16 Breed Notes – Easter 2019

The vagaries of the English weather certainly keeps you on your toes re clothing; I think most exhibitors & competitors vehicles must resemble mobile wardrobes, I know mine does! Last Sunday as I set off for an agility show, it was -3° snowing and thermal clothing and hot soup was the order of the day; forward to the Easter weekend and it was 24°+ and we were all in shorts, eating ice creams! Is there any wonder that we, as a country, are known for talking about the weather all the time??

Last weekend up in Scotland at Selkirk & DCS, Linda Divers Ir Ch Kichigai Rare Edition at Murmansk ShCM (handled by daughter Jane Usher) was Best of Breed and then got Utility Group 2 and Caron Bell’s Foxifayre Keep the Faith with Allforus (AI) was Best Puppy and got Utility Puppy Group 3 under judge Heather Corkin. Not to be outdone, Caroline Gate’s Lacetrom Cruivie ShCM (shown by daughter Michelle Wright) went Reserve Best Veteran in Show from judge Nicky Garbutt.

This weekend at Tweedmouth CS saw Michelle win the Utility Veteran Group with Kimi (Lacetrom Cruivie ShCM) and get Best of Breed and Utility Group 4 with Lacetrom Shuna ShCM. Caron and River (Foxifayre Keep the Faith with Allforus (AI)) got Utility Puppy G3 all from judge Colin Gullon. As the show was held on Good Friday all the Best of Breeds and Best Puppy’s also won an Easter Egg.

The following day down at the opposite end of the country at the South West Utility’s open show; Vikki Marshall and Torrikees Made in Heaven at Devonia’ got Best of Breed and her young Ghost (Arabesque at Devonia) Reserve Best of Breed with Best Puppy from Judge Leisel Thorner.

I went to Newark on Easter Sunday where most of the showground was taken over by a two day ‘All About Dogs’ event which was hosting, amongst other things, agility and flyball. I have to say that I didn’t realise that the showground was so vast, having only ever been at the ‘4 cattle sheds end’ where dogs shows are held and it was packed with loads of dog related trade stands, companion dog shows, displays & demonstrations, dog swimming pools and many ‘have a go activities’. There was even a small garden show thrown in for good measure.

There was Lure racing with prizes for the top three dogs. This year it was Tooin who put a lot of the assorted ‘sight hounds’ to shame by flying round the field after the lure and for most of the day she was in fifth place; in the end there was ‘just’ 1.20 seconds between her and the fastest dog. This was Tenat’s first time at one of these events and I don’t think he could make up his little mind what he liked best – lure chasing or paddling. As for the agility we did this weekend; all I will say is that they got lots of E’s for enthusiasm and a good time was had by all!

I’m ending these notes with the sad news that Irene Howe has suddenly died after having being diagnosed with cancer only a few weeks ago. Irene had then resigned from the NoEKC Committee, which she had been on since 2006 and was for the last few years the Show Secretary. Irene will be missed by all who knew her, both in the Keeshond and Japanese Spitz worlds. Our sympathies go to Irene’s father Gordon Lister and to all her family at this most difficult time. As yet, I have no details about any funeral arrangements.

Anji Marfleet