At Birmingham National, Keeshonds were first in the ring with a 9.00am start for well-known ‘all-rounder’ Jeff Horswell; who was awarding CC’s in keesies for the first time. He had drawn an entry of 42 dogs with 6 absentees and there were only two classes – puppy dog and veteran bitch which had no entries.
Dog CC with BoB was Melanie Harris’ Ch Neradmik All About The Boy For Watchkees JW ShCM (Ch Am Ch Kemonts Skylines Game Boy (imp USA) x Ch Lady Godiva’s Guilty Pleasures with Neradmik (imp Fin)) and the RDCC went to Peck & Matthews’ Byquy Workin Boots (Ch Wund-R-Y Workin for a Livin at Szaryk (imp Can) x Byquy Willma) handled by David Matthews.
After a long wait of over 2½ years, it was a crowning big green card for Geraldine Clark’s Byquy Pebbles at Kwajongen (Ch Klompens Who’s Your Daddy (imp Can) x Byquy Willma). Her first CC was at Richmond in 2015 from judge Jill Peak and her 2nd came last year at Midland Counties from Carole Jackson.
The RBCC was a first for for Sally Newman’s young Wolfswinkel Maria Ogren At Leazehond (AI) (Leazehond Lightning Bolt x Vanstrand For Your Eyes only) from PGB. Best Puppy was Val Tew’s Bargeway With Grace (Shelderon Spirit Walker x Bargeway Pumpkin Pie)
Simone Lush got a 5th place in the Higham Press/dog.biz Special Beginners Stakes under Judge Phil Freer with her young puppy Ednaaron Moonlight – but just missed out on the prize money!
It was with sadness that I learned that Winnie Pearson has died recently at the grand age of 101. Winnie will not be remembered by many of today’s exhibitors; but she was the other half of the Thorsdale affix, held in partnership with her daughter Margaret Foster.
They had both had been stalwart supporters of the North of England Keeshond Club since the very early 1970’s; when they owned Duroya Evergay in partnership with Audrey Woodiwiss. Accompanying Margaret and grand-daughter Julie, Winnie was always to be seen ringside at the once numerous shows held in and around Humberside & Lincolnshire.
Although Winnie hadn’t been able to get to shows for many years, she was very proud of Margaret and the achievements’ of their Keesies, (even though her first breed was poodles!) – Ch Thorsdale Power Ranger, Int Ch Thorsdale Trouble Shooter owned by Dieter & Melitta Borchert in Germany and Ch Thorsdale Trade Mark owned by Brian and Alison Bennett.
Winnie (like Margaret) had a heart of gold; especially where animals were involved and was always willing to help out wherever possible, taking in waifs & strays of all descriptions.
Anji Marfleet