09 Breed Notes – February 2023

Keesie walks are now starting up, last weekend it was the turn for Kent Keesies – thanks to Lisa Axford for the following.

Our first Keeshond Walk in Kent for 2023 was at Jeskyns dog park on 25 February. It is a community park and has activities for both the dogs and the children. We met old friends and made new ones. People travelled from far and near to come and meet other Keeshonds. We had people from as far away as Suffolk, Hampshire, London and local Kentish people. One couple even booked an Airbnb to attend, with the intention of exploring the local area.

There were 15 Keeshonds from nearly 5 months old upwards, and 2 honorary members joined the group of a Samoyed and a Lapphund. Most of the dogs were from pet homes and some had never seen another Keeshond. It was wonderful to see them have the opportunity to meet other Keeshonds. Some were shy and gradually mixed as they got used to the group. Others were very happy to meet their Keeshond friends from previous walks and indeed litter mates and mum.

We set off for our walk, which with dogs and humans, which was a very large group along the path. Some dogs were off lead and enjoying exploring the area. When we got to the enclosures, we were very lucky that one was vacant and so we all able to go in and let all the dogs off securely. Some dogs had rarely been off lead and it was great for them to be in a secure area and able to run about and explore. Some stayed in little groups and others just meandered about going to everyone. I noticed some people were very popular when the treats came out!

It had been quite a cold day and we then decided a visit to the café was well deserved. Warming up with a hot drink and a chat was an enjoyable end to the walk and the dogs benefited from the treats which were left over. I would like to thank everyone for turning up and making the walk such a success.

Hopefully there’s going to be a Yorkshire Keesie walk at the end of March, so watch this space (& FB) for further details.

Good news that David Matthews has successfully undergone his triple bypass surgery and is now on the road to recovery, recuperating back at home.

And finally a reminder that at Crufts Keesies are in Hall 1, Ring 1 with a 10.00am start for Judge Sheila Jakeman who has drawn an entry of 69 dogs.

Anji Marfleet