Today is Fergus' eleventh birthday. He was our first wire and I can remember collecting him like it was yesterday. It was love at first sight and both Gary and I have doted on him ever since. He is a very gentle, biddable boy who despite the boredom he most obviously felt tolerated being shown because we asked him to co-operate but in the working arena he certainly came into his own. We were delighted when he gained his show champion title but words couldn't describe the pride we felt when he gained is full champion title.
Fergus long since retired from both the showring and competitive working circuit but since moving to Much Wenlock has been Gary's companion on our local shoot. Our shoot starts again in just over a weeks time and both Gary and Fergus are chomping-at-the-bit at the thought.
Aside from his successes in the showring and field, Fergus also sired the litter from which Ollie came. Whilst Ollie can't be described as being 'laid back' like his father, he certainly inherited his good looks and gentle nature.

Midland Counties Canine Society Championship Show 2010

Today Gary, Megan and I took Lottie to Midland Counties Champ Show which was held at the County Showground, Stafford. We have only made a few appearances in the show ring this year but were delighted to be placed second in the Open Bitch class under judge Mrs Rachel Thompson.
As usual Lottie had a great day out, showed her little socks off and never stopped wagging her tail. It was great too, to catch up with friends and see the dogs.
The results were as follows:
DCC - Karl O'Connor's Sh Ch Karlejay Gump You've Got Mail JW SHCM
RDCC - McCullough's Kimmax Anton
BCC and BOB - Sarah Morris' Sh Ch Bareve Buffy
RBCC - Norma Ellis' Normbar Lindsay
BP - Barbara and Sharon Pinkerton's Trollangens Runar At Bareve (Swe Imp)
Well done everyone.

GWPC Special General Meeting

At the weekend the German Wirehaired Pointer Club held it's Open Show and this was followed by a Special General Meeting called by a number of paid-up members of the Club (including myself) who were concerned that the GWPC Rescue may not be making reasonable enquiries to identify and notify breeders where a dog or bitch of their breeding turned up in Rescue. This concern was first voiced at the AGM last year.
The GWPC have formed a sub committee to review and amend (where necessary) the guidelines and code of ethics relating to the Club Rescue but some members were concerned about what may happen in the interim period between this review and amendments being passed.
I am delighted to say that the vote went in favour of the proposal and in future and where possible, Breeders will be notified should a dog or bitch that they have bred be signed-over to Rescue.

Indie's New Home

Indie came back to live with us at Easter this year. She is litter sister to our own Lottie and daughter to Bronte. In no rush to rehome her, we have spent a happy summer getting to know Indie all over again. For Gary and I, one of the downsides to taking back a puppy or dog that we have bred is that once here, they quickly become a member of our family and we get very attached to them. Despite this, we felt that Indie deserved to go to a loving home of her own. We are delighted to say that Indie went to her new family a couple of weeks ago and has settled in well with Liz, Chris, their children and their spaniel Cookie. Getting used to their cats might take a little time but we have every confidence that Indie will get there in the end! Liz and Chris are experienced dog/GWP people and intend to train and work Indie. She shows every indication of being a very talented young lady and we will be watching her progress closely. Thank you Liz and Chris for giving this special girl the forever home that she so deserves.