27 May 2016 – Dog World

I must admit sometimes it does make me smile, to see what one person’s terminology of a tit-bit bag has in common with another. Mine is the smallest tit-bit bag imaginable in a jacket pocket and yet others resemble a frenzied scramble at the pick and mix bar from Sainsbury’s. Full to the brim with an assortment that would cater for the entire dog show, usually in a clear poly bag that is dumped on the table whilst standing the dog. Imagine going for a Sunday roast dinner and being told you have to stand there and wait, with all the goodies under your nose!

The KC has given this directive to exhibitors. Baiting exhibits at Shows. Following a number of queries received, relating to baiting exhibits in the ring at Kennel Club licensed events, the Kennel Club wishes to clarify its position.


Baiting is the use of food or other items in the ring by handlers to encourage and keep the interest of their exhibits. Whilst this activity does not contravene Kennel Club Regulations, it should be carried out only in a discreet manner and not result in distracting or disturbing another exhibit.
The Kennel Club has received a number of complaints that excessive amounts of food are being left on the floor in show rings which has, in some cases, ultimately affected the performance of other exhibits.
 The Kennel Club hopes that all participants at licensed shows will refrain from dropping food on the floor in the ring.
 Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We ask that all exhibitors please take great care in the use of food, or any other item that may cause distraction, in the ring and make every effort to ensure that food is not dropped to avoid potentially distracting other exhibits, in the interests of fairness.


Susan Lanson has kindly sent me in news from Pat Urwin’s husband’s funeral. It has been written with Pats approval and I appreciate you sending it in to me Susan.
 Tom Urwin’s cremation was held at Carlisle Crematorium on 13 May ’16 on a grey but dry day.  A few of us met at Pat’s home, in advance, before following the funeral procession.  It was a lovely service which was very well attended by family, friends, neighbour’s & not forgetting a few Papillon exhibitors (myself, Sue Deamer, Angela Skelton, Lynda Lacey, Sharon Burns, Kevin Sharp-Dixon, Jude Reyes, Leanne Parkinson, Sheila Wagstaff, Siobhan Power, Jane Lynch Power).  Sheena Mawson, Lesley Doyle, Geoffrey Davies & Michael Ardern Mason were also present.  
 Pat had her two daughters, grandson & their respective partners by her side during the service.  The service was to remember & celebrate Tom’s very active life and his love of animals and his family.  Pat told me, after the service, that her spirits were raised when Geoffrey Davies sang so beautifully the two hymns that were chosen.  His tenor like voice sounded out and it reminded Pat of how much like Tom he sounded.  There was a funeral tea held at Greysteads Hotel after the service, for those who could make it and I was told that there was a BBQ and drinks, I believe held at Pat’s home that went on till the early hours.  I am sure Tom would have approved.


Thank you Susan and I am sure you all will extend our best wishes to Pat and her close family at this sad time.


At Chester City & County CS Open Show, held in Neston on the Wirral it was a good result for the Paps. Steven Harrison was judging the breed and the TGP. Irene & Glenn Robb’s Gleniren Stardustmaker took TGP2 and Lynn George-Evans with Jorgealin Moon Shine took TPGP4. It was a pleasant show with plenty of ring space. Some exhibitors had difficulty getting to the venue as they were diverted around the area as it was the Chester Marathon that morning, so judging was delayed. But apart from that all went smoothly with the show and it was nice meeting up with friends for a social day out.


The Papillon entry for Southern Counties has been announced as 97, with Dan Ericson judging the breed. 


Dogs die in hot cars on hot days. As the weather hopefully begins to pick up and we all look forward to the run of championship shows, here is a timely reminder ……..Your dog is vulnerable and at risk during hot weather and the Kennel Club offers the following guidance to help guide you through the do’s and don’ts travelling to and whilst at KC licensed events.
• When travelling to a show please take a moment to consider whether the route to the show is on a busy holiday route, and leave earlier to avoid increased time in traffic jams.

• If your vehicle is not air-conditioned seriously consider whether travelling to the show is a good idea at all.

• The vehicle should be as fully ventilated as possible, and plenty of stops should be taken, with lots of water available to drink.

• Ensure your dog is not sitting in full sunlight. There should be plenty of free flowing air around the dog.

• When at the show, never leave your dog in the vehicle.

• Keep the dog in the shade – take your own shade for example a large umbrella and always have plenty of water available to drink so your dog stays well hydrated.

• Avoid your dog taking part in unnecessary exertion, or from standing in exposed sunlight for extended lengths of time.
 Remember, if you feel hot, your dog is very likely to feel much hotter and dehydrated, and this could lead to dire results.


Please folk; look after your dogs whilst travelling, remember they are solely under your guidance for their welfare and well being.


Enjoy the sunny weather we are having, stay safe on the roads and have fun with our lovely breed.


IRENE ROBB