Shadow steps into the limelight

The day after Shadow did his little walk about I phoned the vet and arranged to have him microchiped (ouch) I prefer to have my dogs done about 1 year old but I thought if Shadow has a bit of the wanderer in him I would rather be safe than sorry (though a few weeks later I did wonder if I did the right thing).

Well we went to Shadows first show (and a championship show at that) East of England at Peterborough our judge was Irene McManus (Metexa).
Having travelled down with Anna Fraser (Bonmeshay) and Joe Cassidy who owns Abbeyton What's It All About we arrived in good time to let the dogs stretch there legs and have a good walk before show time.

Shadow was entered in the Minor Puppy Dog class and was six months on the day. Being in among so many other dogs didn't seem to phase Shadow in any way and he just got on with his day. In the ring he was quite happy to show himself off to all and sundry provided they didn't try and touch him, he backed away and dropped his tail and could only be encouraged with some food to approach other people. Little did I know that when he went on the table for the judge his first thought was of the vet and being microchiped! As soon as the judge approached him he went rigid and when she went to go over him he let us both know with a little bit of vocals that he did not want to be touched, after a few moments he settled enough for the judge to see him and was placed 4th in the class. I was so upset at his behaviour, it was just difficult to believe that such a little charmer at home could become this not so nice puppy.
It was only later in the day when speaking to others that I realised having him microchiped a few weeks before the show was not a good idea. Shadow thought that the judge was going to hurt him and reacted accordingly.

Shadow's next outing was to Leeds championship show where his behaviour was so much better but still not 100% on the table. The judge Jean Grant (Gransil) was very patient with him and awarded him 1st place in Minor Puppy Dog.

ABBEYTON MOONLIGHT SHADOW 1st MINOR PUPPY DOG LEEDS

(Photo Courtesy of E. Patrick at Scottish Papillon Club News Blog)

Ever the optimist we went to a local open show and Shadow had a little set back and again showed his dislike of being handled by a stranger. Isn't it nice that judges can be so kind and forgiving of a little pups hang ups. Breed judge Amanda Skelton gave Shadow 1st in Papillon Puppy. In the Any Variety Minor Puppy class Shadow was again placed 1st, the judge was Angela Skelton (Adnamashan) and she was especially good with Shadow even taking a moment to give him a cuddle reassuring him that not everyone was going to hurt him. Shadow then won Puppy group 2 which I was very pleased with.

Having joined a not so local training class especially for toy/small breeds of dog I travelled an 80 mile round trip to have some help in retraining Shadow on the table. One of the pluses at this club is that the baby puppies get to play and chase each other round the hall for first half hour before putting their leads on for ringcraft training. With the help of trainers Astrid Ogilvie and Kaye McDowall Shadow is doing well and thanks also to the members who happily let Shadow have some of there dogs treats as a reward for going to say hello.

More catch up later .......................

Blackpool Champ Show

Left quite early today to collect Jean and Panda, then to stop and pick up Anna and Ruben for the drive to Blackpool champ show. Having decided that Marnie was taking a loan of me by getting to sit in the front she went to bed in her traveling box and was lifted straight to the car, she travelled for four hours without once drooling and getting her bib all wet.
Arrived at the show with plenty of time to meet and chat with other people before the 9am start time. When the sun was out it was really hot, but thankfully for the dogs it was cloudy most of the time with a wee shower of rain about 2 o'clock.
Anna was again first in the ring with Ruben and he won reserve (4th) in his Puppy class. Our next champ show in July is East of England and it will be my turn to be first in the ring with Shadow for minor puppy dog class, anyway that's the future. Marnie was again 2nd to Joe Magri and Nicole in the Jr class, Joe and Nicole went on the win there third CC making Nicole a champion. Well done to them both and of course the breeders. Flame was in Sp Yearling and came up against another Phalene in her class, the other Phalene got 3rd in the class and Flame got the VHC (5th). I'm really pleased with how both girls are showing at present, they go out enjoy there day and make my job easy.
Jean and Panda were also came home with 3rd from Japanese Chin puppy.

