Prizes 2003

We were spending a few days in Galicia so we took the opportunity at the last moment to present Monty and Peggy in the first International show in Caminha, Portugal. There weren't many dogs, but quite a few of them were pretty good. Caminha is a fine little town and the weather was splendid. The show space was nicely decorated and everything was well laid out. Carpets everywhere (but the odd wrinkle caused a trip or two). Every ring had its own little pre-ring area which is always good to see. The judge from Finland was Kirsi Laamanen, who gave us a pair of CAC and CACIB points. Peggy is following in Monty's footsteps. We got into the group again. Peggy again surprised us by winning BOB to go into the group judging. The judge was the Irishman Gerry Hickney. He gave Peggy 2nd in the group to round off a really good trip to Galicia and Portugal.

It is a truism that everyone sees a story through the distorting mirror of their own experience, but I think that we would all agree on two points. It was hot, and darkness was the defining points of the Frenchy ring. With this comment I simply wish to point out that the lighting was inadequate. The Frenchies were shown in a basement, probably used on other occasions as an underground carpark of the Westfalenhallen. If you suffer from claustrophobia, as is my case, then you cannot enjoy this experience. However the show went ahead without major traumas despite the fact that the number of dogs inscribed meant that certain aspects of the organisation were a littler chaotic. There were 150 Frenchies on show, and all the best known affixes of the continent were represented. From my point of view the overall standard of the dogs was very high, with some magnificent dogs present. However I must add that I didn't see all the dogs I would have liked to have seen. it was the first time we had been at a show with two separate rings for males and females, and it was exhausting. I don't enjoy this system much, neither as spectator or as participant . You cannot be in two places at the same time, and if you want to see what's happening with the males, then you have to miss the females. If you want to see both you'd better be a contortionist. However the general atmosphere was friendly, the staff, stewards, judges, participants and public, all from many different countries, had a good day. As for the dogs..... well thay adapt to almost anything in return for a little attention and fuss. There were queues for just about everything, and everything had to be inspected, verified, stamped and inspected again, even to collect the show number. But we did very well, getting Exc. for both Peggy and Monty. When you take into account that the judges were Jacques Mulin (Vicepresident of the Club in France) for the males and Barbara Pallasky (President of the IKFB. Germany) for the females then we couldn't have asked for more. Both judges, genuine Frenchy specialists, gave us interesting reports on Peggy and Monty and they were both spot-on despite the poor lighting. Many thanks to both, their reports are valuable and we will take them into account. Much as we would like to return to Germany, if you don't want to put your Frenchies in the hold of a plane, as in my case, then the distance is offputting. Unless I am mistaken the WDS says goodbye to Europe for a while. See you in Rio next year? You never know!

Smiling Thunder Ariel. BOB, Young World Winner

Lacoste vom Isern Hinnerk, Ottobyen´s Perfect Otto
Buster De Longcourville. Young Dog Class. Photos: Kinga Jekelfalussy

We've got it! This time we got the slippery "compulsory point", so Monty is now Spanish Champion. And he's done it the hard way because he's always been presented by me, and I'm no expert handler. It was a pretty good day, not too hot and with a pleasant breeze. The Crystal Pavilion of the Casa de Campo park in Madrid was surrounded by obstacles due to the building work which is going on there at the moment. There is always some building work going on. The organisation of the parking spaces was..... let's say haphazard. The judging started on time, which is good to see. About 35 Frenchies waited their turn. The judge Sra.Rosa Mª Pérez Arenas (Spain), took a lot of time and trouble to judge each dog fairly, she is one of the few judges who takes the trouble to bend down to get a closer view of the dogs' movements. She will know doubt have stiff knees as a result but it's good to see a judge make the effort in a matter as important as the movement of a Frenchie. Monty behaved as he always does in the ring, he scratches, turns around and has a lie down when he thinks the judge's attention is elsewhere.... but when the chips are down and you tell him to "look interested" he does it without complaining. He knows there'll be a rest and a snooze when it's over. Peggy doesn't want to get left behind, she got Exc. 1st in young bitch class. No group this time because BOB went to our good friend and CH. of just about everywhere Misha, the Frenchie of our long time friend Vera. The number of Frenchies in Spain is increasing, and let's hope the quality increases just as much. Thanks to the judge who gave us the point and to everyone who encouraged us on the way.

After a long hard winter, and with some delay, we left our lethargy behind. They say that the cold makes you more active, maybe, but we tend to go into hibernation like the bears. Our first outing of the year was to Oviedo. The equestrian centre "El Asturcon" was waiting as always to welcome us. Beautiful grounds and gardens, horses and friendly people. There's nothing better, apart from winning, than to show your dogs in a pretty setting and pass an enjoyable day with friends. We did pretty well, Monty got more points for his CV, CAC-CACIB, and Peggy, who had never stepped in the ring before this year got BOB, which has until now been Monty's. It was surprising to see how she behaved in the ring and I begin to wonder if she is a real "showgirl" because not content with BOB she went on to take 3rd in the group, up against adults and some Ch. dogs. Was it because of her silky coat or her cheeky walk? Anyway, thanks to the Slovenian judge Marja Kavcic and to the ring steward and especially to Aomar Nuñez, who bravely took on the role of handler at the last moment .