o'cockaigne

After long dubbing I finally decided not to sign up for, and to travel to the show in Groningen. Afterwards well gambled there Simon on that Saturday had a jury meeting. For Sonja I had a Vision in there that needed a few more youth points. She had of course hoped that she could ride home after the inspection but, unfortunately, Vision was the only ' adult ' Deerhound and was also given a U'tje, so that she could stay and two times a round through the honour ring was allowed to run without result. But Vision has her second childhood and that's what it was about.

Tuesday afternoon 7 March, Sonja was back with us to leave for Birmingham on Wednesday morning. Simon had found a good accommodation at a half hour drive from Birmingham where we had a great time; A large park nearby, a pub and a eatery, what else do you need? We had Vision, Chidish and Cytaugh reported for Crufts and of course hoped for a nice competition. But unfortunately that was not the same; Of the three reported Deerhounds in Yearling Dog There were only two, even with the bitches there were absents in the classes of Cytaugh and Vision. Of the total of 81 reported Deerhounds, only 70 were present. Also the atmosphere was not nearly as cosy as 5 years ago. There were quite few people around the ring and we missed many familiar faces.

It's always a problem to take pictures when you show up and have several hounds with you but luckily Marjan was there and she was nine to take pictures so we still have something. Marjan Thanks again!

Chidish stood with one other male in Yearling Dog. This could just be right, at the end of March he should be in Open Dog during the wide Show, a bit screwy with his two years but then he has more competition! He won his class, not so difficult but did nothing in the inspection for best male, a pity. He had shown himself in any case, and that is also worth a lot.

Vision came out in Junior bitch against four more females, two were absent. Despite being really skinny, the judge, Joan Wragg, was able to appreciate her and placed her second. Not bad. Next, Cytaugh came into Yearling Bitch, five joined-four. Cytaugh was placed third.

After the inspections we still have some walked around and with the Barsoi's Wim, Jeanne and André congratulations on Riband Wave who had become the best veteran and later picked up the reserve CC. After this we had no more puff to walk around, it was incredibly crowded everywhere and the hounds only let us do it. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Friday morning everything packed again and after an extremely long journey, a.o. By three hours of delay at the tunnel, we arrived at whacked around seven o'clock in the evening.

The weekend next was the show in Hazerswoude-Dorp. I had only Chidish reported because Cytaugh does not like the Showen so much and she needs to develop a little further. Five Deerhounds were reported including two puppies. Chidish became BOB but did nothing in the final inspection.