As we were loading the car for the journey home I got a telephone call from Jim at home asking how many dogs he was supposed to have? Workmen had left the front door open and when the dogs were allowed back into the house they went straight back out the front. Our neighbours saw them and collected the three adults, but Shadow being the enterprising little so and so took the opportunity to check out the street with no supervision (or so he thought) neighbour John was following closely and when Shadow stopped to look into another neighbours garden John called to him and fortunately he waited to be picked up and given a cuddle from John. I was never so glad to get home and see that everyone was alright.

Border Union Champ Show

What a difference it makes being only a few minutes walk from the showground, both Anna and I had a comfortable nights sleep and the dogs to were a lot more relaxed after a good nights sleep. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the party the night before and there was only one person that I knew off suffering from a hangover and she soon got over that by the time judging started.
After a filling and warm breakfast (courtesy of Liz and Dougie) we loaded the dogs onto the trolley and set off across the site to the show ground proper.
Our judge today was Annette Oliver-Wyles and Anna was first in with Ruben who after a relaxed night really seemed to enjoy himself in the ring a won 1st in Puppy Dog.
Marnie was next in and again was full of "jumping" beans, she again stood 2nd to Joe Magri and his girl Nicole who won the reserve CC. Flame was in Post Graduate bitch and came 2nd in that class, which for a young Phalene is a good placing, especially when you have a very nice black and white Papillon in front of you.
I had been asked by Linda and Joe if I could handle there girl Poppy in Schiperke Post Graduate which I was pleased to do, we were placed 1st.
While I was at the Schiperke ring the Papillon exhibitors were entertained by the Wicked Witch and Papillonman, you can see photos and read the show results at the Scottish Pap News Blog.
After the show was finished Anna and I again courtesy of Liz and Dougie had a good dinner before driving home.
To Liz and Dougie, Anna and I both would like to say thank you for a great time.

Liz's Garden Party

Having recieved our invites to attend LIZ's Garden Party on Saturday evening prior to showing on the Sunday my weekend began Saturday at 9am. With Marnie and Flame we drove to Darvel to collect Anna and Ruben. Boy did Anna come prepared for every eventuallity!!! I even asked her was there a problem that she didn't want to bring the kitchen sink or did she just forget? I won't type what she said but I did laugh. Travelled to Glasgow to collect Tiger as his Mum couldn't go (she was going to a real POSH do). When we arrived in Glasgow we discovered that not only were we taking Tiger but a huge roll of plain white paper, a carrier and (can you guess) >>>>>>>>>>>>> YEP A BABY BATH!!!!!!!! LOL who needs the kitchen sink. I'm so glad that Jean and Panda had been able to get a lift with someone else for the Sunday because there was just no way we could have squashed in a mouse let alone a handsome Japanese Chin and his Mum.

The journey to Kelso was quite uneventful, we chatted and we chatted and we talked some more 3 hours worth and only missed one turning because Anna kept me distracted with her chatter (yeah right). Arrived at the caravan park found where Liz and Dougie had set up and unloaded the car. And were the dogs ever so grateful to get out and have a good stretch and see to business.

The reason for the Garden Party was Liz had made a new garden fence for round her caravan and we all decided that we were going to check it out on it's first outing. Dougie being the perfect host tended to our every need and Liz being the perfect wife left him to it!!! LOL So we didn't keep Dougie back from his preparations in any way we walked to the dog show and did some shopping, I bought some new shampoo, conditioner, collar and lead (just what I needed not) of course I put it on Jim's card.

We arrived back at the van to find that Dougie had everything in hand and with the arrival of Pam (Pamhurst Papillons) or (Pampered Pooches Grooming near Dundee) and Karen (Liz's daughter), deliveries of food and liquid refreshment from other (happy campers) people round the site the party atmosphere was well and truly established. And I suppose you can guess the rest, the talk most of the night was dogs, dogs, and more dogs. OK with the odd joke, CHARADE and Scarecrow thrown in just to keep things going. We even had a visit from the Wicked Witch (awaiting photo's) from PAPNET (it's a yahoo group about papillons (now there's a surprise) she and Kevin the moderator aka KERMIT the green frog keep the group amused with there banter at times. People started to drift off home remembering that they did have to be up and have dogs ready for showing at 9am next morning.

