Brecon Show

Sorry I haven't written anything for a while. We went to Brecon show 2 weeks ago and out of 4 runs we only got eliminated 3 times! We're really pleased about the other one, it's the first time we've managed to get round. It was actually caught on video, but for some reason I can't get it to download I'm going to try again now but if it doesn't work I'm afraid that's it, you've missed it!
It was a lovely day, hot in the sun, but a bit chilly otherwise. The agility show was part of the agricultural show so there was lots going on. Finn was quite interested in the falconry display, especially when the Eagle started walking towards him! Birds aren't meant to be that BIG! We managed to see the final of the interhunt challenge where local hunt teams race against each other over humungous jumps and round obstacles testing both horse and riders skill and courage.

Well it looks like you're out of luck with the video of Finns moment of glory,but I've managed to do the one of the pairs we did with Tansy the Australian Shepherd. We were both eliminated but what the hell we enjoyed ourselves.

Our next, and last show this year is at Haverfordwest at the Pembrokeshire agricultural show. It's our home event, our club run the agility so we're all there for the full 3 days, Finn has a total of 10 runs so he will be one tired bunny by the end of the week.

Another thing we are really excited about, we've found somewhere to go to train for Working Trials, it's only 130 miles away (yes thats right I can't find anywhere nearer). The idea is to have a lesson once a month a month to get us going. The first one is on the 20th September so watch this space.

Wirral

We had another show last weekend at Eastham Country Park at Bromborough on the Wirral peninsular. I had spent the whole week before worrying about how much fuel I would need and whether I could actually afford to go. As it turned out I needn't have worried as it wasn't as far as Worcester. There was a gale blowing when we arrived, but I managed to snuggle the tent between the hedge and the car and later another club member parked their caravan alongside as well so we were quite snug. There are lovely walks through the woods alongside the Mersey and we were actually camped at the edge of the cricket pitch so at free moments on both Saturday and Sunday we could watch the cricket. The wind continued all through Saturday with the occasional shower in the morning, but Sunday was much better. On Saturday evening we had my birthday celebrations in the aforementioned caravan, many thanks to Sue Shaw who despite feeling quite poorly entertained us with liberal supplies of homemade wine, ( I prefer the quince to the strawberry Sue).

Finn had 3 runs on both days and I actually managed to find someone who could use the camera so we have some action shots. We got the big E as usual, but we are improving. The judge in one class came up to me after our run and said 'What a cracking dog!' Which meant a lot to us. unfortunately it was all a bit much and Finns mind was completely blown on Sunday! We had 1 good run in which we were eliminated because I pushed him out too far on the corner so he missed the next jump and just had to go in the tunnel instead. It usually is the handlers fault when things go pear shaped although the in next 2 runs Finn had lost all concentration and I felt really dis heartened, but the poor little man was really tired and is only just getting back to normal now.

Afterlunch and a last walk in the woods we made a leisurely journey home, stopping for dinner at a picnic site near Corris where we were going to have another walk, but met 3 bikers 1 of whom had just had rather a nasty spill and was a bit shaken up but thankfully otherwise unhurt. We shared a flask of tea and chatted until he felt able to continue on his way and then went our seperate ways and we arrived home about 9.30, totally exhausted.

A Walk in Pengelli Forest

I can't help thinking how lucky we are to live in this area, as I've mentioned before Finn comes to work with me and on our way home we stop somewhere interesting for a walk, well I think he deserves a reward for looking after the car and I enjoy going to different places.I feel really sorry for those dogs who only get to do the same walk 3 times a day, day in day out. On Monday after work we went to Pengelli Forest, an ancient oakwood about 12 miles from us and quite near one of my farms.

We do a bit of 'nosework' along the way. I throw a stick into the undergrowth and hold him back for about 30 seconds then send him in to find it. He usually comes back with the right one, which I find quite impresive as I've only held it for a second or so. The only time he fails is if it lands where a fox has left it's scent.

After all this work he likes to cool off in the stream, because a walk isn't a walk unless it invlves water and mud!

And then a rest before going home for dinner.

A walk with a friend

We met Ann with her g.s.d Peter for a walk along the river Teifi at Cilgeran today. Peter is not wearing the bandana.

Lazin' in the garden

We've spent quite a few lazy afternoons in the garden just lateley. Here's a glimpse of how Finn relaxes while he's waiting for me to stop wasting time and take him for a walk. We've been going to the beach in the evening when it's got cooler.