CRUFTS - WHAT A SHOW!

Whippet Tease with owner Yvette Short

Attending Crufts each year is one of our favourite jobs here at Words & Images. Both of us are big dog lovers and in our element  amongst so many happy dogs. 

The highlight of course, is the judging of Best in Show. Around 21,000 dogs had been judged over the four days, and the top dogs from each of the seven groups came into the arena to great applause. The judge was Jill Peak, and breaking tradition, the winner and runner-up were announced in reverse order.

Winner, Tease the Whippet and runner up, Gundog Pointer, Kanix Chilli.

Everyone waited with baited breath to see who Ms Peak would select, and finally the Gundog pointer champion Kanix Chilli was announced as the reserve Best in Show – and then Tease, a Whippet from Edinburgh owned by Yvette Short was announced as the Best in Show to rapturous applause.

However, Tease had only just set foot on the podium when protesters tried to disrupt proceedings. Yvette Short moved to keep her dog safe, while a Kennel Club official ensured the protesters didn’t get their hands on the coveted trophy. The chaos was over in seconds, and the protesters were led away, leaving Tease and Kanix Chilli to enjoy the limelight they so rightly deserved.

Protesters were swiftly removed.

Over the 4-day show, there were many displays such as agility, obedience, Heelwork to Music and displays showing how dogs are helping people. One such event which took place on the Sunday evening in the Genting Arena was the Friends for Life competition. This annual event was a celebration of dogs who have changed people’s lives in their own unique ways.

More than 300 people entered their dogs into the competition and the five finalists in the 2018 Crufts Hero Dog Awards were welcomed into the arena. Their stories were re-told over the large screens before the announcement of who the public had voted for as overall winner.

The award went to Vanessa Holbrow and her rescue dog Sir Jack Spratticus. Jack had also had a very bad start in life, but had changed Vanessa’s life by helping her deal with complex mental health illnesses. They won £5,000 to donate to their chosen charity, which was Border Terrier Welfare where Jack was rescued from in 2012. The prize was presented by former Spice Girl Geri Horner.

Read all the finalist’s stories here: http://b-c-ing-u.com/2018/03/05/hero-dog-awards/

A very special award was presented to PC Phil Healy and his police dog, Mojo. They were awarded the Crufts Humanitarian Action of the Year Award. PC Healy and Mojo were first on the scene at the  terrorist attack on the Manchester Arena on 22^nd May 2017 when 22 people lost their lives.

Heroes PC Healy and Mojo

PC Healy and Mojo had to work around the deceased and seriously injured checking for other unexploded devices and making the area safe for emergency services and the public. They were later joined by other search dogs but continued working tirelessly in horrendous and traumatic conditions throughout the night, clearing the area until 7am. On their way home they responded to another call to investigate another suspicious device. Chief Constable Rod Hansen, head of the police dogs in England made the presentation to these true heroes.  

There was a very entertaining demonstration of agility, obedience and special training by the RAF Police Military Working Dog Display Team. The dogs showed off some excellent skills as they were put through their paces, including scaling a vertical seven-foot wall.

RAF Police dogs in action.

Everyone’s favourite event is Mary Ray and her amazing Heelwork to Music displays. A few years ago we were fortunate enough to interview Mary at her home, for Dogs Monthly magazine, where she talked about her lifelong love of dogs. Once again, for Crufts Mary put on a show-stopping performance - as she has done for the 25 years. However, this year was Mary’s final Crufts. She performed a fantastic routine with her dogs, Lyric and Frankie, and was joined by obedience and heelwork to music expert, Richard Curtis. There were clips shown on the big screen of Mary’s past routines, and at the end of her final performance she was joined by her husband Dave and sister Pauline for a final farewell.

Mary Ray's last Crufts performance.

Having also interviewed Richard Curtis in the past for Dogs Monthly, it was great to catch up with him at the show. Richard is one of the UK’s leading Heelwork to Music/Canine Freestyle handlers. He’s a renowned competition judge and dog handler. He told us that he's been busy doing three demonstrations per day with his dogs Betty an 8-year-old Chihuahua cross and Herbie a 3-year-old Border Collie. To the delight of the crowds, Richard demonstrated how to get started in Heelwork to Music Freestyle with your dog, doing simple tricks and moves. He put on a brilliant, fun performance that showed the wonderful rapport he has with his dogs. Betty and Herbie loved it, and the audience did too.

Richard Curtis with Betty and Herbie.

