Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc. · Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria Spring Edition President Ms Joy McInnes Ph: 03 9546 2902 [email protected]

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Cavalier King Charles

Spaniel Club of

Victoria Inc. (Affiliated with the Victorian Canine Association Inc. Reg. A0023540M)

Autumn 2015

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Patron Mrs. Susan Burgess (UK)

Life Members Mrs. A. Bagnall, Mrs. P. Ball, Ms. L. Batiste, Mrs. K. Beckett, Ms. L. Bolden, Mrs. P. Fernleigh , Ms. P. Finnie, Mr. A. Goodwin, Mrs. B. Henry,

Mr. E. Howden,

Mrs. D. Hunt, Mrs. J. McInnes Mrs. J. Ovendon ~*~ In this edition

Committee Nomination Form

Notice re Judges Nominations 2017

Results and photos - Open Show

Schedules - Champ Shows, Toy Dog Club, West Gippsland .....and more Newsletter Editor: Trish Fernleigh Editorial Note ~*~ The opinions expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editors or the Committee and Office Bearers of the CKCS Club of Victoria Inc. The Editor/s reserves the right to refer any material of a dubious nature to the Committee for final say in the matter of publication.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria

Spring Edition January 2015

President Ms Joy McInnes Ph: 03 9546 2902 [email protected]

Vice President Mr. Denis Montford Honorary Secretary Mrs Trish Fernleigh P.O. Box 9088 Scoresby 3179 Ph. 03 98872971 [email protected]

Assistant Secretary David Fernleigh Treasurer Ms Jan Kelly 1 Roberts St Brunswick Vic 3057 Ph: 03 9380 5706 [email protected] Committee Mr. Greg Browne Ms. Sue Smith

Rescue Mr. Greg Browne

Ph: 03 9394 1136 Mob: 0404 482 737

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President's Report

Hope everyone is well and like myself welcoming the approach of the cooler weather.

Cooler months mean one thing to the committee ---- the rapidly approaching Queens

Birthday Long weekend and our Annual Championship show.

The schedule is in this newsletter --please feel free to share. We are the part of a huge

weekend of showing in Melbourne with 2 shows on Friday at Kcc Park and the Toy show

Saturday at Bulla finishing with our two shows Sunday and Monday.

So far this year we have held an Open Show and a Restricted to Height Agility Trial which

were both very successful and the committee wish to thank the members who helped on both

days.

As I am sure you are aware we have a very small committee and need people to join the

committee. Please think seriously before the Annual General Meeting in August about

nominating to keep our club strong and alive.

Keep well and enjoy your cavaliers

Joy McInnes

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Secretary's Report

It has been a very busy month in our calendar with the Open Show and Restricted to Height

Agility Trial both being held.

The Open Show went off well with member and Breed Specialist, Will Henderson (Matmor)

officiating. We were pleased to be able to give Will his first appointment. Those who

attended had a lovely time. The sportsmanship and support for newer exhibitors was lovely

to see. Unfortunately, the conditions on the day made it necessary for us to hold the show

indoors. Many thanks to club member Linda Hocking who arrived early to assist with setting

up in the morning. We are a very small committee and any help is greatly appreciated.

Results for this event can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.

The Agility trial was again a huge success. Thanks to Sue Smith and Roxanne Eddy for all of

their work. Again, it was lovely to see member assisting where needed and supporting the

event. It was another great success. We now look forward to the Restricted to Height

Obedience Trial to be held in November.

Planning is well under way for the June Shows. Again, we are asking for member assistance

over the weekend. Help with setting up the ring/s, looking after the catering table and

packing up on Monday would be most appreciated. Please let me know if you are able to

help. It should be a great weekend of showing with five shows. West Gippsland Kennel

Club are holding two Champoinship shows on Friday 5th June at KCC Park, the Toy Dog

Club will be having their Championship show on Saturday 6th June at Bulla and our two

Shows, one on Sunday and one on Monday. Schedules for all of these shows can be found

elsewhere in this newsletter.

I have included a notice of AGM and committee nomination form in this newsletter. Please

consider joining the committee. The club cannot continue to survive without the support of

its members. Currently we have an effective committee of four people. This is

unsustainable.

It is time to think about judges for our 2017 Shows. In recent years, we have received few if

not no nominations, leaving committee to approach judges without member input. Please

carefully consider possible judges, ensure that they have awarded CC's in their own country

and get nominations to me.

