22 May 2015 – Dog World

So, Stafford here we come for the Birmingham National. This show is one of the few held during the year that hold classes for all challenge certificate breeds, so it was going to be a busy show for the committee. For us Stafford is great, it is our nearest Championship show venue so no really stupid o’clock, bleary eyed mornings. Best not get too complacent, we are thrown back in the deep end with SKC next on the agenda, back to reality with a bump and meeting up with the crows early for breakfast. Why do they insist sitting in the middle of the road refusing to move?

A good array of trade stands were both inside on the veranda and outside, so plenty to browse. It was dry on arrival but the weather soon put that to right and the wet stuff rained down upon us good and proper. Our UK weather never lets us down on that score.

Good sized rings with plenty of room to manoeuvre and also the grooming area was at a premium. Nice touch from the committee when the groups were in progress as tea and coffee were available to all in the hall. Which I am sure was very much appreciated by everyone.

Today the well respected all rounder Mr Albert Wight was judging our breed, arriving in the ring looking immaculate as always and ready to take on the task in hand. Ably assisted by his stewards who were very efficient, they got the job done quietly but put everyone at ease with a little bit of banter, or maybe a lot of banter!

The day went smooth as clock work as you would expect from a well run ship with Mr Wight giving every exhibitor the opportunity to show their charges at their best. On the table he went over the dogs so well, kindly but with a meticulously efficient manner that is so good for the dogs.

For the Gleniren Sunshoo show team this day was to be a show that is only in your dreams. The principal winners were as follows; DCC/ BOB Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo. Then the icing on the cake was for Travis to take in a full to capacity Toy Group ring TGP2 under Mrs Irene McManus. We were over the moon that our Ch Gleniren Kiss Me Kate Sunshoo went on to be awarded the BCC giving us the days to dream of ‘double’. Thank you to all the Papillon exhibitors for being so supportive, it means such a lot.

For the RDCC it was a delighted Sean Carroll over from Ireland with Sean and James Newman’s import Ger & Ir Ch Hundebuden’s Juno Pondabudens and the RBCC Carol Lees Lafford Kandy Floss. BP went to Melanie Mann’s Magic Morgan Melangel (taf.naf) with Caroline Lee –Slater handling. BV was a very pleased Jane Thompson and Sandra Austin’s Jhanakia Highland Destiny.

It is with great sadness that the news has been received of the sudden passing of the lovely Lyndsey Pemberton (Lynbank). Lyndsey was a joy to speak with and many will remember when both Lyndsey and her daughter Charlotte were involved with the Papillons. Lyndsey was the Treasurer for UK Toydog after being on the committee for a number of years and also Secretary of Birmingham Peke. Lyndsey was mainly known for her success in Pekes, last year making up two litter brothers to their champion titles in this breed. Lyndsey retained her love for Papillons and was always interested in what was going on within the breed.

Her love for the dog world was unparalleled and she will be missed greatly by all that knew her. Our thoughts are with Lyndsey’s husband, Mum and of course Charlotte at this very sad time. RIP Lyndsey. I, Glenn and Carolyn will always remember your presence at the shows. Funeral details are not known at the time of writing.

Next week a report from SKC, it can rain if it feels it wants to as we will be snug and cosy in the main hall. Take care on the roads.

IRENE ROBB