23 March 2018

So, another Crufts done and dusted and before we know it will be that time of the year again. Let’s hope summer is just around the corner with unlimited use of the sun umbrellas, goodness, after all the snow, rain, gales, freezing temperatures and whatever else the weather has thrown at us in the last couple of months, we certainly deserve some sunshine.

The trade stalls were a plenty as usual at Crufts, not that Glenn and I saw any of them during the three days we were there. Firstly before I get on to breed day congratulations and thanks must go to Eukanuba for looking after the exhibitors that had qualified in the Champion Stakes and Puppy Stakes Finals. This was the first time these finals were at Crufts and after pre-judging it was held in the Crufts BIS ring, an experience that the exhibitors are very grateful for. Each exhibitor was presented with a Eukanuba bag full to the brim with goodies, including a lovely keepsake of the occasion, being an engraved picture frame. I am sure this took a lot of organisation behind the scenes from the staff of Eukanuba and Mike Bloxsome.

We personally were delighted that for the Champion Stakes Travis, Ch Gleniren Shootin Starmaker Sunshoo was shortlisted to the last eight dogs, all of esteem quality and reputation. Each one of the dogs shortlisted was straight out of the top draw they all looked magnificent in the line up. It was truly a fabulous sight, all showing their hearts out and behaving impeccably. It must have been a tough call for the two judges Mr Jeff Luscott and Mr Stuart Plane.

For the Puppy Stakes the judge was David Guy, all the puppies coped so well with the atmosphere and noise including the astro turf! This tickles their paws and at first they are a little wary. Imogen, Glenn’s little Pomeranian (Klassna Just Imagine Gleniren) breeder Nataliya Davey as always didn’t give it a second thought but Mimi (Ch Miss Martini Royal at Suniren) breeder Jan Roosens was at first a little hesitant, with a look of “I am not moving my feet, it may eat me and gobble me up” but after a few walk up and down in the collecting ring, all was good. They both coped superbly and we were both extremely proud of them. Congratulations to their breeders.

Toy day was an early start for the Papillons with an 8.30am start, we are so lucky as the ring is in the corner of Hall 5 and away from the maddening crowds, so we are extremely fortunate, this makes life so much more enjoyable. Breed Specialist Mr Roger Banfield (Kingshaven) was taking the helm with the help of experienced steward Eddie Bishop making sure everyone was in the right place at the right time. All went smoothly along and judging was completed well in time for the commencement of the Toy Group.

Many visitors from abroad both exhibiting and watching, so this contributes to making the occasion very special. The principal winners of the day were as follows. DCC / BOB Sean Carroll and James Newman’s Multi CH Expana’s Sea Dragon Conqueror, breeder Ponkrit Yapron. What an exciting day taking TGP1 under Mrs Irene McManus (Metexa), how lovely it is to see Papillons taking success at the shows. BCC Kay Stewart and Kirsten Stewart-Knight’s Ch/Ir Ch Tussalud Story Tales, BP Elaine Hart’s Towerglen’s All About Anya, RDCC Ottosons’s Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers with Kathleen Roosen’s handling and RBCC Carol Lees & Carine Ruttens Ch/NL Ch Lafford Kandy Floss JW. Congratulations to all the principal winners but also if you received a placement, an achievement to be so proud of.

At Nottingham Sherwood Foresters KA the breed judge was Joe Ashwood. Here Karen and Steve Maskell had a good day. Silviesol’s Lilinrose TooVain to Dream Kazkell took BOB and Steve and Karen youngster Kazkell Milo’s Dream took BP and TPG1. The TGP judge Mrs Carol Greenaway.

The Northern & Eastern Counties Papillon Club has now rescheduled their Open show after it had to be cancelled due to the weather. It will now be held on Saturday, 24th March so please make sure this is your diary.

The Papillon Club Championship show has a postal closing date of the 31st March for their show on the 21st April. So if you are thinking of attending tie a knot in the handkerchief. The dog judge will be Tom Mather (Barkalots), bitches judge Carolyn Roe (Sunshoo). Judge for the Junior Handling, best fringes and referee is Caroline Lee-Slater. The clubs handbook is now available, it’s a must read for the avid Papillon lover. The cost is £10 plus postage. If you would like a copy contact the clubs secretary Mr Brian Lees.

The clubs autumn open show will be held on the 17th Nov at St Mary’s Church Hall, Solihull and breed specialist Doug Johnston (Dorhu) from bonnie Scotland will be judging.

Enjoy your shows and take care when travelling.

IRENE ROBB