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sallie · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

Well done Guy and Catja, can't wait for the write up Very Happy

Lisa · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 12:03 pm Post subject:

Well done Guy and Topaz!!
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Lisa, Blu and Emmy
www.verwegen.co.uk

windem bang · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 2:08 pm Post subject:

Well done Guy. Very Happy

Bill T.

münstermanager · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 2:09 pm Post subject:

Well Done Guy and Topaz. A great write-up, Guy, thank you. I think it would be good if more of us went over for such events.

Congratulations Guy & Catja. I look forward to hearing more - lovely photo

Sue

Helen · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 4:28 pm Post subject:

Sounds like you had a great time Guy. Well done.

Helen

guy · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject:

The day did not start well - leaving home at 4.15am is never good and this was made worse when we found the passenger seatbelt had been cut in two! Maybe a certain black and white or maybe a saw or chisel - we will never know. Fortunately was able to repair it using a special knot from my climbing days! All then went well until about 100 miles into Europe when the turbocharger hose developed a leak. This time a running repair using a luggage strap as a bandage. This seemed to last a few hundred miles before needing readjusting. Got that down to a fine art with a 'pit stop' only lasting about 3 mins.

Be warned the Netherlands motorways seem to have greater carparking capacity that the M25! we drove for an hour and a half at walking speed! and only just arrived in time for dinner.

The Club weekend started with a 'gala' dinner - this being their 30th anniversary. New seasons asparagus, medallions of beef, pork casserole, salad, roast potatoes etc etc as a buffet on a help yourself basis -then stewed forest fruit and chocolate mousse for pudding.

Showday. Started with measuring from 7.30am with the show proper at 9am.
Christian Gunther the French breed club president was judging and appraised each dog. As this was done his observations were translated and broadcast so the audience could see what was good or not so good about each dog. Once appraised they were run around the ring and one by one removed until three remained. His 1st, 2nd and 3rd were then announced.

The classes were young under 18 months, open, working and veteran. We entered Young

There were 71 dogs entered in all - so a good turn out. It was nice to see the club attract entries from America, Denmark, France and the UK. A just reflection of the dynamism of the German Club.

Judging was outside, the non stop rain did little to dampen peoples enthusiasm. When we won our class I was amazed at the number who came up to me to offer congratulations. They were very generous and genuine after she was named best bitch.

We have a couple of cups and a nice medal for winning.

The 'after party' - well dinner back at the hotel was special, for those who did not have a home to go to - or were not going there until the next day. An uproarious evening in German, French and English. Conversation ranged from tails to tattoos, from the the AKC to the KC. Very insightful.

Looking back on the weekend - 1000 miles of driving and 6 hours standing in the rain - would I do it again? Yes most certainly, it was good to have the dog judged under FCI rather than KC standard, it was nice to meet so many other people united by the EB and it was a revelation to learn so much from a most knowledgeable judge, both in and out of the ring.

It was most touching - Catja was initially wary but after a bit of sniffing she remembered Hermann and went very bouncy and squeeky Smile

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Guy; Ellie Topaz Catja. http://www.epagneulbreton.org.uk

Helen · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:15 am Post subject:

Wow, really sounds like a great time. Loved your repairs - not sure I would have been able to cope with things going wrong lol.

Great that the showing was outside, even in the rain and what a great system they have.

Helen

Rhimad · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 11:46 am Post subject:

Well done Guy, and a great report. I would not have coped with the 4.30 start let alone the breakdowns.

Liz · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 12:54 pm Post subject:

Sorry we weren't able to be there this year - sounds like you had a great time.
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Liz

Bareve · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

Excellent win Guy - many congatulations Very Happy

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Sharon Pinkerton
www.bareve.com
UK's Undisputed Top GWP Kennel
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