English Golden Retrievers In France

Today started off with a bang as it always does on Bastille Day when they set off the canons in our community!
The weather was sunny but with the threat of thunderstorms later.

Of the 12 dogs entered for the show at Cressat, only one didn’t have connections with Hareswith. I took 3, Hazel in veteran, Thyme in jeune and The Laird in open.
Thyme won her class with Megan 2nd (cousin) Ellie (Hazel’s daughter) won her class and CACS, Ginny (Sable’s sister 2nd RCACS) Drax (Grace’s grandson) 1st. Megan’s brother Tindel won his class with Thyme’s brother 2nd & Hazel’s grandson 3rd. The Laird’s daughter Holly, Très Prometteur. Hazel 1st. Then The Laird won his class CACS, Best of Breed. Later in ring d’honneur, he won the group for the second year running! And then went on to get Reserve Best in Show!!

This is the 6th consecutive year that I have won Best of Breed!!!
What will happen next year?
And yes, the thunderstorm arrived just after the breed judging had finished and miraculously stopped in time for the group judging.

Was it going to rain on the day of the Regional Retriever Club show ? It was to be held outside with no wet weather facilities, if it rained you got wet!

We left home at 5.15 in the morning and no rain. After 2 ½ hour journey,The Laird, Hazel and I arrived. The grass had been cut short, the rings fairly close to the cars and still no rain.

The Laird was first in the ring, in his first open class as he had just had his 2nd birthday. I was not expecting too much as all the others were older and more mature and there was a champion entered. Well, he did his stuff again and the judge placed him 1st, saying he won it easily, the champion came 2nd.

Hazel’s turn in the ring. There were 2 entered in veteran. I think it is 2 years since she had an outing. Hazel thoroughly enjoyed herself, strutting round the ring. Her FIRST FIRST was gained at the age of 10 years old.

Ellie, Hazel’s daughter was there and got 3rd, 2 grand sons and a grand daughter also did well. Megan, Ellie’s daughter was Best Junior in Show.
As BEST in Show was being judged the heavens opened. Time to put the dogs in the car and go home, having spent the day meeting old friends and making new ones.