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For the first time this year I went down to Discover Dogs at Earls Court last weekend. Only I didn't go as a visitor I went to take part in the Whippet Breed Stand. Oh boy, what a day! 1991 was the last time I ventured into London by car, I usually go to North Finchley and the rest of the way by tube. This year, I couldn't do that as I had four dogs and all the stuff which I had produced for the stand. I'm sure that the next time I visit the big city, it won't be by car! I started my journey at 3.30am thinking I would have plenty of time to get there for when the doors opened up for exhibitors at 8am. WRONG, got there at 9.45am just before the public were let in, so we were frantically trying to put the stand together as our first visitors arrived. The we, were myself, a lady called Armond and her hubby, Heather and her daughter. We were so busy I didn't catch her name. We all worked very quickly and very hard to get the finished result. Heather took some photos so I will try to post them when I have copies. :8 :8 :8 We had six dogs on the stand and they worked so very hard, being fussed, stroked and patted. It really is tiring for the dogs. Naturally we had a range of colours, which lots of visitors were curious about. At 11am Heathers daughter took her dog into the parade and did a splendid job.The content of the stand included, the top 3 show Whippets, Ch. Nutshell of Nevedith, the overall breed record holder, Ch. Pencloe Dutch Gold, 1992 BIS at Crufts and Ch. Khabaray Single Malt at Dumbriton, currently top dog. A full set of the breed standard had been produced in colour. There was a coursing section, thank you to all the Whacky Racers at Chorley, some agility photos which had been contributed by Wendy off K9, some lovely pictures sent all the way by Aslan, again off K9. The liquor one, Aslan, was especially well received. With finally a story of puppy development from birth to date. It was written as a story with lots of pictures to see. Both the puppies involved and their Mum were part of my 4 which I had taken along. Visitors enjoyed seeing them in "real life", so to speak.
As well as the people, I have mentioned, I must say thanks to a number of others who contributed to the content of the stand. They are Edith Newton (Nevedith), Morag Bolton-Lockhart (Pencloe) and Patsy Gilmour (Dumbriton), all of whom provided me with photos. Edith also provided lots of Whippet memorabilia which gave a nice focus on the corner of the stand. Not forgetting Fiona Waterfield, (Aquilegia), who made the red, white and blue garlands. Maureen Blanks (Tilegreen) was the breed stand manager representing National Whippet Association.
Eventually I managed to get a quick look round myself and I can recommend that it is worth a visit. Doors closed at 5pm to the public and I left at 5.45pm.
I arrived home at 10.25pm after another nightmare journey out of London which took 2½ hours due to an accident on the adjoining section of the North Circular to Heathrow. As you can imagine I was completely shattered. The dogs were asleep before they got into the car and steadfastly refused to get out for a wee part way through the journey and just carried on snoring. Can't say I was jealous!
Sorry it's so long but I thought I would try to give a good picture of what it was like. I think I'm just about awake now!
