calm, gentle attitude immediately putting the four paws at ease. She gave everyone an opportunity to show their dogs in the best possible way when on the move. All in all exactly as you would expect from a breed specialist that cares for the breed. The day went smoothly along with the able assistance of the stewards. The atmosphere amongst the Papillon exhibitors was jovial and social, just what everyone likes at a show.

The principal winners of the day were as follows; DCC / BOB Irene & Glenn Robb’s CH Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo. Glenn was poorly sick and could not be at the show so Travis did his Mum proud going on to take a TGP4 later in the day under Mrs Margaret Wildman. BCC went to Sue Victor’s Lafford Kandy Floss with Carolyn Lee-Slater handling. Congratulations to the breeder Carol Lees. For the RCC’s the dog award went to a very pleased Julie Clint with Papplewick Persian Punch JW (Breeder Jerry Munroe) and the bitches an even more delighted Amy Williams with Sunlight Vision Of Ringlands (Breeder Pat Munn).

Jo Davidson –Poston took BP with her youngster Spinillons Colt Classic and another best veteran win for a very happy Jane Thompson and Sandra Austin with their homebred Jhanakia Highland Destiny.

So another year over for City of Birmingham and the committee should feel very proud of themselves, it was a super show. Even the Toy Group was held first, amazing, as the toy group is usually last.

Next on the show calendar was Richmond held at Loosely Park, near Guildford. Not the best travel show to get to with it being a Friday and the glories of the M25 to look forward to. So for us it was up at 2.15am to be away by 3.30am, makes me feel queasy even saying that now. However so pleased we did this as we arrived, calm and collected with no hiccups along the way. For folk that left later it was another issue, apparently accidents and hold ups. So getting up with the lark certainly had many positives that were good. Going home was another issue the sat nav informed us there was a tailback of 6 miles on the M25, so it diverted to the scenic tour avoiding the congested area. Of course the M6, not to be left out put in its five pennies worth as usual but hey ho that is par for the course. Eventually arriving home at 10.30pm, who says dog showing is easy.

The weather was favourable, although on arrival the grass was wringing wet, the Paps did not enjoy being pegged up by the ears, so feet stayed dry. Only kidding, but as the day progressed all was well. An in/out ring, so all was good. You had to be prepared for a trek to the loo and certainly it was not in the interest of the inner being to leave to the last minute.

It was a first time Papillon CC appointment for breed specialist, Miss Cheryl Lockett (Cheryldene). She arrived looking very tropical in a butterfly summer suit certainly giving a ray of sunshine to the Papillon ring. Miss Lockett went over the dogs in a methodical manner and once the grass had dried out exhibitors were able to use the whole of the ring. You just had to be mindful of the ups and downs when the dogs’ were passing the post in the centre of the inside to the outside of the ring area…. to save veering off at a tangent, for obvious reasons. The judging went smoothly along and by the end of the proceeding the principal winners were found. Pat Munn had a brilliant day, taking the BCC / BOB with Ch Mad About Saffron For Ringlands and also the RBCC with the daughter of the BCC Ringlands Saffrons Lace. What a super day for you Pat, very well done. DCC was Irene & Glenn Robb’s CH Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo, RDCC was Susie Orchard’s Alex’ Eye Of The Tiger At Panspayon (Imp) naf, BP Kirsty Miller’s little girl Feorlig Viva La Vida and BV Gill Geary’s Rayol Lotus Blossom.

At the Wombel DSC Limit Show, Jackie Green had a truly winning day with Sukanto Eluva Ticklemouse for Rubywings taking RBIS under Lauren Perfitt (Samjoe). What a brilliant day for you, Jackie.

At Newton Abbot & South Devon DCS under Marion Mynott Sue Morrell and Thesbina Teague had a successful day with Temelora Let it be Magic taking a TPGP2.

On the agility front at the Nuts Kennel Club Show Rachel Dutton with Powdermill Original Touch, Keavy McGrath with Tinklebury the Fusillier and Caragh with Lynbank Smartie Jones, ran in a new Triple “A” Qualifier and came 3rd, qualifying them for the final at Dog Vegas at Southwell Racecourse at the end of September. The team name was “The Butterfliers” and we were running against teams of all heights. You all must be so proud of yourselves and counting the days to the final.

So here we go on to Darlington at Ripon Racecourse for the next show. Keeping fingers crossed for dry weather as the mud bath a few years ago still is etched very clearly in the memory box. Safe journey where ever you are going.

IRENE ROBB