Life with Spots
We’ve had a few days off, so as well as doing lots of jobs, we decided to have a day out in the Peak District. Chee Dale was perfect, a reasonable flat walk, with plenty of shade and water for the Spots.
Chee Dale is a beautiful place, a lovely walk, but definitely one for when it’s been dry for a while!
After lunch we went to Ilam for a walk
And we finished the day with ice cream.
A lovely day out, planning more for the summer.
Last year’s show was a fantastic one for Seren, getting Best Junior in Breed. So this year we risked forward and put her both in Post Graduate and then in Limit to see if she get placed high enough to get her Kennel Club Stud Book Number. Lottie was also entered in Limit, so Ellie was tasked with showing her.
Seren didn’t disappoint. After several unsettled show ring experiences, leading to some 1-1 training, she pulled all the stops out, topping her Post Graduate class, with a strong entry of 8. She then went straight into the Limit class, again a strong class of 12, and only came 2nd, gaining her Stud Book Number and life qualification for Crufts. I was so proud of her, she was the youngest in the class so to be placed so high was amazing.
Lottie went into the same Limit class with Ellie only handling in the ring for the second time ever. Lottie is often overlooked so I just told Ellie to relax and enjoy the experience. She handled her brilliantly, even when she got boxed into the corner, and placed 3rd, which would have qualified Loodles for her Stud Book Number too, if she hadn’t already gained it. I’m so proud of Ellie.
The judge was surprised to have placed mother and daughter in 3rd and 2nd place, couldn’t believe Lottie was old enough to have a daughter in Limit!
It was a very long day, but we still got the obligatory rosette photos …
And did amazingly well! He was entered in Post Graduate dog and Special Beginners dog, and won first place in both classes, taking him into his first dog challenge and qualifying him for Crufts 2024.
I’m so proud of him and his owner, a fantastic team.
First, we got the critique back from Carlisle and District Canine Society open show, 22/04/23, judge Keith Baldwin.
Graduate 1st Wallington’s Ailsadot Astral Lyra, 2 year old bitch, lots to like, symmetrical in outline, feminine head of fair length, scissor bite, medium size dark eyes, clean long neck into level back with strong loin, well angulation front and rear quarter, moved smooth and free.
Rather than a very early start to go to Southern Counties Champ show, we went to Riddings and District Canine Society open show. It was a lovely drive through the Hope valley, and a lovely, well organised show, sunny and windy!
Seren wasn’t at the best, fidgety, kangarooy and really not feeling it, but we still got a respectable 2nd in Post Graduate.
Lots to work on with her to get her back focused on grass, she much prefers and indoor show.
After a warm show, home for ice cream …
I like to use enrichment activities to help build calm and peace in the house, especially as we have a very barky dog across the street, and when lots is going on on the street.
I don’t use snuffle enrichment everyday, and I use a variety, matched to each dog’s patience and frustration levels. Lottie gets frustrated by challenging activities as she’s a real foodie. Mac, who can be easily frustrated, is happy with more challenging activities as he’s not so foodie. Seren is happy with whatever she is given!
How is it possible that our favourite boy is 7!! Doesn’t feel that long since we brought him home as a cute 10 week old puppy!
He celebrated his birthday with a long walk, a biscuit and lots of sleep 🤣🤣
So now he’s grown up we are venturing back into the show ring with him as a veteran, see if he enjoys it.
The weather has been fantastic, the Spots have loved being out in the sunshine.
We spent the bank holiday in the Lake District, so the Spots had a great time playing in the paddocks, paddling in the stream and sunbathing.
As well as lots of playing and fun, they did also do some thoughtful posing …
And lots of cuddling …
My parents live in Cumbria, so we go up there a lot. The dogs love the space at my parents, 3 acres of paddocks and stream to play in and explore.
It’s been a lovely warm and sunny weekend, so the Spots have been outside a lot, exploring, playing and chilling.
As the Spots are posers I did get some lovely impromptu photos of them – I walk with my phone in camera mode, just for those moments!
This show is becoming and Mum and Ellie ritual, don’t know what I’ll do when she goes to university!! We took Mac and Seren with us this time.
We stay in the same hotel each time, I treat her to a lovely meal in the restaurant. This year she even got a cocktail as she’s legally old enough to drink … although not old enough to pay!!
The dogs love a hotel room, they don’t get to sleep with us at home. So beds are novel and exciting. Seren rocks the hotel room now, taking over the bed and sprawling! Mac is not as used to the hotel experience, but quickly learned!
The show was a bit of a disappointment, not the hall we are used to and no benching, so we had to pick our spot carefully. Both were in large classes and whilst they showed their hearts out, it just wasn’t their day.
Another warm day, and another outdoor show. First time there, tiny, uneven ring, so probably our one and only time there.
We put the beach tent up away from the rings, so Seren could have a bit of peace. First time for her in a crate in a tent, she doesn’t do new experiences overly well on her own, but she settled down with a chew.
Not her day, a bit unsettled and the ring wasn’t the best, but she came 3rd in her class.
Ailsadot Dalmatians 