Excitement was mounting for Hussy's debut onto the International scene.
We left home at midnight on Friday, catching our regular shuttle train at 2.20am. The weather was pretty bad, but the roads had improved so the drive from Calais to Amiens didn't take long and we then began searching for the venue. We parked upand the doors did not open until 8.00am by which time the rain had left off a little so we were able to get in realtively dry and make our way to ring 22. Today was Hussy's day. Pomeranians were the last breed to be judged in the ring, so we made ourselves comfortable at ringside. Some shopping saw a new lead for Hussy and a new fabric puppy pen. It seemed a long day and Hussy was struggling to stay awake. Eventually, it was time for our class. There were four entries and Hussy was the last in the lineup so we were able to watch the others and see how it was to be done. Twice round the ring altogether then each dog moved up and down individually and was examined on the table. Hussy moved well on her individual and the Judge, Boris Chapiro indiicated to put her on the table. He then proceeded to examine her whilst telling his critique of her to the steward. I managed to pick up a few French words, "tres jolie" and "excellent" and then he said to put her on the floor. We were all sent round the ring again and he proceeded to place in reverse order. Soon it was only Hussy and one other walking round the ring. Hussy was pulled into 2nd place and I was so proud of her. We were graded "Excellent" and collected a trophy. As we left the show there was still time to buy a new toy for Hussy and one also for Fleur.
It was then a short journey to the hotel where Hussy and Fleur played madly (don't know where all the energy came from), we had something to eat and then it was time to crash for the night. Our friends Glynis and Dudley Chadwick and Liz and Claire Millward were also staying at the hotel, tough arrived late.
The following morning, we all left to return to the show. Afghans were first in the ring under Laurent Heineshe. Fleur showed beautifully as usual and won the Intermediate Bitch class.
By now, thesun had come out and we took the opportunity for some photos and catchup chats. We were able to move the cars round to the back of the hall to load up and ensure we could leave promptly at 4.30pm. The drive back to Calais took only 1 hour 25
Today was a busy day before we went to Douai International Show France with Fleur. Vets visit at 9.50 to get her paperwork all stamped, and for Hussy to start for her passport. Then had to go to hospital for a checkup, and then come home to get Fleur bathed and packed ready to leave by midnight. Now the question was can we fit it all in.
Well of course we could. Everything was like clockwork, which was brilliant and nothing was delayed at all. Fleur now bathed, and looking fab as normal for a show
Well at midnight we set off for our weekend away in France. We got to the Euro Tunnel just after 1am Saturday morning had a little sleep as our train was at 02.10 Fleur was enjoying watching people arriving and making sure they didnt get too close.
We boarded the train, a little late as there was delays, but didnt matter as we had time to get there as it was just over an hour past Calais.
We arrived in France at just before 4am and headed straight to Douai, couldnt really see much as was dark and the roads were good.
We arrived at the venue and slept in the car till 7am when they opened the car park we parked right up by the hall so was easy to get in and out.
We unloaded the car, and made the short walk into the hall, was a different kind of hall then expected but there was space for grooming by the rings.
We set up knowing we wasnt going to be judged till lunch time, groomed Fleur through just to make sure then sat and chilled watching the breeds in front of us being judged as well as watching the Pomeranians as well.
The time came for Fleur to go into the ring, there was 3 other dogs in the class with us, We each had our individual assessment, and shame the ring wasnt bigger as then the dogs could have moved a bit more. Fleur was placed EX2 & RCACS (res CC) so was really pleased and over the moon with her. What a lovely way to start the new year in France with this. Was now looking forward to tomorrow and how Fleur was as i knew the same dogs would be there and another one.
We headed to the hotel, which was across the road from the venue, after we stopped and grabbed a McD's as we were both so tired, and didnt fancy going to the restaurant to eat. We checked in and had a super room loads of room, Fleur investigated every part of the room even watching outside to make sure it was ok.
The following day we went back to the show, and we were in a different part of the building and this was a little more closed in and not much room at the ring side the ring was slightly bigger but not much. We were in the ring at 11am so had time to relax and groom through Fleur and let her chill before going into the ring. The entry was bigger then yesterday and there was some dogs that we hadnt seen before so was interesting to watch the judging.
