Articles

Unfortunately we missed the entries for Birmingham National, so we weren’t there to see Julie repeat her performance at Welsh Working by taking BoB with Gunner (Zwartbos Carisbrooke), with Ann again winning BB, this time with her youngster, Grizelda (Annvad Princess Grizelda) under judge Raymond Soulat. It is good to see that there were a couple of newcomers to the showring there, and having success. Mark Harrison getting RBD with Milo (Pines Wiggins) , and Gabriella Chong getting RBB with her import from Murray and Hester,Kenza van de Hoevemeester. We hope they had sufficient encouragement and enjoyment to give it another go. The next two shows for us are SKC and Border Union, both north of the border.
Now a cautionary tale. Last week we came across a young (3-4 months) Akita type puppy wandering along a main road. She was very friendly, and so we put her in the car, much to the disgust of Acorn and Flag, to keep her safe. We had no luck asking around, and she had no collar. We went to the nearest vet, but no microchip was in evidence. The Dog Warden is only available between 9 and 4 on weekdays (chocolate teapots!), so we left our details at the vets. Happily, just on our way home, the phone rang and the distraut owner gave us directions to return her puppy. The delight expressed by both the puppy and the lady and her children left us in no doubt that this was the right home, but certainly has changed our view about the importance of microchipping. I don’t think it will have a greatly beneficial effect on dangerous and aggressive dogs and owners, but is absolutely vital in instances like we experienced.

Elaine Betts
01544 318705
elaine@pineshovawarts.co.uk