Looking forward to catching up with our interstate friends in June,

Trish Fernleigh,

Secretary.

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OPEN SHOW 1st March, 2015

Judge: Mr. Will Henderson (Matmor)

Best Exhibit in Show and Best Bitch: Lakeisha Midnight Music (Creek) Runner-up in Show and Reserve Bitch: Edenridge Sweet But Sassy (Wynn) Best Dog and Best Opposite Sex: Caribelle it Had To Be Me (Hocking) Reserve Bitch: Blacktree Maverick (Kleinitz) Handled Wynn Best Baby: Chevalove Classic Treasure (Rogers) Opposite Baby: Retrac Eve Of Destruction (Carter) Best Minor: Elreave Moon Dancer (Reavley) Best Puppy: Daventri Penny Fr Ur Thoughts (Fernleigh) Opposite Puppy: Innesveil Designed With Love (McInnes) Best Junior: Edenridge Sweet But Saswsy (Wynn) Opposite Junior: Rivarose Cockney Classic (McInnes) Best Intermediate: Lakeisha Midnight Music (Creek) Opposite Intermediate: Caribelle It Had To Be Me (Hocking) Best Open: Blacktree Maverick (Kleinitz) Opposite Open: Brades Dances On Air (Carter) Best Champion: Ch. Retrac Star Of The Silver Screen (Carter) Opposite Champion: Ch. Innesveil Classic Lover (McInnes) Best Neuter: Coatesville Invisible Ink (Hawkins)

Best in Show Lakeisha Midnight Music Runner-up in Show Edenridge Sweet But Sassy

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Baby Puppy Dog

1. Chevalove Classic Treasure

Minor Puppy Dog Puppy Dog

1. Daventri Penny Fr Ur Thoughts 2. Dapsen I Want It All

Junior Dog

1. Rivarose Cockney Classic

Intermediate Dog

1. Caribelle It Had To Be Me 2. Daventri Breezin In

Open Dog

1. Blacktree Maverick 2. Daventri Night Rider

Open Dog 1. Blacktree Maverick 2. Daventri Night Rider

Champion Dog

1. Ch. Innesveil Classic Lover

Neuter Dog 1. Coatesville Invisible Ink 2. Daventri Midnight Dash CD RAE

ET

Baby Puppy Bitch 1. Retrac Eve Of Destruction 2. Chevalove Imperial Design

Minor Puppy Bitch

1. Elreav Moon Dancer

Puppy Bitch 1. Innesveil Designed With Love 2. Daventri Pennies From Heaven

Junior Bitch

1. Edenridge Sweet But Sassy 2. Elreav Kissmet

Intermediate Bitch

1. Lakeisha Midnight Music 2. Dapsen Swing Sister 3. Elreav Honey Pot

Open Bitch

1. Brades Dance On Air 2. Ceellen Blueberry 3. Daventri Pure Whisper

Champion Bitch 1. Ch. Retrac Star Of The Silver Screen 2. Ch. Jenawyn Champagne In April

Best Head: Caribelle It Had To Be Me (Hocking) Best Movement: Edenridge Sweet But Sassy (Wynn) Best Coat and Colour: Caribelle It Had To Be Me (Hocking)

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Open Show

Baby Puppy: Chevalove Classic

Treasure (Rogers)

Minor Puppy: Elreav Moon Dancer

(Reavley)

Puppy: Daventri Penny Fr Ur Thoughts

(Fernleigh)

Junior: Edenridge Sweet But Sassy (Wynne)

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Intermediate: Lakeisha Midnight Music

Open: Blacktree Maverick (Kleinitz handled Wynn)

Champion: Ch. Retrac Star of The Silver

Screen (Carter)

Neuter: Coatesville Invisible Ink

(Hawkins)

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Around the ring

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BREEDER'S PAGE ON WEBSITE

As voted on at the April Special General meeting and due to the poor uptake of the Puppy

Referral Service by members, puppy referrals have been discontinued. In its place we are

establishing a Breeder's page on our website where members can advertise their kennel in a

similar way that we use Dogzonoline. Members will be charged an annual fee of $20 to be

included. Kennel names will be regularly rotated to ensure that the same breeder does not

appear on top of the list all of the time. Below is an example of an entry.