Fleur was in the ring and there was 5 in the class, and she moved beautifully once again, and couldnt ask anymore of her. Fleur was placed EX1 and then had to challenge for the CAC, which we didnt win, this didnt matter at all to us as she is still young, and needs time to mature, it was just super to win the class.
We left the venue packed up the car, and headed to Calais to catch the train home, we arrived earlier then our departure so had to pay extra but was nice to get home earlier as well.
On our way home from Folkestone we stopped to see Fleur's breeders Avril & Stan who were at the travel lodge as they were leaving to go back home to France on the monday. They were so pleased with Fleur and her great wins at the weekend.
Here's looking to our next trip to France!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well Hussy partied all night long with a bed full of toys the night before Crufts. At 3.30am just as she was contemplating sleep, it was time to get up and get ready to leave for the NEC. The journey was fine and we parked in the NEC Train station car park at approximately 6.40am and then walked through the halls to ring 30 in Hall 5 where pomeranians were being judged. We found a perfect spot to settle and then it was exercise time for Shaggy and Hussy before Michaela went to get changed.
The benching area started to fill and spectators started to sit at ringside, the stewards and Judge arrived at the ring and Shaggy's final entry in the showring was almost upon us. Whatever the result, Shaggy was retiring at Crufts, aged 10 years.
Veteran Dog was the first class of the day and Michaela and Shaggy followed Nicky Worthington and her young veteran Callum into the ring. Shaggy appeared to be full of efforvescent beans and was clearly enjoying his day and certainly not acting his age. A lap around the ring before the individual assessments. As always, Shaggy showed beautifully and then back to the lineup for final consideration by the Judge, Carl Sparrow. Shaggy was placed 1st, a fitting finale performance for our special homebred pom.
It was a wonderful moment just tinged with a little sadness that this was his last show. Michaela tried taking some photos of Shaggy with his prize card and rosette but Shaggy decided that he didn't want to co-operate. For him, retirement meant no more photos ! Lots of fuss and attention for Shaggy followed and eventually he was put to bed for a rest before the Challenge.
Shaggy continued to show well in the challenge along with the other class winners. Then the Judge had a break for lunch and it was time to focus on Hussy who had slept through the morning, totally unfazed by the whole Crufts experience. Exercise followed by a groom and then waiting for the Puppy BItch class to be called.
Eleven entries in the Puppy class and Hussy was very much a baby in the class at 9 months old, competing against much older and maturer bitches of between 12-14 months. Hussy was completely at home in the ring and showed beautifully, but was sadly not placed. Nonetheless, we were very proud of Hussy.
Melissa went to do some shopping and we then said our goodbyes to friends, packed up and started the long walk through the halls, further shopping on the way.
It was a fabulous day and was great to catch up with friends.
Unfortunately, such a wonderful day could only mean that the journey home was going to be horrendous, and it was. The car park and roads were gridlocked and it took approximately 3 hours to get from the car park to the M42 (a grand distance of approximately 3 miles). Once on the M42, traffic remained slow and then finally we reached the M40 and could finally get going, arriving home at about 10.30pm.
Both Shaggy and Hussy slept well that night, but it was no rest for the wicked, as they say. 9.50am appointment at the vets for Hussy to start her pet passport by having a microchip and then Fleur receiving at the same time her travel treatment ready for our weekend trip to France.
Well this week is going to be a busy week for us here at Sharhazlah, getting both Shaggy & Hussy ready for Crufts, and then getting Fleur ready for our trip to France.
We had a lovely pre Crufts run at the weekend with both Hussy winning Best Puppy and Fleur winning the Hound group.
Today is bathing day for Shaggy, so he is already for Thursday, nails, and trim he is the easiest one to do so wont be too bad.
Tuesday will be Hussy's turn now this is a job that i dont look forward its a battle on who winds who up.
Wednesday will be a final check on both dogs, filling car up with petrol and getting food to take with us.
Thursday an early start from home at 4am to get to the NEC and miss the traffic, hate sitting in traffic & get into the Hall before it gets too busy. We are looking forward to seeing all our friends at Crufts and wish them all the luck
Then on Friday we have a visit to the vets for Fleur and to get her passport stamped so we can go to France. Then off to the hospital for a check up which hopefully be on time. Come home and get Fleur into the bath and dryed, then have a couple of hours sleep before heading to Folkestone to get the train to France.