The Discover Dogs area at Crufts is the perfect place to learn more about the different breeds, especially if you're thinking of getting a dog or puppy. The Kennel Club currently recognise 218 breeds. Top of the popularity stakes are the Labrador, the Cocker Spaniel, the French Bulldog and the Pug. While at the other end of the scale there is a list of Vulnerable Native Breeds. These are the dogs whose status in the dog world has diminished over recent years, and whose numbers are declining. The Vulnerable Native Breeds list breeds which have achieved 300 or few registrations in a year.

Surprisingly, since 2015 the Bearded Collie has been on the list. In 2016 only 284 dogs were registered. Compare this to 33,856 Labrador Retriever puppies over the same period. However, for Bearded Collie lover, Gail from Chesterfield, there was only one breed for her. She happily gave 4-year-old Ember a hug before taking her into the show ring.

Gail and Ember.

Skye Terriers are also on the Vulnerable list, with only 28 pups registered with the Kennel Club in 2016. However, the Skye Terrier which takes its name from the Isle of Skye which lies on the northwest coast of Scotland is said to be the oldest terrier breed of Scotland, going back to the 14^th century at least. We asked the very handsome Merlin aged 9 to pose for the camera and 20-month-old Pasha.

Skye Terrier Merlin.

Skye Terrier Pasha.

With so many gorgeous dogs to meet, one that caught my eye was Taz, a Lagotto Romagnolo, which is quite new to our shores. The breed originates from Italy, and the word ‘Lagotto’ is an Italian dialect word for ‘curly coated duck retriever’ and Romagne was the district in northern Italy where the breed developed. Environment changes in the 20^th century diminished their duck retrieving days. However, their acute sense of smell means that they are now used in truffle hunting in their homeland.

Taz, a Lagotto Romagnolo.

Towards the end of the final day, it was lovely to meet some of the owners whose dogs may not have made Best in Show, but were champions in their eyes. Such as Roger and Maureen Millbank of Bath who were delighted with to be taking home another rosette won by their beautiful Flat Coated Retriever, 3-year-old Hamish, or to give him his pedigree name – Kvsans Eye of the Storm off Larksdown. 

Roger and Maureen with Hamish, a Flat Coated Retriever.

Sit back and enjoy some more pin-up pooches!

Canadian Eskimo Dog.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Buster.

Bert, a Papillon, love those ears!

Who says dogs can't smile?

Or frown!

Lakeland Terrier, also on the Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

Norwich Terrier.

Wilf, a Bullmastiff.

Ava, an American Spaniel.

And Best in Show once again.

Hope you enjoyed. 

Top Dogs!!

Another enjoyable day at Crufts, and congratulations to the American Cocker Spaniel, Miami Ink for taking Best in Show. But Crufts isn't all about winning, and today the Words & Images UK team of Rob and Ann particularly wanted to concentrate on some of the charities and organisations that see wonderful partnerships between dogs and people.

One of the best known charities is Guide Dogs for the Blind. They were out in force encouraging visitors to sponsor a guide dog puppy. A spokesperson pointed out that every single hour someone in the UK loses their sight. And the cost of a guide dog from birth throughout its life amounts to £55,000. That money comes from the generosity of the public through fundraising, legacies, sponsoring etc., so our continued support is vital.

In January of this year, Guide Dogs fully integrated with the charity Blind Children UK, so that they can build on existing services and support more children with sight loss. Visit their website to learn more of their work – and perhaps sponsor a guide dog puppy. Www.guidedogs.org.uk

Guide dog brood bitch, Tess.

So how well behaved, well mannered, calm and friendly is your pet? Perhaps your dog could become a Pets as Therapy (PAT) Dog. Volunteers work with their own pets to bring joy, comfort and companionship to others in need. Pets as Therapy volunteers go into residential homes, schools, hospitals, hospices, day care centres and prisons, allowing individuals to stroke and touch them.

Angie Seedhouse and PAT Dog Sausage.

Angie Seedhouse's Staffi, 9-year old, Sausage, has been a PAT Dog for 4 years. “He loved doing this straight away,” said Angie. “We have to go around a lot of people and he judges the length of time spent with each person. He decides when it's time to move on. But he will stay with someone for longer time if he thinks they need it – if he hasn't got a smile out of them. He also senses when someone has been ill and gives them extra time and cheers them up!”

Sausage's intelligent and kindly nature has not gone unnoticed, as he was awarded Hi-Life PAT Dog of the Year in the Crufts arena. So no doubt an extra sausage in Sausage's bowl when he got home!

