Scotland

Seren, Ellie and I had a bit of a road trip to Edinburgh for the Scottish Kennel Club May Champ show and October Champ Show being held on the same day, and the Dalmatian Club of Scotland Champ show. We stayed in our usual hotel and Seren had the choice of who she slept with – she chose both of us!!

First up was the October show, judged by Penny Wills. In a big Limit class Seren got a respectable Very Highly Commended, which I was pleased with as the judge seemed to prefer livers.

Next up we had the May show judged by Jenny Wright. In another strong Limit class she came First, which meant we went into the challenge, where she only got the Reserve Challenge Certificate!!! Our first RBCC, and she pushed hard for the Challenge Certificate.

The Challenge

Needless to say we were on cloud 9, surprised, stunned, shocked by getting the Reserve Challenge Certificate.

We took Seren to have a leg stretch at the Kelpies, before going back to the hotel. It was a lovely, sunny afternoon and the Kelpies looked fantastic.

The haul from the Scottish Kennel Club shows –

The next day we went back for the Dalmatian Club of Scotland Champ show. This show was outside by the airport so Ellie was happy – she loves watching planes take off and land.

The judge was Keith Nathan, and likes a liver. In her Post Graduate class she took Second, and we did think for a bit that he was going to pick Seren for first.

Scotland was amazing, some fantastic results and some great handling advice so we can improve on standing and moving. We had a great time.

National Champ Show

First champ show since Crufts, and it was just Seren and I. I do like National, lovely, big ring, spacious benching, and it’s always been good weather.

Under judge Charlotte Page, Seren got a respectable Reserve in a strong Post Graduate class. I was super pleased with how she went for me, especially as it was her first time on grass in nearly a year!

A weekend at Naini’s

The Spots love going to my parents, they love the space, the stream, the ponies … they love everything!! We’ve had some trees cut down after storm damage, so it seemed the ideal opportunity to get some core balance and on practise …

Seren also had her third birthday … Naini made her cake and served it with ice cream and strawberries… spoilt girl!!

Photoshoot

I wanted to get some more professional photos of the Spots, maybe for adverts, so I asked the lovely Natalie from Hellherder Photography to do a photo shoot. We travelled down a a lovely secure field in Ashby de la Zouche for it. The field was at the top of the hill and we had a seasonal storm brewing, so it was WINDY!!! Ears were going everywhere … but Natalie got some fantastic photos …

Easter break

Ellie came back from university so we’ve had a few days off, doing the beach and going to my parents in the Lake District. The Spots love both the beach and Naini’s, they are their ideas of heaven!

We like to go to Formby, I love the mix of dunes and sand, you can get some lovely photos, as well as giving the dogs a good core work out whilst they run up and down the dunes! Seren loves the sea, especially if it involves chasing birds or running with Mac, she is definitely the happiest in water!

The weather in the Lakes has been a bit grim, but the sky finally stopped leaking and let the sun out for a bit!!

Crufts 2024

I know it’s nearly a month since Crufts, but I was waiting for some photos to arrive before posting.

First up was the handsome Albus (Ailsadot Astral Peacock), in a Post Graduate class of 25. He was shortlisted to the last 8, I am super proud of both him and Emily for doing so well.

Seren was in a limit class of 29, it was a very long hour in the ring! She didn’t get shortlisted, but showed her socks off amongst dogs much older than her.

Lottie was last to show, and didn’t get into the ring until 4:30pm, 9 hours after we arrived. She was a little sore and stiff from being in the crate, but she rocked the green carpet. Sadly unplaced in a big class of 15 in Good Citizen.

It was a really long day, but both the canine and human girls enjoyed themselves, got to have a look round and spend money!!

Critiques for Mac and Seren

Seren and Mac’s critique from NORTH OF ENGLAND
DALMATIAN CLUB, judge Ernie Paterson.
24.02.24


Special Junior Veteran (2)
2 Wallington, Sophtspot In The Zone. Liked his head and eye, good front and shoulders and excellent hind quarters, very smart not the reach in front of the winner.

PGB (7) | Wallington, Alisadot Astral Lyra, New one to me but very nice overall, lovely head and expression, clean neck and shoulders first rate bone and feet. Body is well made and in great muscular condition. She has a good top line which is maintained on the move. All this plus good spotting and strong movement.

Super pleased with both of them 💛❤️

Critique from Lichfield Open

Seren’s critique from Lichfield –
Post grad (6,2a)
2 Wallington’s Ailsadot Astral Lyra. 2yrs very clean lines with movement good showing very good quarters but needs to develop in body. Head properties pleased.
Judge: Melanie Reed-Peck

I’m pleased with it, not a bad result after 6 months out.

Our Crufts post will be along as soon as I have got some photos back.

North of England Dalmatian Champ Show

We went to the North of England Dalmatian Champ show yesterday. It was lovely catching up with people I haven’t seen in months.

We took all three dogs, Dave came along as there’s an air museum not far from the show ground.


Mac was up first, and got 2nd in Special Junior Veteran. I’m still struggling to believe he’s old enough to be a veteran.

Seren 1st in Post Graduate even though she was very fidgety and bouncy. I think she absolutely loves being back in the ring.

Lottie was up last, and showed her socks off in the biggest class of the day, but didn’t get placed. She absolutely loved being in the ring, just a bit keen on the treats so started throwing sits and spins!


Mac had a run round with Dave whilst the girls showed.
Lottie spent the day trying to get people to take pity on her and feed her treats.
We are having a quiet day chilling at home today
What are you all doing this weekend?

After he’s turn in the ring Mac went of for fun in the sun with Dave … and came back filthy! Lottie spent the day begging treats of everyone that passed her crate!

Next stop Crufts with the girls!

Lichfield Premier Open Show

After 6 months away from the show ring, Seren and I ventured down to Staffordshire Show Ground for the Lichfield show. Seren was very bouncy, couldn’t keep still, but still got placed a respectable 2nd in Post Graduate. I was just pleased we hadn’t totally forgotten everything!!

I’m looking forward to getting both Seren and Lottie out to shows this year, even planning a holiday around summer shows, but don’t tell the family!