Previously we had been entered into Windsor in AVNSC but having exhibited my sisters Gundog the day before and been parked on the M25 for 5 hours, by the time we got home, I’m afraid that there was no more energy for the Utility Day. Again, apologies to the Judge. We did however make it to the Southampton and District CA open show on Saturday 22nd July. It’s a super venue, this year there was some persistent rain throughout the whole day. Everyone seemed to rally and enjoy the challenge, allowing others to share shelter next to rings etc. This time we only took the puppy and my sister’s dog. Nizzana Dammit Jim represented the breed very well in an AVNSC Puppy class and out of 7 he was placed a very respectable 3rd. I was delighted with the way he took everything in his stride and showed himself well. Thanks to judge ………
News from overseas, it has been sometime since we exhibited at a French show, so now feeling more confident in the Animal Health Certificate scheme, we ventured firstly to Bourges for a CACIB show. On Saturday 8th July AmCh River Rock Unanimous Decision (Datak) owned by Christine Miller, Lorna Hastings- Menaker, Alison Byrne and Anne Barclay, was awards the CAC, CACIB and Best of Breed with an Excellent by Judge Mr Baskowan. It was a super day and he was very complimentary about Datak. The following weekend we made the slightly shorter journey to Douai for two shows over the weekend. On Saturday 15th July AmCh River Rock Unanimous Decision was again placed 1st, awarded BOB, CAC, CACIB and graded excellent by Judge Mr Svien Bjornes and to our great delight Datak was then also pulled in for the cut in the group, sadly he didn’t go any further. The following day we had the same results with Judge Mr Jean-Louis Escoffier. Before we left, we also had the Societe Centrale Canine (the equivalent of our RKC) take a DNA sample for their records and this is also part of the requirements for applying to be a French Champion. There is one more step and we will hopefully complete this in September, with a Temperament Assessment. In other news from France, a lovely litter of six Canaan Dog puppies were born and Datak was the sire at the Moon of Starlight Kennel. Mother and all pups are doing well.
Alison Byrne