I think suffice to say for Saturday that everyone enjoyed Liz and Dougie's hospitality and would surely be standing in line for the next one (if there ever is again).

Dundee Canine Club

Oh well off we went again, and this time to Dundee, left Ayrshire in glorious sunshine and met the low cloud and mist just past Stirling. An hour from the venue and Jean reminded me that she was first in the ring with Panda at 9.30am, OOPS I had only checked the ring we were in and as Papillons weren't in the ring till after Poms I had timed the journey to arrive about 9.30am. So rather than the saunter up the road I was looking for I was now an hour away from the venue with 45 minutes till judging started. Someone that I passed on the road mentioned me having a club foot!!! don't know what they meant by that at all. LOL Anyway suffice to say we arrived at the show at 9.25. Jean and Panda had plenty time to get sorted out as judging had been delayed by 15 mins. The sunshine must have followed us, within ten mins of arriving we were basking in the heat and the dogs took advantage of the shade provided by the tenting.
Panda won his class also taking Best of Breed, Anna and Ruben won in a very good class of Papillon pups, also winning AV Special Puppy. Marnie won the Papillon Jr and Flame got third in Post Grad. Papillon judge was Margaret Boulcott (Ingerdorm) and Group judge was Irene Robb (Gleniren). As time was pushing on and Jean had to be home to attend an 80th birthday party it was hit the road asap so Jean could get all dolled up for going straight back out for the night.
We had an extra passenger on the road to Dundee but did not come back with us. We had a homing pigeon into our Abbeyton Lofts from Aberdeen and we had arranged with the owner to keep it for a few days and then I would liberate it in Dundee from where he trains his pigeons.
And yes it really is a small world. Why? I took the pigeon from his basket and as arranged was letting him go at 10am as I let the pigeon go and voice from behind asked if I was single tossing (this is when pigeons are trained individually and not liberated in batches) I turned to see a lady with a very nice Border Terrier, I explained about the pigeon and she said what a shame I had already let it go as she came from Aberdeen and could have delivered it to it's owner. Turns out her husband is also a pigeon fancier and she like me spends a lot of time taking the pigeons out training.

Panda's looking good

Went to Livingston open show on Saturday with Jean and Panda (Japanese Chin), Anna was entered but sometimes family comes first and plans are made for changing on occasions.

Marnie was 2nd in Papillon Jr and 1st Papillon Graduate, Flame was 4th in Papillon Open which was won by Adam Phillips dog Spell Binder at Amicae. Leo was handled by Lynda(Adams Mum), who I know is not a great fan of being in the ring, but the sacrifices Mums make for there children are worth it. Leo went on to win Best of Breed and Toy Group 4.

Jean and Panda were entered in the AVNSC open class which they won. They then won 1st in AV Toy puppy. After being placed Toy Group 3 Panda then went on to win Best Puppy in Toy Group. This meant we had to wait till the end of the show for Best Puppy In Show award, it went this time to a very nice young GSP handled by Hilary. Well Done Everyone.

First Night Training

Shadow

(Abbeyton Moonlight Shadow)

What a night we had, Shadow took to being with the dogs in his class like a duck to water. And he wasn't shy no matter who it was that came past to say hello, his only problem is he ALWAYS has to have the last word.

Not exactly showing his best side, his trim at the back came courtesy of my husband and vet Alan. When Shadow went with Jim for his 2nd puppy vaccination (I was at WELKS) he had got some dirt on his coat at the rear, so rather than wash they took scissors and just cut away enough coat to leave Shadow with a bare rear but clean (I suppose).

OH well look what happens when you leave the guys in charge!!!!

Puppies Galore

Meet Eve, first puppy for BONMESHAY










Misty and her pups settling in.

Deerhounds in progress!!!

