On May 9th, a year and a day since Grace went, I had the very sad decision to let Velvet go to Rainbow Bridge. She was 64 days from her 15th birthday and had not eaten a proper meal for weeks. I bought some tinned food and white fish for her but she was just wasting away. The lump on her front leg was giving her jip. In the morning, Velvet still wanted to go for her little walk but clearly she was struggling and I knew it was time. The vet was called and Velvet went to sleep on the front lawn just like her sister. I don’t know if she was the last to go in the litter, if anyone knows Bella, Millie, Rebecca, CJ or Harvey, could they contact me?
Sleep well my little one xxx

Velvet, the official oldest Hareswith Golden

Today, Christmas day, Velvet has reached the age of 14 years 166 days, beating Chesters record of 14 years 165 days.
She has out lived her sister Grace and niece Hazel. Long may she continue. Bless her.

The Laird does it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off we went to Belgium to try our luck at getting his 2nd foreign CACIB. There were 9 in his class and he was shortlist to the last 4. Then he was chosen as first! Having to wait until the rest of the dogs were judged was very nerve racking. Eventually we went in to challenge for the CACIB. The judge picked him very quickly, and we were asked to stand in the corner whilst she chose the RCACIB. I said I didn’t care where we stood I was so happy.
After all the bitches were jugded and the CACIB was awarded, we went back in for Best of Breed. This was awarded to the bitch. I didn’t mind in the least!! I got what I came for. The Laird is now an International Show Champion (subject to confirmation by the FCI & SCC)

The winning team does it again!!
Lace won her class and also CACIB and CACS, Laird won his class CACIB, CACS and best of breed. Later he won the group. I did not return the next day but was told that the judge wanted to see him and award him another prize. C’est la vie!!

Dear Hazel was given sleep on 22nd September after her tumour returned with avengence. The morphine she was prescribed was not being effective any more.
Hazel could be naughty at times, disappearing on her walks only to be found in the forbidden lake chasing the ducks. She became official old folks when she was 10, insisting on her piece of “Charlie chocolate” before going to bed each night. Hazel won her first 1st at the age of 10 from class veteran. At her last show in August at Brive, Hazel won Best Veteran in Breed then in Ring D’Honneur, won 3rd Best Veteran in Show. Not a bad swan song for her. I knew this would be her last show as when I was bathing her, I felt the tumour that had returned.
Rest in peace Hazel Rah XXX

This was supposed to have appeared before Hazel but it disappeared !!!
Left to right
Thyme, Sable, Clover, Rowan, Laird, Lace, Hazel and Velvet lying down.

All the family in one place at the same time, it is a miracle!!