YOUR KENNEL NAME

Location: Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne

Phone: 1234 5678

Email: [email protected]

Website: yourkennelname.com

Those who have puppies will be highlighted in red and will be moved to the top of the list as

soon as Stephen receives an email from me Informing him of same. The blurb on the page

will say that highlighted breeders MAY have puppies. Once all,puppies have been sold, you

should notify me so you can be moved down the list.

Payment can be made directly into the club's bank account, details of which can be found on

the website. Once payment has been made, send the reference number to me at

[email protected] along with your advertisement and I will forward to

Stephen for inclusion.

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CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF VICTORIA INC

(Affiliated with the Victorian Canine Association)

TO BE HELD AT: KCC Park, Westernport Highway, Skye

ON BOTH DAYS (Baby Puppies Dogs and Bitches) followed by

breed classes beginning with Minor Puppy and General Specials Special Classes at the conclusion of breed judging on Sunday only

Neuter classes to be judged at conclusion of Bitch Challenge and prior to General Specials

Judging will start at 8.00 am on Sunday and 8.30am on Monday JUDGING WILL BE HELD INDOORS

JUDGES

SUNDAY 7th June Mrs. Liz King Smith (UK) Ispahan

MONDAY 8th June Mrs. Virginia Barwell (UK) Charlottetown

ENTRY FEES: Members $15.00 Non-members $18.00 Members and Non-members – Baby Puppy Classes $10.00 Special Classes $6.00

PLEASE INDICATE COLOUR OF EACH EXHIBIT ON ENTRY CATALOGUES: $10.00 for both days

ENTRIES CLOSE ON THE 18TH OF MAY 2015 Ruth Cook

P O Box 1435

MUDGEERABA QLD 4213

ENTRY ONLY enquiries 0407 065 365 [email protected]

All other enquiries to Trish Fernleigh Ph: 9887 2971 0407 054 233 (Show Days)

45th and 46th Championship Shows

Online entries available at www.showmanager.com.a

u

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45th and 46th Championship Shows

SCHEDULE FOR BREED CLASSES: Dogs 1,2,3,4,5,8,10,11, 12, 18, Bitches: 1a,2a,3a,4a,5a,8a,10a,11a, 12, 18a

SPECIAL CLASSES: SUNDAY ONLY

13. Victorian Owner Bred 14. Best Interstate Exhibit 15. Best Blenheim Coat 16. Best Tricolour Coat

17. Best Ruby Coat 19. Best Black & Tan Coat

JACK BURGESS MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR BEST PUPPY (Donated by Mr. D. McCullough) to be judged on Sunday

BEST PUPPY IN SHOW (Donated by Mrs. T. Fernleigh & Mrs. J. McInnes) to be judged on Monday

Winner of classes 2, 2a, 3 and 3a will compete for this trophies NOTES:

Classes 15, 16, 17 and 19: Are not conformation classes and are judged purely on coat and colour. Only entire animals are eligible to compete in these classes Class 18: Dogs and Bitches must be registered on the Neuter Register to be eligible to compete in this class Please Note: Dogs must be entered in classes for which trophies are offered. Entries in Special Classes must be entered and SHOWN in at least one ordinary breed class. Baby puppies are ONLY eligible to compete in Baby Puppy Classes. They are not eligible for Special Classes.

PARADE OF VETERANS The annual Parade of Veterans will take place at the conclusion of the luncheon break on Monday 8th June Entry is free but is limited to those dogs 7 years and over on 8th June 2015. Entries along with a 50 word resume must reach the Show Secretary on or before 1 May, 2015. Resumes are included in the catalogue. Each dog will receive a sash Exhibits should not be entered in breed classes.

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc. (Affiliated with the Victorian Canine Association Inc.)Reg. No. A002354OM

NOTICE OF MEETING Annual General Meeting of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc. will be held at KCC Park on Tuesday 18

th August, 2015

NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE BEARERS 2015-2016 Persons offering themselves for nomination for election to any position on the Committee must be financial members of the Club on 30

th June. 2015. They must also undertake to

ensure their membership of the Victorian Canine Association Inc. remains current during their term of office. Both the Proposer and Seconder of any nomination must also be financial Club members on the 30

th June, 2015 and each must sign where indicated on the form below.

Nominees must clearly print name and have signed where indicated on the form below. This form, when signed by all persons as required, must then be lodged with the Secretary of the Club by midnight, Tuesday 16

th June, 2015.