Got a phone call today from my friend Mary who had just found a deer hound puppy still attached to it's placenta in the bushes. Mum Misty kept pace as Mary dashed to the house with the pup. After telling Mary what to do with the pup I drove the few minutes it takes to reach her home. Misty was fantastic, she had her puppies one after the other with only one or two little glitches where we had to step into help. With four pups born Misty decided to have a rest for a couple of hours. Silly us we were lulled into a false ending. Misty had more to give, though the next pup wasn't gonna come so easily or quickly. Due to Misty losing a lot of blood we contacted the vet and took misty and the 5 pups to have a quick check done. While the vet and I were working with the fifth pup born (he had a little fluid in his lungs) Mary came into say that Misty had just had another pup in the car. Out we went to check the new arrival and bring Misty into the consulting room for a check as well. Shona the vet thought she maybe had another 3 or 4 pups still to come she gave Misty a shot of Oxytocin to help things along there was another pup born in the car as we stopped at the house 10 mins later. With Misty well settled and last pup born about 4.30pm I left Mary and Bill to care for there new additions just after 6pm. Mary phoned later to let me know that another two pups had arrived just after 9pm taking the total to 9. Boy and I thought a litter of 4 Papillons was work!!
Went to visit the new mum and her pups this morning and Mary told me that after everyone had settled for the night (Mary on a futon by the whelping box) Misty proceeded to produce her 10th and final puppy at midnight. There are four bitches and six dogs all feeding well and being looked after by mum just fine.

Agility winner

ABBEYTON SUNSHINE BOY AT BONMESHAY

Leo who does agility with Anna's daughter Gillian along with his mates Bonnie and Fern won 1st in Grade 1 agility today (Sunday). This was after a very good 2nd at The Scottish Kennel Clubs agility competition last weekend. A high flier in the making is Leo.
Good luck to Gillian who works so hard to train her dogs and to Leo, Bonnie (the sweet one) and Fern who has her own mind and knows the course SHE wants to do.

Two shows in one weekend AGAIN!!!!! Sunday

Off at 6.30am, this time heading to Arbroath with Jean Walker and her Japanese Chin, Panda. Collecting Anna and Ruben (who need no introduction) en route.

First in the ring was Jean and Panda who won Best Puppy in Breed for the Japanese Chins.
Anna and Ruben were next in and got placed 4th in Papillon Puppy, Marnie went in the Jr Papillon class and got 2nd. Flame went in the Limit class and was placed 4th. The judge today was breed specialist Debbie Gornall. Best dog, Best bitch and Best of Breed went to Elizabeth Patrick (Volpecula ) Best Puppy in Breed went to Mary Whitehill and Juliana who is sired by a Volpecula dog, so the judge kept to a type. Speaking to her later she commented on the beautiful heads the dogs had. Though we may not have won any prizes with the dogs we did get lucky in the raffle when I won a bottle of Whyte & Makay's Glasgow Special Whisky, which I promptly gave to Anna for her husband Jack. We stayed to the end of the show waiting for Jean and Panda to take part in the Best Puppy in Show, but this was not Panda's day for top honours.
Sue Gray who has been kind enough to take pictures of my dogs for me brought copies of the photo's with her to the show and all the comments made were very nice ones on both the dogs and the quality of the photographs themselves. Thank you Sue for a wonderful job done.
Karen O'Kane (Flames breeder) was upset when Flame came to live with me so as a thank you I gave her a copy of Flame's photo that Sue had taken. Nothing will replace Flame in her home but I hope reading about her here will continue to make Karen feel part of Flame's life.
Marnie and Flame were there two usual selves, always looking for a knee to sit on. Marnie always chooses Anna as her target for attention and Flame has taken to another Papillon exhibitor Mary for her cuddles, which she duly receives now even without asking. LOL
At the end of the day we are lucky enough to be just round the corner from the best fish and chip shop in Arbroath (well we all think so) and we always enjoy our supper on our laps overlooking the harbour before we start our journey home.

