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March 2009

Dear Irish Terrier Friends,

Crufts was strangely different this year without the television and huge press coverage. I’m not sure if the numbers of visitors were down but it did feel refreshingly more like a dog show and less like an enormous trade fair.

Whatever the outrage caused by the BBC film last year which most unfairly tried to pin the blame for the plight of some over bred dogs entirely on the Kennel Club we seem to have moved on. I did write about it at the time and this is not a moment to repeat the arguments but it is wonderful and inspiring to see so many beautiful, adored and healthy dogs in top condition being shown by devoted owners and skilled handlers and that, after all, is the bottom line.

There was an excellent entry for our Irish. Marion Lovelace’s lovely bitch Sedgehill won best of breed. Marion, who is picture pretty herself, didn’t show her which was a disappointment to me but she was beautifully presented by a ‘pro’ and went on to be 4th in the huge Terrier Group which was a splendid result.

Now, my little girl Hazel won her puppy group handled by dear May Williamson. She had a ball – Hazel I mean – and loves the ring. It’s party time for her I think. She has had several more excellent wins in country shows since Crufts so we’ll see! She’s a great character and very pleased with herself. I do feel slightly fraudulent accepting, with great modesty I hope, all the ‘congratulations’ when we all know she lives and is prepared and trained by Anne Bradley. We started this arrangement years ago whereby I ‘sponsored’ one of her puppies. It is great fun to have a particular interest in the shows and I like to feel it helps a little with the rising costs of entry fees and general care.

There was no parade this year which meant we could concentrate on Discover Dogs. We had great fun as usual and there was an enormous interest in the breed. Irish Terriers are, without doubt, at their best up close to people. Splendid as they may look in the ring, it’s the hands on contact which melts the heart. It was a great tribute to the natural charm and good sense of the breed that Kevin Anderson’s beautiful dog, who won the dog ticket in the show on Thursday, was back the next day in high spirits being the perfect pet playing with the children and tussling with his litter sister at Discover Dogs.

All the dogs were wonderful ambassadors - absolutely adorable. We had a very jolly time and a great many laughs amongst ourselves. When people ask if I find it tiring I always reply ‘not with these gorgeous dogs around’.

I do enjoy seeing the children too. Many return each year and we talk about their puppies. We had some smart new stickers this year which were a great success.

I missed having Zuli and Beega with me. It was the first time I’ve left them at home but they’re twelve now and there’s a lot of waiting around. Zuli has become quite suddenly very deaf. She watches us carefully in the park and besides she’s in charge so she’s not in danger of getting lost. But it is sad to see a dog who understands more words than any dog I’ve ever known suddenly not catching every word we say. She’s so clever too and still very fit so I must be grateful for that. They haven’t met the new family baby yet. She really belongs to Isobel and Nonnie but I’m sure they’ll welcome little Virginia with the enthusiasm they have for all babies.

I’m off to the Irish Terrier Association AGM this weekend. It’s in Shottery near Stratford upon Avon and we always try to fit in a walk along the river. It’s such a good idea to join the club and support the breed.

Do look for the new book on the website. It’s called Talula and the Gypsies and is an exciting tale about an Irish Terrier called Talula and her friend Skimpy. They are stolen by dog thieves and end up with the Irish Gypsies. After some alarming adventures all is well and they do get home to the New Forest at last. It is also available on CD read by Sir Derek Jacobi. This is a great honour and we are so fortunate.

Jane is safely installed in her flat which is a great relief. The website is back on track so do keep in touch.

Sadly her mother has died and she’s still trying to cope with the loss. It is never easy.

This year’s calendar was a huge sales success and we have made several donations to the Irish Terrier Clubs, the Rescue Fund and the Blue Cross which I’m so pleased to be able to do.

What joy to see the daffodils!

Many greetings, my love to the dogs,

Lucy