Signed Trish Fernleigh Secretary, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria Inc., P.O. Box 9088 Scoresby

Vic 3179

NOMINATION FORM POSITION NOMINEE SIG. OF

PROPOSER SIG. OF

SECONDER SIG. OF NOMINEE

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

TREASURER

COMMITTEE (3 required)

POSTAL VOTE: Members are reminded that Applications for Postal Votes for the Election of Office Bearers and committee are available on application, in writing, to the Secretary at any time up to 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting ie 4th August 2015. Postal Votes must be received by the Secretary by 4th August, 2015

NOMINATIONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW JUDGE 2017

Members are invited to submit names of candidates to judge at the 2014 Championship show. Candidate’s name and address and a brief synopsis of who they are (prefix, involvement with the breed etc.) should be sent to the Secretary,

Trish Fernleigh, P.O. Box 9088, Scoresby Vic 3179 by the 15th June 2015

The secretary will request resumes for the candidates to be published in the July Newsletter. Voting will take place at the 2014 General Meeting immediately after the

AGM 19th August, 2014 at KCC Park.

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RESTRICTED TO HEIGHT AGILITY TRIAL

Another successful Agility trial was held on Saturday 21st March. Many thanks to our Trial

Secretary, Sue Smith, Roxanne Eddy and the team, for all of their hard work on the day.

Thanks also to those committee and members who turned up to day to help or just to watch.

We now look forward to holding a Restricted to Height Obedience Trial in November.

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REGULAR COAT MAINTENANCE

Mathew Morse

Note from the author: There was a request for this article to be supplied to the CKCS Club

of Victoria. It was originally written for The Universal Cavalier Magazine several years ago -

Mathew Morse.

It is with a little trepidation that I sit here and advise you on how to groom the Cavalier. At

shows I often feel that my dog didn’t look that great, or I could have done this better, etc. I

believe that once we arrive at a show, we often go into a ‘grooming frenzy’, especially when

we see, “that dog” has turned up. I suppose we can’t really change our dog’s head or his

construction and the only thing we have left to do is groom … and groom some people do.

I will quote that cliché, that coat is bred for, fed for, and then groomed. I believe that is really

the order of things and that unless you have a line that carries a reasonable amount of coat

then there is little you can do (apart from some questionable practices) to grow more. Of

course you can make the most of what you have and one should strive to look after the coat

you have; this may sound an odd thing to say but remember, just because you have your dog

looking super at one show does not always mean that you have really done the best by the

coat.

My partner and I really only have wholecolours (the odd parti may come to visit from time to

time) so I’m not the person to ask when it comes to how to keep a dog white and prevent tear

staining but perhaps my tips on general coat care will be of some help. We also have a line

that does carry, in general, large coats. When I first started in wholecolours I was told that it

had to be better than the rest and your presentation has to be first class – something I have

never forgotten. No amount of words will actually make you a great groomer. Hopefully

you will read on but if I could give any tip, it would be to spend some time with someone

who has dogs presented in immaculate condition. The local Cavalier person may not always

be keen to share with you their tips acquired over many years but others will. I have to say

that I have been fortunate to have spent time with some great groomers who owned Afghan

Hounds and Setters. Their skills and advice generously given have been far more invaluable.

Two things I would quote to you from the standard (apologies to AKC readers), the coat is

“long, silky, free from curl … plenty of feathering.” This is a toy breed, yes a spaniel, but

first and foremost an outstanding companion with good looks. I find it odd that I see

everyone working so hard to make coats looks good but in the next breath will say, “The

cavalier doesn’t need to carry coat”. We have found it is only really those that can’t get coat

that endorse this sentiment. The second is, “totally free from trimming.” Hands up to those

who have never (honestly) never taken a pair of scissors of thinners to their dog at some

point? Even if you have, don’t feel guilty you would certainly be in the majority, but we

don’t want a sculptured breed more akin to an outfit in the gundog ring. Alas, two things to

keep in mind.

Here at our place we have two golden rules for dogs we are campaigning.

1. Never brush a dirty coat (no matter how tempting)

2. Bath at least once a week (some ‘under’s of boys need even more regular

attention)

If you follow these two mandates you really will notice the difference. Urine, dirt and sun

are the enemies when it comes to coat!

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Do not continually change your dog’s diet (just because you won a bag last week, don’t

change. Find someone who does feed it, give it to them and hopefully the favour will be

returned one day when they win a bag of your preferred choice). Dogs that are kept under

weight will not carry the bloom you desire and dogs that lead a stressed life will not look

their best.