Two shows in one weekend AGAIN!!!!! Saturday

Well we had an interesting day at Carluke open show on Saturday. Marnie was in the Papillon Graduate class and Flame was in Papillon Open. After waiting for the judge to finish the terrier group Marnie was first on the table for the judge, very pleasant woman, gentle but firm with the dogs, she commented on how sweet Marnie was and how she always got "dewy eyed " over Papillons, after going over Marnie she then proceeded to ask "How much are they to Buy?" couldn't believe what I'd heard, thought I was mistaken and asked her to repeat what she had said, she did "How much are they to Buy" I gave her the average price for both buying in England and Scotland . She gave Marnie 1st out of 2 dogs, but I must admit I was not very impressed with her trying to make conversation never mind asking prices for pups. Flame's turn came and true to form the first thing the judge did was to lift her ears up!!!! I did tell her that she was a Papillon but the drop eared variety and she said yes she knew that she was a Phalene as her friend bred them??????????? Flame got placed 2nd out of 2 dogs.
Best of Breed and Toy Group 1 went to Margaret & Brian Cochranes Glenscot Happy Tartan Lad at Cavillion. Well Done.
Not being to busy I was asked to help handle a Schiperke in the AVNSC Utility and got 3rd with Poppy who is two and a half years old and a great natured little lady who likes her sausages. LOL.
Anna and Ruben were entered but didn't go. After losing one of Tootsies puppies at 3 weeks old on Friday Anna was still understandably upset and just not ready to face those ringside friends whom she knew were feeling the loss with her. It is never easy to say goodbye to our friends no matter what age they are. Sleep tight little AJ xxx

Before and After

(Photo Courtesy of Joe Cassidy)

Aflie on Friday evening out for a paddle

(Photo Courtesy of Sue Gray)

Alfie on Saturday evening after winning best in show

So Hot

Abbeyton Some Like It Hot

(Photo Courtesy of Sue Gray)

Flame the Phalene

Northlyte Fire 'n Brimstone at Abbeyton

(Photo Courtesy of Sue Gray)

Alfie Knows What It's All About Now

ABBEYTON WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT

BEST IN SHOW

PAPILLON CLUB OF SCOTLAND

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW MAY 2007

"ALFIE"

Our day at Scottish Papillon Club Show

What a busy weekend we had all the dogs spent the day at home with Jim while I went to Scottish Kennel Club and stewarded for the judges of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs and Polish Lowland Dogs. The entry for each breed was quite low and the judges quite efficient so I got home about 5pm giving me plenty of time to bath the dogs for the Clubshow the following day.

Joe arrived with Aflie at 6.30am and we set off to collect Anna and Ruben. We arrived at the venue in Lanark in plenty of time for setting up the ring, grooming area etc. As this was our first time using this venue for the club we had a few teething problems which were quickly ironed out with the help of the Scottish Pomeranian Club committee with whom the Scottish Papillon Club were sharing the venue. Judging for the Poms started at 10am and the Papillons at 10.30am. First in the ring from amongst our travelling companions was Anna with Ruben (Northlyte Timeless) who won 1st Puppy Dog.

RUBEN (Photo Courtesy of Sue Gray)

Next up was Joe and Alfie (Abbeyton What's It All About) who also 1st in won Junior Dog.

My first dog in the ring was Marnie (Abbeyton Some Like It Hot) who went 2nd in Junior Bitch, being beaten by the bitch which won the CC and reserve best in show. Flame was entered for two classes her first being Open Bitch where she was place 2nd. This was enough for her to get her Stud Book Number, she then went 2nd in the Special Phalene dog/bitch class. There was no stopping either of the girls, they both went really well. Marnie was called in to be considered for the Reserve Bitch CC, but the judge gave it to the Limit class winner. Anna with Ruben and Joe with Alfie had to go in the ring to compete in the challenge for the dog cc. Boy it was hard on the heart standing at the side watching. Dog Challenge Certificate went to Joe with ABBEYTON WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT (Alfie), I don't know how Joe was feeling, but I know that I must have deafened the exhibitors standing around me when I started screaming. What a great achievement for them. At only his third championship show (one of them crufts) Joe and Alfie won the Dog CC. After the Bitch CC was awarded they had to go in the ring again for the judge to decide who was Best of Breed and Best In Show, at this point I was talking to Sue (Bankshill) on the phone telling her the news (her boy Lewis is the sire of Alfie) I think it will take a few months for her hearing to get back to normal as I screamed in her ear that JOE & SUSAN'S ABBEYTON WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT had just won BoB and BEST IN SHOW.

