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)

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.

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.

This year I’m hoping he’ll do just as well ………………….

Dickens showed off as usual – well he always does! He recieved a 3rd Excellent. I guess I would have liked a 1st -but as David tells me – we can’t always get a 1st!!

But then The Laird went in – and he did get a 1st Excellent – so I had the chance to tell David I still got a 1st!

My Sable was next in – didn’t disapoint – another 1st Excellent – she is a bit of a show-off and hasn’t been in the ring for a while as she had puppies not too long ago. But she really did enjoy her day out.

Our new puppy Thyme had a day out as well. It’s always a pleasure to show little ones as thay don’t really know what to expect, but she didn’t disapoint – receiving a ‘Prometteur’ I was very proud of her as it was a very busy show with lots going on.

Now, having a sat nav has made finding the shows much easier. Bourges has always been like the Bermuda Triangle to me!

The Laird walked in to the show ground like he owned it, Thyme did not know what to make of all the different sorts of dogs, and they were not all golden! She did meet up with her brother (Enjoy Me de Hareswith) it was his 2nd show, so well experienced.

The Laird was first in the ring, in class Intermediaire. He won this and then competed with the other male class winners and was awarded the RCACS. Winning yet another cup and plaque to add to his mounting list!

Thyme, although a little overawed did very well and was graded Très Prometteur. She was given her first plaque – one of many I hope!

All in all – a great start to the 2010 show season.

Currently we have two wonderful stud dogs

Dickens

a lovely 6 year old – father to many adorable puppies over the last 4 years

and

The Laird

who is simply stunning – in all things temperament, health and perfect AA hips with 0 elbows. He’s started his stud dog life very well with a number of litters to his name by the start of 2010.

If you’d like to know more about our stud dogs or family in general please visit our website
English Golden Retriever Stud Dogs