Often at shows I see people working furiously on coats. They are spraying this product on,

using a squirt of another, and then a little bit more of both for good measure. Is the end result

better? Highly unlikely. The hard work is done under the dryer before you arrive at the

show. If you should spend the money on one thing, I would suggest buy the best dryer you

can, preferably one with variable heat and air output, and one that you can attach a hose to.

Always dry your dog thoroughly! He may look good on the table once you’ve finished but if

he is not completely dry you will certainly not have the same result when you arrive at the

show. Our dogs are trained to stand on the table properly; you can lay them on their side to

check they are dry under the arms and legs. Start early. A silly dog that won’t stand up on

the table is half the reason people give up on them half way through drying. Pay particular

attention to the edge of the ear and the feathering around the backend – if any place is going

to look ratty it is here. By all means on the day of the show, get out your dryer and ‘touch

up’, but if the dog is not properly groomed and dried in advance your efforts will be in vain.

No matter what people tell you, drying coats, drying cabinets are the ‘lazy man’s’ alternative.

There is no substitute for hard work. Dry until you are finished.

I think the majority of reputable shampoos and conditioners are good and I’m not about to

start recommending products but the basics are this: shampoo until the coat is clean. I always

shampoo twice and rinse very well. Just when you think you have all the shampoo out rinse

once more. Conditioning is something of a different opinion. We, however, always use

conditioner before a show. Leave it in for a reasonable amount of time and once again wash

it out thoroughly. This sounds so basic, but as a judge, it is very obvious when you feel coats

that have not been washed completely or conditioned. Every so often you must clarify a coat

– most products used continually will leave some kind of residue. A new brand of

conditioner will often look good for the first week or so but over time the wow factor

diminishes. There are many leave in ‘final rinse’ products. Some are good, some aren’t –

remember that this is something you have left in the coat and should be washed out. Despite

claims that their product leaves absolutely no residue, don’t take it as gospel.

We always start with a pure bristle brush on a wet coat. A Mason & Pearson (one of the few

products you must have) is invaluable. Brush in long, gentle & purposeful strokes. Avoid

scrubbing at the coat with the brush. Then, move onto a pin brush (heaps of great products

on the market) but once the cushion has let go and the pins sink in, it’s time to throw it out.

Once completely dry work through the coat with a metal comb. A setter friend of mine

whose presentation is breathtaking only allows groomers with their ‘comb license’ to use one

as this is where you can do much damage. If the comb does not run easily through, go back

with the pin brush and see what’s causing the problem. I cringe when I see people drying

dogs with a slicker. I suppose some people believe why use a hundred pins to comb when

you can use a thousand on a slicker? – false economy I’m afraid. Yes, a slicker is great for

running through the coat just before you go into the ring to separate the hair as a final touch,

but as the main brush forget it! At the end I turn off the heat on the dryer and cool off the

coat; don’t put them away into a crate with a warm coat. On some I put a silk lined jacket on

too to avoid bits sticking up overnight.

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Like I said previously, the hard work is always done under the dryer once you’ve got the dog

out of the bath. I teach in a Catholic School, which prides itself on discipline, including

uniform – blazers, ties are very important. As Head of Year I’m often left dealing with

young ladies who do not really know about makeup. When less is more they believe that too

much is never enough. The same can be said with grooming sprays and products. I

sometimes have a sneaky peek into some people’s grooming boxes and am amazed by just

how many things they have! In comparison I have very few. Never has so much money been

made by companies who claim to do so much. Many sprays look good on the first

application, but by the end of the day after several doses inferably the coat looks dull and

tacky. Once you have a coat looking great, water is the enemy. Ensure you walk your dog

before the show in a dry area. This is not always possible but other than a dryer you won’t be

able to get back ‘that look’.

I had a judging appointment not so long ago and the heavens opened and it rained cats and

dogs! One exhibitor had so many products in the coat that after handling the dog it felt like I

had glue on my hands, also the ground was sandy and it seemed to have stuck as well. The

point is, if you use lots of touch up products, ensure you bath your dog out when you get

home from the show and also, just because a little bit looked good, don’t think heaps more

will. I do use a grooming spray but more often than not, water it down by half.

