To be honest, I haven't felt like writing any doggy tales recently. Those of you who know me well will be aware that earlier this year my Mum died (at the grand age of 95). In the last few months, I have lost two of my dogs; Bethan the Curly-Coated Retriever and Mr Morgan the E.S.S. Surprisingly, the two real dodderers of my clan are still here (just!). The tale of woe doesn't end here though. My replacement for Bethan, a Spanish Water Dog we named Maya, grows into a lovely, balanced four-months' pup. I do Obedience classes with her - she passes her Puppy Foundation and gains her Bronze Good Citizen. She is so super to live with, that I adore her. And then her teeth go wrong! No gundog show-ring for her!
So you can imagine the frame of mind I'm in as Pam and I set off for Yorkshire to attend Birmingham National and a couple of Gundog shows in Kent and Cambridge. I really don't want to go; but feel I'll let everyone else down. And a good holiday at Paddock House will be a break - I need to decide whether to re-home Maya or keep her. We have a nice new car to go in - a big estate with lots of electronic extras - apparently it even shakes you awake if you nod off at the wheel! (This makes me nervous!).
The dogs win two Reserves and a VHC. Good, but not qualifying. I spend most of the day with the really nice SWD people - Maya's breeder actually came all the way from the other side of the country, just to see her. We decide that I'll have another SWD pup when she has something she thinks will do well. The other owners are all friendly and chatty and sympathetic. I like this breed!
At Stafford, we meet up with Rachel and her entourage - we pack up the cars and set off late in the day for the 198 mile (yes) slog to Kent. Rachel is coming too, but she waits to collect a gorgeous little cocker pup who is going to Jersey.
For once I can say that the Travelodge at Ashford is very pleasant - cooked breakfast in a dining room, bar and food in the evening, a pond with swans on, and plenty of dog- walking areas. The show the next day is in the centre of Maidstone; and to be honest, if we hadn't had Mavis the Voice - we'd still be looking for it! However, it is a great venue when we find it! I meet three more SWD people, really friendly. Then I bump into ESS exhibitor, Wendy - who I've not seen for a while. Wendy bought Cayley's litter sister, seven years ago.
"What's that gorgeous little head in there?" I ask, spotting her new bitch pup. Wendy unzips the crate, and out comes this lovely seven months' Springer. Wow! "If ever you decide to part with her, I'd love to have her!" As Wendy is short of a handler, I get to show the pup, and win Best ESS puppy with her. Delphi comes fourth (in a quality entry!). Wendy and I sit together, and I tell her my story of woe and depression. She listens and is very sympathetic. And then it's lunchtime and she goes off with friends whilst I re-join Rachel and Pam for our meal (chips!!).
In the afternoon, Wendy comes over - and I'm not kidding - says I can have the pup!! (but I must take her today, before she changes her mind). For the rest of the day, and for the whole journey (over 200 miles) home, I am in a dream. It's hard not to keep looking in the car mirror to see if the new pup is still there! We went through the Dartford Tunnel - Pam was so looking forward to it - but it isn't as good as Jersey's! The QEII bridge looked spectacular though, Pam got all excited and wanted me to turn round, so that we could go over it! We stopped near Cambridge, got the dogs out, and all I could do was look at this lovely dog that was now mine. And so, eventually, we arrived back, and the new ESS, Dexbenella Sariska (Eryn) made herself at home!! (see pic).
We had another long and lovely week up there - so many wonderful walks through the fields and woods. My sister came up for two days - fell in love with Maya; and so I let her take her back to Northampton. She is very happy and apparently hasn't missed me one jot! At least this way I get to see her throughout her life.
Pam and I got back to Guernsey after a night drive and a four- hour boat trip on the new Condor vessel ( they call it Lentemente, I believe!) but the dogs didn't seem to mind. We put 1510 miles on the new car - and now I can't wait to go back over with my new dog!
We're always saying how we meet people and make friends in dogs. And we do - but every now and then there's a TRUE FRIEND!
We travel up to Yorkshire in some style, the car is great, the dogs have lots of room (Delphi, Maya, Carys, Riva). A couple of hours into the journey I'm startled by much beeping and a flashing sign in the dashboard. "What the . . .?" It's a teacup" says Pam. "You have to stop for a cuppa!" his could become annoying!
We have a splendid few days gardening, walking the dogs, meeting family and friends. The only problem was a lack of oil for the boiler (it was still frosty at night!), but that was soon remedied. Our big weekend arrived. A long drive from Paddock House to Stafford showground, do the show, then an even longer drive down to Maidstone for an Open show the next day. We set off very early, and a few miles down the road, I realise that I've forgotten to set up the Mavis (satnav). Stop in lay-by and start fiddling with car equipment (it's so complicated). Suddenly, a sign appears – 'The Disaster Button'!! "Oh my God – What have I done?" I'm squawking! "Are the hazards flashing?" "What's happening?"
"Lynn" says Pam calmly, "It says AUDIO up there!" It's the track that's playing!
I have to confess that the satnav spent most of the holiday with a gently revolving map featuring Oslo, Amsterdam and Lisbon – until I finally realised that it was on the wrong size setting! When I eventually moved the sizeometer to bigger, it actually had the nearest trees on it!
I had misjudged the distance to Stafford (well, that's my excuse anyway) and we arrived much too early (6.30AM). The gates were open, so we drove in and stopped near a sleepy official. "Down there, bear right, and someone will park you. Show's not open yet, though". Off I go, down there, bear right. "This can't be correct, Pam! We've run out of road, and here's the boundary fence!" I stop and look in my mirror – to see two guys in high vis. jackets, hands on hips, laughing!! Oops! Well, we were the first car there!