Cate Archer and Doug the Pug Therapy Dog

Doug the Pug Therapy Dog was attracting lots of attention looking very cute sitting in a basket, proudly displaying his 'Most Heroic Hound' award rosette, from the Super Dogs Live tour at the National Pet Show last year. But apart from looking cute he'd also had a book written about him. His owner, Cate Archer has written a book highlighting the joys of the human/animal bond based on Doug's working life as a PAT Dog. All royalties from every book sold go directly to Pets as Therapy. Learn more: www.petsastherapy.org  And more on Doug's book at: www.dougthepugtherapydog.com

Support Dogs

Support Dogs is a national charity dedicated to training assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism. The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Like most of our national charities they too rely on the generosity of the public to continue their work.

Support Dogs is the only organisation in the UK to train Seizure Alert Dogs. They are trained to give up to a 50 minute warning prior to an oncoming seizure, so that person can prepare for the seizure and so avoid injury. Also, the very fact that the person knows they won't be taken by surprise by a sudden seizure has shown to increase their independence and reduce seizure frequencies – and of course can be life saving.

The charity also provide safety and companionship for children with autism, bringing more independence for the child and the family. Having an Autism Assistance Dog in the family has shown to reduce stress in the family, promote positive chances in behaviour, provide comfort for the child when upset, and enhance verbal communication.

Support Dog, Oscar.

For people with physical disabilities, Support Dogs work to improve their quality of life and independence by training their own pet dog as a Disability Assistance Dog. Each dog is specifically trained to help its owner with their individual needs. In general they are trained to pick up dropped objects, to help the person get in and out of bed and to get dressed and undressed; they're able to operate control buttons, load and unload the washing machine, open and close doors and raise the alarm if their owner is in difficulties.

We chatted to Wendy Martin who has disc degeneration and fibromyalgia. Talking about her Support Dog, Oscar, she said: “He's my second Support Dog and he's nine and a half now. He gets me out of bed, fetches the phone and the mail, he puts washing in the washing machine, picks things up that I drop. He's made such a difference to my life. I don't know how I would manage without him.” When the time comes for Oscar to retire, he'll be spending more time relaxing on Wendy's sofa, while a new Support Dog will be assisting her with her everyday tasks. 

Support Dog, Baby, just chilling!

Kathy Wylde's Support Dog, a lovely King Charles Spaniel named Baby was her own pet to begin with. As a double amputee, and confined to a wheelchair, Kathy relies on Baby a great deal. And in addition to the tasks mentioned, Baby also provides Kathy with a little extra TLC.

Kathy said: “I suffer from phantom limb pain, and Baby senses when I'm in pain, and comes and sits on my lap, allowing the warmth of her body to ease my pain. It's just something she does of her own accord, it's not something she's been trained to do.”

Discover more about Support Dogs: www.supportdogs.org.uk

Dog handler, Julie Hargreaves with Emma

Retired Police Dogs Benevolent Funds are schemes set up to help with the cost of on-going care and treatment for retired police dogs to ensure they have a healthy and happy life in retirement. Police dogs undergo years of vigorous training and work hard making sure we stay safe. As they grow older, as well as suffering from the usual ailments associated with age, but quite possibly arthritis, hip and knee injuries, torn ligaments and spinal problems.

In retirement they may need operations, blood tests, x-rays, hydrotherapy and other treatments, so the Benevolent Funds will be to help the retired dog's owner, whether that's its handler still, or a kind hearted new owner. The fund will ensure the owner can afford this treatment and help the dog have a well deserved happy and healthy retirement.

Officers from the West Midlands and the Staffordshire Police were talking to the public at Crufts. So we spoke to Julie Hargreaves, a dog handler for the Staffordshire Police. Julie has two police dogs, Razor a 7-year-old German Shepherd who is a general purpose police dog and 4-year-old Labrador, Emma, a drugs and firearms recovery dog.

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Julie said: “When the dogs retire usually the handler keeps them, or at least they get first refusal. If they aren't able to keep the dog as their pet, then there's a waiting list of people wanting a former police dog.”

Find out more: http://retiredwmpd.org.uk

Enjoy more of our photos taken at Crufts.

Lisa with Gracie and Finn

Iwan Thomas MBE enjoying Crufts.

Argo, a 8 and a half month Akita puppy
Won Minor Puppy class.

Ann testing Eurotherapy treatment pain relief for
dogs, horses and writers!

