For a change, it was a lovely hot, sunny summer’s day at Blackpool, and Keeshonds were second in the ring with a 10.00am ‘not before’ time for well-known Swedish judge Sigurd Wilberg (who last judged keesies at Darlington in 2011). He had drawn an entry of 28 dogs (20 dogs and just 8 girls) with 3 absentees and again there were no entries in either Puppy or Junior bitch.
Judging didn’t start until just after 11.00am as it was delayed by the appearance of a mini tornado in the showground. Exhibitors watched as a large parasol circled round overhead before it landed in a ring (fortunately not injuring anyone) and prize cards were scooped up off judges’ tables – dancing in the air. It wasn’t until the tornado started to leave the grounds that the actual funnel shape became apparent.
Blackpool’s certainly living up to its reputation of being a windy show. It’s also hard to believe that it’s a year since Dog World’s demise was announced at Blackpool; the show is certainly getting memorable – but not necessarily for all the right reasons!!
It was a 3rd crowning CC with BOB for Matthews & Ransley’s Szaryk Dutch Bargemaster with Valindale (Ch Wund-R Y Workin For A Livin at Szaryk (Imp USA) x Keesridge Faithrustnpixiedust at Szaryk (Imp USA)) handled by David Matthews from Limit. Zander’s 1st CC was at the NoEKC’s 2017 Ch show from Robin Newhouse and his 2nd CC was at Bath this year from Sheila Jakeman.
The RDCC went to the winner of Open, Hickson’s Kichigai’s Only The Lonley (Bert von Ricara (imp Den) x Kichigai Special Edition) handled as usual by Natasha.
It was a first CC for Antonia Atkinson’s Winklestar Anthe with Valindale (Ch Winklestar Hadar x Eastkees Made To Order By Winklestar) handled by David Matthews in both the class and bitch challenge and by Antonia for Best of Breed. RBCC went to the winner of Open, Dawn Gregory’s Ch Amikirs Fabulicious Time JW (Eastkees Time Lord x Ch Amikirs Bubblelicious).
Best Puppy was Simone Lush’s Ednaaron Moonlight (Ch Hunnivoles Woody Valentine x Gallowtree Tassel at Ednaaron) who then went on to win a 5th place in the Special Beginners Puppy Dog Stakes from Judge Robin Searle.
This time of year there is something going on somewhere every weekend and for those of us who participate in other canine disciplines, it is no different to championship shows. I went down to Bakewell Showground at the weekend where Dogs Unleashed were holding a two day ‘Ulti-Mutt Doggy Day out’ in conjunction with a KC agility show and Flyball. The showground was packed with loads of dog related trade stands, companion dog shows, gundog and terrier demonstrations, free vet health checks, doggy grooming and massages and many ‘have a go activities’.
The Spanish Water Dog Rescue had dog swimming pools and this year had one specifically for puppies, in which my young Tenat thoroughly enjoyed swimming around; but I decided against having a go with him in the diving pool! The Lurcher Association had a simulated course set up, where this year it was Tooin who put a lot of the assorted ‘sight hounds’ to shame by flying round the field after the lure. I am taking her being called a ‘woolly lurcher’ by the man operating the lure as a compliment!
I finished the day by discovering that Tooin had got an 8th place in a big grade 1-7 combined jumping class; a great end to a brilliant day out. If there are similar events in your neck of the woods being held this summer, then go and pay them a visit – we can all thoroughly recommend them!
Anji Marfleet