I have had a very tiring but so enjoyable weekend.
First Mid-Herts Gundog where Chase was Reserve BOB behind Mabeleen. Great company (thanks Jan for the teas and Paul for the coffee). Then Chase was shortlisted from 21 in the Reserve BOB Stakes class and was awarded VHC - better still he was well behaved in the ring relaxing when he didn't need to show although he did bark - just once at the judge as she walked past him, cheeky git!!!!!
Then to Pat and Alan's for a social evening of chat, food and alcohol .
Sunday morning and Spring Pointing. A good card with 5 brittanys, 1 weim, 2 GSP, 2 HWV and a SRHP. All in all plenty of birds but poor scenting conditions which made it hard work, esp for the young dogs. 2 dogs were graded off their first run, 1 wasn't required for a further run and 1 was withdrawn. Sadly Andy Coveney has sustained an injury (not at the SPT I hasten to add) and was in too much pain for Sue to continue the day. Best wishes to Andy that he feels better soon.
After a very social lunch we headed out again and we were tested again. One by one the dogs were whittled down, some handler inexperience, some dog mistakes and some bad luck but on the second run no dogs were graded. Two dogs were given a third run and although both ran really well on a cheek wind neither managed to find a bird so no grading .
So awards of Very Good to the SRHP and a Good to one of the HWV. Mention was given to the 2 juniors who ran well and I was thrilled that Chase was one, the other being a really nice GSP. Both judges really liked my boy and I got some good advice on my handling (apparently no glaring errors but I just need to learn to trust him a little more ).
Patricia had invited me to stay Sunday night so after confirming the two spaniels could stay in kennels till this evening as opposed to being collected this morning I gratefully agreed as I was tired and didn't fancy the drive home!! Another evening of food, wine and chat ended up not quite as relaxing as planned but such is life with Brittanys!!
This morning I took Chase and Brice out for a run together. The law according to Sod ruled and he found 2 pairs of partridge (not pointed as he came on them from the wrong wind) and then he had two nice (although not staunch) points on pheasant. He was steady to all flushes and why did we not find the birdies on our beats yesterday .
Driving home somewhat over-tired I remembered I was due to be doing a home check this afternoon, I had to stop partway home to ring and reschedule for this evening as they are hoping to take on the dog on Wed. Great family and home though so with luck a 3 yr old ESS will have a new home by Wed night.
Patricia
Out of days like the spring test come friendships and fun, lots of dog talks and plenty of exercise and fresh air...
My intention to give Sue a relaxing day avoiding a 5 hour drive after a very long day... did not work to plan
Instead she ended up playing midwife to Baileys who decided to have babies that night complete with a trip to the vet's.( things don't always pan out as you want ) So cups of tea sitting in the surgery's floor ;and holding Bailey's paw to continue her duty which ended up by a very late bed time. So much for the planned Calvados !
Mum and pups are OK now, luckily.
Through these events, we consider oursleves lucky to have met great people, and years down the line have become friends.All that through the Brittany.
When John called to tell me the judges were coming in for lunch, I had been far too busy laughing and forgot to cook the potatoes, peel the eggs, Thank God for Sue Coveney who with great catering expertise, made everything happen like it had been ready for hours
Now, we just need a trip to the bottle bank!
I enjoyed the judges who were kind and helpful: comments were made on our very wild partridges who refused to hang around, so anyone worrying about running in a Brittany spring test needn't worry! It is also very sociable
guy
Sue Sounds like an almost ideal weekend.
Patricia, good luck with the puppies - hope they are all well.
Patricia
Thanks Guy, so far so good...The vet bill is not so good being double time on bank holidays and after 11pm!!!
Lucky though to have had a very able vet nurse who worked with German Sheperds and understands puppies plus our usual Norwegian vet who calls a spade a spade -as well as being very efficient-
and a practice who knows working dogs and docks!
.
and 1 was withdrawn. Sadly Andy Coveney has sustained an injury (not at the SPT I hasten to add) and was in too much pain for Sue to continue the day. Best wishes to Andy that he feels better soon.
.
).
) So cups of tea sitting in the surgery's floor ;and holding Bailey's paw to continue her duty which ended up by a very late bed time. So much for the planned Calvados !
