F A O Lankeela..........

[jules77]

check out Midland Counties results, I got my second ticket!!

[lankeela]

Been on holiday to Malta, got back early hours of this morning, so only just catching up. Wowee! bet you are thrilled. Now its all systems go for the third - sorry I missed the announcement - I did look up the Mastiff results to see if George was entered, which he wasn't but his dad got BOB.
The BB AVNSC Pastoral was a Finnish Lapphund that I did well when judging at Thame a few weeks ago.

We went to a dog show in Malta, some lovely GSD's but not many entries overall even though it was a champ show. Only three Roughs entered, two were Lynaire breeding and the third was out of a Lynaire bitch. Much easier to get tickets out there!

[jules77]

I wondered where you had got to, Malta, very nice, better than rainy England any day.

Yes, chuffed to bits, it was a tough open class to win, the ticket was the icing on the cake.

[lankeela]

Been to check the results, you did do well to get in amongst the 'faces'. Ellis Hulme is doing us at Crufts next year, only got two veterans to enter, one of which he did well a few years back.

Yes Malta was very warm, swam most days and got a good tan (in places). Then home to this weather, but not to worry, going away again on Thursday - although it will be even colder where I am going, as I am going to Finland for a show
on Saturday and an international breed committee meeting on Sunday.

[thugulike]

Aw Jules, well done, you must be chuffed to bits. Mr T is unwilling to enter any more shows this year and I can't do them on my own as George is just too big for me to handle all day. I can take him into the ring where he behaves but following the incident which left me with 3 broken ribs I'm being more careful.

I'm trying to persuade Mr T that we should enter Crufts but at present he's saying he won't go. Our breeder had recommended we get a professional handler if we do go. Any idea how much that would cost us?

What kennel name do you show under?

[jules77]

thanks both, yes it was a sweet win Lankeela, good luck in Finland.

thugulike, not sure on professional handler, they can run into a lot of money, will the breeder not show him for you, or is there anyone else in the breed that would do you a favour?

[jules77]

thugulike, I just re read your post, 'incident' involving three broken ribs??

Kennel name is 'rusforth', I am in partnership with a very good old friend of mine.

[thugulike]

Hmm, we were at the OEMC in Whitbourne 1st Sunday in August and Mr t asked me to hold George's lead for a minute whilst he helped another couple get their mastiff out of the car. George spotted his friend and took a joyful bound, whisking me completely off my feet. It was OK while I was in the air but landing was very painful. I stood up then bent down to wipe the mud of my pants and heard the ribs break, 1,2,3. Doctor confirmed they were broken. I was due to sit on a 2 and a half week employment tribunal panel in Liverpool the next morning and had to call in sick. Still, George had me all to himself at home for 6 weeks and he's a real mummy's boy now. He's really thickening up now, well on his way to 15st.

The breeder has been non persona grata with the OEMC and feels that it would harm George's chances if he was handled by somebody known to be an associate of his. I'd do it myself, I did show him Leeds and he was fine, but Mr T is reluctant to let me after the Whitbourne incident. That was my fault for not paying attention anyway.

I'll keep a look out for you now I know your kennel name.

[jules77]

oh dear, painful.

Are you a member of any mastiff forums, you may find a volunteer that way, especially for Crufts if someone hasnt qualified their own dog and you offer them a free entrance in.

[thugulike]

I never thought of that. If mr t agrees to go I'll mention it to him. Thanks jules

[lankeela]

I am sure I can find you a handler, I will do it myself if my classes don't clash. Thats the trouble with breed club politics, if you upset someone then you pay the price (been there, got the tee shirt!). I have only ever known GSD's have professional handlers (other than some people who actually take dogs in and show them for the owners all the time) and although I have handled loads of dogs for other people I have never been paid nor would I want to be.

You must go, its the experience of a lifetime to show your dog at Crufts.

[thugulike]

Gosh, thanks lankeela that's really kind of you. Are you entering the Liverpool show?

[lankeela]

Sorry for the delay answering, been away. Not sure which show you mean - Liverpool? Probably will do Manchester in January, but nothing major till then only a few local ones.