As we left the show we were caught in a downpour of rain and had to get everything in the car as quick as possible so as you can imagine when we left the venue at 6pm we were all tired absolutely elated, soaked to the skin!!!!!!! and no one gave a damn.

Must make a comment about the show itself, the venue was nice and bright with loads of natural daylight coming in from roof. Myself and Francis from the Pom club joined forces in our attempt to get the exhibitors to part with another pound or two for the very large raffle that so many people had donated to. And what a great time I had in my other "pastime" talking, everyone was really cheery (OK not everyone but most) and everyone seemed to think that the sharing of the venue was a great idea, shame the chef didn't make enough caramel apple cake to go round everyone for lunch LOL and thank you to Malcolm who was celebrating his sixtieth birthday for my glass of wine and piece cake, it was really tasty. Also a mention to Adam our new committee member and his new Papillon Spellbinder at Amicea (Leo) who made there debut in the ring today, you were both very smart and really worked well together. Good luck for the future.

Flame lights the way

Anna (Bonmeshay) left her girl Tootsie and her new pups in the care of her husband Jack and spent Saturday with me standing in a cold wet and windy public park in Thornton Kirkcaldy. This was the Kirkcaldy & District open show.

Anna was first in the ring with Ruben in Papillon Puppy which he won, Marnie was next in Papillon Graduate and got placed 2nd, Flame strolled into the ring for Papillon open and was placed first, this was her first since she came to live with us. Ruben then went on to take Best of Breed, Toy Group 3 and Group 1 Toy Puppy. Judge Mrs June Martin (Ffain)
(Awaiting Photo)

On Sunday it was a five minute drive in the sunshine to the Magnum in Irvine, where Cumnock and District held there open show.
Marnie and Ruben were both in the same class today Papillon Graduate in which Ruben was placed first and Marnie stood second. Flame for the second day running was full of confidence and showed her socks off. Again today we had a judge who recognised Flame as a Phalene. Flame won first Papillon Open, Best of Breed then Toy Group 4.
Judge Mr R Crooks (Crooksmoor)

Flame

What a Weekend

First port of call this weekend was to help Anna to whelp Tootsie (Abbeyton To Sweet To Kiss at Bonmeshay JW) who gave birth to two beautiful puppies.

Went with Marnie and Flame to a local limit show, as both Marnie and Flame were in the same class Papillon open, Marnie was handled by Jemma who has Labradors. Jemma and Marnie won first and Best of Breed. Unfortunately when I put Flame on the table the first thing the judge did was to try and lift her ears into an erect position, (OOPS) she was placed second behind Marnie.

The next day was the Companion show for WAG. It was a wet and windy day with the occasional bit of sunshine. Marnie got second in AV Junior and Flame was fifth in AV Toy, Anna came along with Ruben fourth AV Toy and Susan was there with Alfie his first outing at a show this year and he got second AV Toy. Well done Susan and Alfie. The judge this time knew what Flame was and said he was surprised to see a Phalene there.

W.E.L.K.S. RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

CONGRATULATIONS

TO

FRASERMAR LOST FOR WORDS AT MARTIKA

(Photo courtesy of Alan Walker from Our Dogs)

TOBY

(13 months of age)

RESERVE BEST IN SHOW

AT

WEST OF ENGLAND LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION

Owned by Mr Mark Whitehill, handled by Mrs Mary Whitehill (Marks Mum)

bred by Comrie, Comrie and Whitehill.

Breed judge - Caroline Lee-Farnsworth, Group judge - Albert Wight, Best In Show judge - Jean Lanning

Well done everyone from all at Abbeyton.