A busy weekend with two Breed club shows. At North West Lab Club, Sian Ellis was the dog judge, and making it a family affair, daughter Einir Matulla took on the bitches. DCC, BOB & BIS, adding to his considerable tally, was Erica Jayes and Ed Casey’s Sh Ch Berlan Get Up And Go At Sandylands. BCC, BOS & RBIS was Kirsty & Lisa Gordon-Smith and Annette Bibby’s Meadowline Whiz Bang At Bruxinho. I saw Kirsty the next day At Northumberland and Durham, and to say she was thrilled

Very sad news from Anthony Allen that his father Geoff, has sadly passed away. Geoff and Jean began showing their Allenie labradors in the 1970s, and the kennel continues today in the capable hands of Anthony. For many years, Geoff could be found sitting ringside supporting Jean, and later, proudly watching on as Anthony steered the Allenie dogs to their many victories. Who can forget the gorgeous Sh Ch Allenie’s Maverick, winner of 14 CC’s. Geoff and Jean were enormously pr

A busy day over in Northern Ireland. Erica Jayes and Ed Casey’s Sh Ch Berlan Get Up And Go At Sandylands joined an elite group when he became one of only three Labradors to win 2 CC’s in one day, under two different judges. The other two being my own and Anne Dempsey’s GB Sh Ch, Ir Sh Ch, Rom Ch, Int Ch, Dromtacker Made To Order, and Caroline Campbell’s Sh Ch Binnaig Sea Salt. He took his first at Belfast under Jill Peak, where he also went BOB, and the second under Mary O’Do

David Craig’s Richmond critique is now available online. Often when we read a critique, we go straight to our own dog, which we read in depth, and just skim over the rest. But David’s critiques are well worth reading from start to finish, particularly if you are new to judging and critique writing. Like an artist who can paint a picture with a few deft brushstrokes, David manages to capture the essence of each individual dog without the use of unnecessary hyperbole. I always

What a week it’s been. We’ve all felt such a profound shock at the loss of Our Dogs. It was a part of my life since the 1960’s. I always had the paper delivered. Not only because I’m old, and online just isn’t the same, but it was so nice to be able to leave a little pile of Our Dogs in my guest rooms when I had ‘doggy’ friends to stay. I was overwhelmed by the number of you who offered support, and said how much you would miss my notes. Thank you all so much. It will take a