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!!

Left to right - Lace, Hazel and The Laird

Another great result for all!
The Laird won his class, CACS and CACIB and Best of Breed. Lace also won her class CACS and CACIB (her first). Hazel, although the only one in her class was given 1st Excellent, then she competed against the Veteran dog, who was a champion, beat him. In ring D’honneur, Hazel was awarded 3rd Best in Show Veteran. The Laird was 2nd in the group.
Merlin, Sable and Laird’s son was Best Puppy in Breed.

Today, Velvet celebrates her 14th birthday. She has now stopped going out with the rest for a walk but enjoys going around the field at the back of us.
I wish her many happy returns.