Several years ago ‘oil’ seemed to the all the rage, on the coat, in the food! I’m not sure that it

really made any difference. All I can suggest is that you feed a really good quality diet, if

they run through grass and twigs that you remove them daily (not just when knots appear)

and particularly with wholecolours that you keep them out of the sun. Ours run from before 6

in the morning, are put away during the heat of the day and then are out late afternoon and

into the evening. Even with big-coated black and tans we do not have sun damage to coats

this way. You should check coats daily to see that there are not knots forming and like I said

before, no matter how tempting, do not brush through a dirty coat – better to put them

through the bath if concerned.

Buying heaps of grooming equipment is certainly not necessary, even for the best job. A

really good bristle brush is a must, a good quality pin brush second, a quality metal comb

third. A slicker is good for final touch ups. As for scissors, well, yes they are handy to have.

Some lines of Cavaliers grow dinner plates around their feet and whilst the purists would not

agree, I think they should be tidied up. A pair of curved scissors with the assistance of a

single sided pair of thinners will help. Dogs that are casting coat may need a bit of help with

stripping this out. The rule is, however, do no try and remove all dead coat in one go. Better

to do it bit by bit over a couple of weeks rather than in one sitting. The Mars Stripper (20

blade) is helpful, but beware – if overused the coat grows back rather ratty

On the day of the show, arrive early enough to ensure you can set up, spray the ears down

(water is as good as anything) and blow dry them for that luxurious finish. The chest hair and

pants and hocks should also be given some attention. Work through the coat with the brushes

as stated in order. Yes straightening irons are good but beware that the moment you see

steam coming off them, you are damaging the coat.

Remember that every Cavalier is a little bit different. Some have fantastic coats that even if

thrown in a crate and under a dryer they look great but the vast majority do not. Depending

on the dog is where I start to dry – some with the ears, others over the bum. What works for

one does not necessarily work for another.

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Finally, the real work is done under the dryer; no amount of product on the day of the show

will give great results. Don’t brush dirty coats. Regular bathing to remove products, urine

and dirt is the answer.

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All About Fletcher Welcome to 2015, everyone! I know that all the showies will have been kept busy over the summer, and I hope that you all have some wonderful successes! This year, I have decided to join you in the show ring. In January, I received permission to campaign my neuter boy, Fletcher, for his Neutered Champion title, and so the homework began – purchasing the necessities, learning how to tame his coat, groom him to look his best, and how to handle him in the show ring. It’s been a massive information overload, but a very pleasant one, and I must say that the support I have received has been absolutely second to none. I am immensely grateful that so many people have willingly offered up advice and been happy to answer my plethora of questions. It was an ideal time to be learning something new, as the obedience clubs close down over the summer months. So by the time we started back at obedience in February, I was well on the way to having Fletcher organised for the show ring. I did learn one lesson early on, and that was not to bath him the day before training/trialling, as soft, silky ears can be a bit of a liability when your dog is retrieving a dumbbell – a faceful/mouthful of ear isn’t much fun! Fletcher entered the show ring for the first time on 1 March at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria’s Open Show, which was a wonderful experience for us both. We enjoyed our time in the ring and received some lovely feedback from judge W. Henderson. This then gave me confidence to stride out in the Championship Show ring for the first time at the Camperdown/Mt Elephant/Noorat shows, where Fletcher did me proud. He earned 6 x Neuter Dog Certificates, 3 x Neuter of Breed, and 2 x Neuter in Group, along with a whopping 40 points to put towards his title, which thrilled me no end! It was also a lovely weekend away, and an experience I am keen to repeat. It also taught me a lot about white leg feathers – chiefly not to panic in the event that they do happen to get dirty!!! (the weather that weekend left a bit to be desired!) Our weekend calendar for the first half of the year is already starting to look very full, with upcoming trials and shows. Fletcher and I started back in the Rally ring for 2015 on 14 March, earning another two pairs of passes to put towards our RAE2 title, and had a ball in the process. And on 21 March, we also participated in our first ever Jumping trial (a restricted to height trial, hosted by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Victoria), where I was beyond thrilled with the way Fletcher performed; even though we didn’t earn any passes, Fletcher came within a hair’s breadth of doing so, and even placed first, second, and third in three out of four rings. I am still somewhere up on Cloud 9. Just to keep things interesting, we recently had our first lessons in Agility/Jumping and Dances With Dogs, as well as a few turns at Lure Coursing (Fletcher loves chasing the plastic bag!), and I am also starting to read up on how to train a dog for Tracking. And somewhere in there, I manage to find time to put into Soldier’s foundation work, keep Fletcher and myself fit by bike riding a few times a week (sometimes with Baxter in tow in our new dog bike trailer), spend time with family and friends, and (if I’m lucky!), find some time to sit on the couch and chill out!