Regan, a 1-year-old Australian Shepherd dog

Australian Shepherd dog, Emily, aged 15 months

So well done to the Kennel Club for organising another great Crufts Show! Additional news and information at: www.crufts.org.uk

Telling tails about Crufts

Crufts! The world's biggest dog show is drawing in tens of thousands of dog lovers from all over the UK and abroad. It's one of our favourite events – the Words & Images UK team of Ann and Rob have been going to Crufts for years, always looking to see what's going on in the canine world.

Today was especially good as we bumped into a couple of people who we've written about in the past in the doggy press. One being Mrs Averil Jarvis MBE, the founder of the charity The Cinnamon Trust. This it the national charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets.

Mrs Averil Jarvis MBE (centre) and some of the Cinnamon trust team.

Back in the early 1980s Averil saw how important pets are to people, especially the elderly and those living alone. She also saw how the elderly worried about what would happen to their pet should they fall ill, have to go into a home, or pass away.

Averil set about doing something to alleviate that fear. She founded The Cinnamon Trust, created two home-from-home sanctuaries and amassed an army of volunteers – some 16,000 people now, who help out in practical ways to assist an elderly or housebound person care for their pet, such as walking their dog, cleaning the budgie's cage, taking the cat to the vet; and providing life-long foster homes for pets, if the owner is no longer able to look after them.

Later in the day, Averil later presented the Cinnamon Trust Young Volunteer of the Year Award to Ayrton Cooper, a student at Nottingham University. Read his full story here: http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/press-releases/2017/february-2017/nottingham-student-to-receive-volunteer-award-at-crufts/print.aspx

The Cinnamon Trust's motto is: “Peace of mind and practical help for people – love, care and safety for pets.” We'll be writing about their work again soon. But in the meantime read more about them here: http://www.cinnamon.org.uk

Canine artist, Christine Varley

We also met up again with canine artist Christine Varley, who we interviewed when her youngest son was at nursery. Now aged 17, he was helping mum and dad on their Waggydogz stand. How time flies! Christine does pet portraits as well as reproducing her animal paintings on cushions and mugs etc. See her website: www.waggydogz.co.uk

We stopped for a chat with Corporal Briggs of the RAF, and Air Dog, Geo, a gorgeous Golden Retriever, trained as an arms and explosives sniffer dog. Geo's handler is Corporal Webb who was off getting a much needed cup of tea, leaving Corporal Briggs holding the lead. He explained that the Air Dog's role in this country is to carry out searches prior to major gatherings and VIP events. When working overseas these brave dogs will be at the head of the infantry, making sure that the way is clear and safe for the patrol to follow.

Corporal Briggs and Air Dog, Geo of the RAF

We discovered a number of rare breeds in the Discover Dogs zone. One being the Entlebucher – a Swiss mountain dog which is pretty rare in this country, with only 77 known to be living here at the moment. Owner and breeder Rosemary Kind told us that Wilma, pictured here, is currently blogging about her time at Crufts – clever dog! You can read what Wilma and fellow Entlebucher Alfie have to say on their blog at: http://www.alfiedog.me.uk

Entlebucher Wilma with owner, Rosemary Kind.

Neither Rob nor I had heard of the Eskimo Dog, and we discovered unsurprisingly, that they are a sled dog. These dogs hit the headlines back in 1925 when they heroically saved the small town of Nome in Alaska which had been hit by an outbreak of diphtheria. Around 150 dogs and 20 mushers raced across the Alaskan wilderness with supplies of diphtheria antitoxin. They covered 674 miles in five and a half days – saving the lives of the townsfolk and those in the surrounding communities. Today this event is known as the Great Race of Mercy.

Eskimo dog.

We also came across possibly the cutest dog of all time – the little Affenpinscher. Also known, as the Monkey Terrier. They originate from Germany and grow to be only 9-11 inches tall, weighing between 6.5lb and 13lb. However, these little dogs stand their ground and are renowned for living happily with extremely large breeds. Nine year old Topsy here shares her home with a Newfoundland and a Great Dane. Visitors to the show, Lacey and Bella couldn't resist a cuddle with Topsy either.

Affenpinscher, Topsy.

Topsy with Lacey and Bella

Another face that was also irresistible was Bull Mastiff, Able.

Bull mastiff, Able.

And finally, we were stopped in our tracks by this adorable line up of Golden Retrievers heading into the show ring.

Roll on tomorrow and more doggie tails.

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