Terry Thorn - the end of an era....

It's with great sadness and a sense of shock , I blog that Terry Thorn has announced via the Kennel Club that he has retired from dog show judging due to continuous ill health - although I believe he is currently in remission. Terry is currently an enigma in the UK dog showing scene by being the only judge passed to judge all breeds in the UK where CC's are on offer (I think it's currently 96 breeds) . Incredibly Terry started judging in 1963 so I only imgine that this must have been an incredibly difficult decision. He has also retired as Crufts Chairman handing the mantel over to Eric Smethhurst.

A very familiar face around the championship dog scene, I dont think there can be one show in the perrenial dog scene that he doesnt attend judging at least one breed (usually many more) and usually acompanied by his wife Zena (Thorn-Andrews) who also judges as well as breeds the very successful Drakesleat Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds.

His retirement will certainly be a great loss to the dog showing scene and although I've never had that much success under him and not always agreed with his judging of Gordon Setters, he will certainly be missed around the ring - although I'm sure illness will not stop him visiting his favourite shows to meet up with friends. Fingers crossed for you Terry.

The Anniversary of.....

The death of King George VI (1952), The Manchester United Air Disaster (1958) and the fourth anniversary of the death of my first Gordon Setter, Annie. Born exactly ten years to the day of my very first setter, Annie was my first Gordon. Not an easy dog in any way, also not the healthiest dog in the world (she broke her back leg at 14 weeks!) but certainly one of the most loving. Even three Gordons later I still think of Annie a lot, she taught me so much about the breed and about showing - her best was a 2nd at Crufts in one of the largest classes I've ever been in - but most of all made me fall in love with my favourite breed and nearly twenty years later still have no inkling to change breeds.

Annie was Hernwood Elegant Ophelia of Billingham (22/10/89 - 06/02/04)

I never win anything, me!

I have won something, yes me who never wins anything! I have won a copy of the Kennel Clubs Illustrated breeds (basically a bible for dog judging and showing) worth #35! It was a prize for sending an entry about my self to the Kennel Clubs Affiliate site - talking about me and my dogs - easy!

Looking through it today I realise how things have changed, for instance there are now more groups as the pastoral and working have been split, there is also now a Russian Black Terrier, a Cesky Terrier, an Eskimo Dog, a Greenland Dog!!

The Monte Carlo burns!

Amazingly, the Monte Carlo casino and hotel is on fire! Yet again this seems to be the result of workmen doing repairs on the roof and it seems that the damage is superficial but it have resulted in an empty hotel and the strip being closed for the night - As a regular visitor to Las Vegas I can only imagine what this must be like in a bustling, busy city.

Manchester Championship Dog Show

Brie (aka Kilnrae French Kiss RCC)

Yet another year and another season of dog showing and yet another season that it looks as if I wont be competing in because Harvey wont let anyone go over him. Ho Hum.

So it was with some trepidation I looked up the results of the Manchester show knowing that Harveys brother and sister were both competing and the judge was the owner of another of Harvey's brothers (athough this can of course go


both ways depending on the integrity of the judge). I was gutted to find out that Alfie was awarded second in Post Grad thus qualifying him for Crufts 2009 and Brie was awarded her first Reserve Challenge Certificate (ie reserve best bitch) - totally deserved but I'm totally gutted. I am very happy for both the owners and the awards are totally deserved but to be stuck at home when they are winning is soul destroying. Harvey, I need a small miracle or a lorra, lorra luck!

More Flood Warnings...

.....just when I thought we'd got away with it, here comes the rain and rain and yet more rain. I 'm desprately trying not to get upset or depressed about it but its hard. In this weather I cant take my Gordons out in a field to run like idiots which is what they do! Instead I have to walk them on roads on flexi leads which isnt really very Gordon! Harvey, however despite being so young seems to be taking it in his stride - as he does most things and at the moment is asleep next to me on the sofa - so I dont feel so guilty. He is a star - a truly laid back Gordon as I know from experience is about as rare as diamond encrusted rocking horse poo!

Harvey IS the Daddy!

Safely delivered to Chartan Raven Beauty in the early hours of the morning were four bitches and three dogs. Mum and pups are all doing well and Raven is a devoted mother! Harvey IS the daddy but of course he has no idea. It's a good job that dogs dont have the CSA after them for failure to pay their childrens upkeep - seven children would be expensive :)

I cant wait to go and see them!

I love Harvey even more now - if that's possible :)

Eat Your Heart out Ben & Jerry!

Today I made my first ice cream with The Glacier ice cream makes I was given as a Christmas present. I was also given the B&J's recipre book so tried my favourite flavour Cherry Garcia. The result is abosolutel gorgeous! Watch out Ben and Jerrys, your shares could bomb with me no longer going to Tesco to pick up a comforting tub of ice cream!

Alan's got a new toy!

Alan brought home his new car today, a Sunset orange, imported Nissan Fairlady - or as they are known over here a 350z. It's very nice....and VERY fast!

Happy Birthday Harvey

Harvey (otherwise known as Kilnrae French Toast of Kilnrae) is three today. He is my fourth Gordon Setter and (dont tell the others) but my favourite. He is a laid back, quiet Gordon full of character and love - he just loves everyone including me!

He is three years old today and things going well he becomes a father next week - not bad for a lightly shown dog who is at the end of the day still a very much loved family pet - Happy Birthday Harvey - lets hope there are plenty more of them - love you man!