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One thing can be said for sure – life with dogs is as full of variety as you want it to be!

Above: “Mummy … I can see a bee!” Above: Being a show dog is tiring

business!

Above: Fletcher was awarded Neuter in Group under judge Mr P. Tjerkstra (QLD).

Above: The results of Fletcher’s first weekend of championship shows.

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COME JOIN US IN MELBOURNE FOR A GREAT WEEKEND OF SHOWING - 5 SHOWS OVER 3 DAYS.

ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 8th MAY 2015 TOY DOG CLUB OF VICTORIA INC

CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW BULLA EXHIBITION CENTRE

Saturday 6th June 2015 Schedule of Classes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 18 dogs 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 10a, 11a, 18a bitches

Entries to the Show Secretary: Mrs Marilyn Warren, 5 Watson Close Hoppers Crossing Vic 3029. Telephone 9748 6753 email: [email protected] No calls after 9pm. Cheques made payable to the Toy Dog Club of Vic Inc JUDGES: Mrs Wendy Baker (S.A.) Group 1A Affenpinscher, Australian Silky Terrier Griffon Bruxellois, Havanese, Lowchen, Papillon, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkshire Terrier Mr Keith Brown (NZ) Group 1B Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel English Toy Terrier, Italian Greyhound, King Charles Spaniel, Maltese, Pekingese Ms Errolynne Cross (NSW) Group 1C Chihuahua (Long Coat) Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) Chinese Crested Dog, Japanese Chin, Miniature Pinscher, Pomeranian, Pug, Russian Toy. General Specials: Mrs Wendy Baker Catalogue: $5.00 (to be ordered with entries) Entry Fee (Members) $11.00 – Non Members $13.00 – Baby Puppies $10 Membership $5.00 Judging Time: 9am in all rings. Exhibit Numbers: A stamped self-addressed envelope must be included with entries and in the case of multiple exhibitors, one envelope for each exhibitor.

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Entries Close Friday May 8 WEST GIPPSLAND KENNEL ASSOCIATION INC

TWO CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS KCC PARK, WESTERNPORT HWY, SKYE

FRIDAY JUNE 5, 2015 Schedule of classes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 & 11 dogs 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 10a & 11a bitches

Entries to the show secretary, PO Box 1475 Warragul 3820 Ph: 5627 8110 (no calls after 9pm) or Easy Dog Entries (preferred) Cheques made payable to West Gippsland Kennel Association Inc. Separate entry forms, one cheque and envelope marked morning or afternoon show Judges AM Show Ms Gay Dunlap (USA) Group 1 Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden) Group 2B Balance of Breeds & Group Specials Mr Theo Horchner Group 3 Mrs Jill Hocking Group 4 Miss Margaret Joyce Group 5 Mrs Jan McRae (WA) Group 6 & Open Gundog Sweepstakes Miss Jill McDonald Group 2A West Highland White Terrier, Fox Terrier (Smooth) & Fox Terrier (Wire) & Group 7 Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden) General Specials PM Show Mr Theo Horchner Group 1 Ms Gay Dunlap (USA) Group 2 (less American Staffordshire Terrier) Mr Dan Ericsson (Sweden) Group 3 Mrs Jan McRae (WA) Group 4 Mrs Jill Hocking Group 5 Miss Jill McDonald Group 6 Miss Margaret Joyce American Staffordshire Terrier & Group 7 Mr Theo Horchner General Specials Catalogue: $5 Entry Fee:$14, baby puppies $10, sweepstakes $5 Judging Time: Morning show 8.30 am. Group 2A then 7. Sweepstakes held after general specials at the morning show. PM show not before 12 noon. American Staffordshire Terriers prior to group 7 Exhibit Numbers: A stamped self-addressed envelope must be included with entries and in the case of multiple exhibitors, one envelope for each exhibitor Catering: Available Special Classes: 22.311 open gundog sweepstakes Special Prizes: Cash and sash for all in show and in group awards

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I am currently updating our portfolio of dogs for film and tv work and would like to extend an invitation to your club members to put forward resumes of their dogs. These can be emailed to [email protected] and they can contact me via this also with any questions or concerns. Thank you so much for your time, Kylie Bright Dogsquad Canine Services