Certainly going to be a busy
We would like to wish all our friends here in the UK, and all our friends overseas, all the best for the Christmas & New Year, and we hope to meet up with you all soon.
Hussy is our new pomeranian baby and she has recently been introduced to society so we thought we would share some information with you.
It has been over 5 years since Michaela had a pom puppy to show and with Scooby retired from the ring and Yarla no longer enjoying the show ring, Michaela was left to be chief supporter of Melissa and Fleur and to drag Shaggy out on rare occasions in veteran classes. At nearly 10 years, he thought he had been retired !!
In September, we were invited to look at a litter bred by Caroline Odd. Caroline had previously used Shaggy at stud and we knew that her lines were one of the few kennels to go back to the Tookeyes lines which are dominant in our own lines and which we knew and loved. We were interested in a pup which might enable us to breed in the future and continue our line, and at the same time, get Michaela back in the ring and having some fun.
Caroline offered us pick of litter and we spent a lovely afternoon, meeting the pups (and parents) and playing. One little bitch stole our attention immediately. Caroline assured us that she was orange sable though at present, she is orange !
We considered some names and settled on Trenarwyn Tiger Hussy so Michaela's immediate response was to call her "Hussy". Hussy was in the middle of having her innoculations done so we were unable to take her home straight away as Caroline had kindly offered to complete the course.
Whilst waiting to return and collect Hussy, we busied ourselves preparing for her arrival - dog bed, toys, dishes etc.
Melissa was unable to go and collect her so mum went with Michaela and Hussy arrived at Sharhazlah, immediately winning everyone over. Even had dad rolling around the floor with her.
Hussy didn't attend any ringcraft classes, such was her self confidence and cocky attitude. Her first show was the Horsham open show where two pom classes were scheduled. At 6 months and 2 days, Hussy won the Post Graduate class, Best of Breed and Best Puppy under Miss Amber Henshaw.
The big test was still to come.......LKA before a large entry of 109 poms for toy and breed specialist, Julie Sparrow. This was Hussy's only chance to qualify for Crufts 2012. We had entered Shaggy to keep her company and set off for the NEC at 5.30am on Sunday 11th December. On arriving at the hall, we found there were 12 entered in Hussy's minor puppy bitch class. Hussy seemed a little bored in the four-berth, waiting at ringside and decided to chill out and sleep.
Poms were second in the ring after toy poodles and it was soon time for Shaggy to go in his veteran class. He is such a little show-off and loved every minute of being in the ring. Shaggy won the veteran class and later received many compliments from some spectators from other breeds who watched the dog challenge.
Whilst Michaela was in the ring with Shaggy, Melissa prepared Hussy as her class was immediately following the dog challenge - no time for nerves !!
All 12 poms turned up for the class. Twice round the ring and then the individual assessments. Hussy showed beautifully on the table and doing her triangle and up and down. Julie Sparrow looked along the line and shortlisted 5 for the placings. Hussy was one of these and already we were happy, simply that she was to receive a placing in such good company. A final walk up and down for each dog and then Hussy was placed 3rd, qualifying her for Crufts 2012 at her first and only attempt.
Hussy didn't realise what all the fuss was about and decided it was time for her afternoon nap.
Shaggy will now accompany Hussy to Crufts where he will officially retire from the showring
Today we left early to go to the Rouen International Show with Fleur, we left home just after midnight on Sunday morning, and arrived at the venue in Rouen at 6.45am. Dogs were received from 8am and the rain was coming down so hard, it was going to be fun, to get unpacked and into the hall. Luckily, just before 8am the rain eased so we managed to get all the stuff out of the car, and then join the long queue to get into the hall. Fleur's pass was checked, and then we went in.
We found our ring in the first hall and then tried to find our number that was stuck on cages near the ring. We set up everything and took Fleur for a walk in the hall hoping that she might spend a penny, with luck she did but took her time.
I went to get changed as we were 2nd in the ring, and there were only 4 dogs in the breed in front.
We watched the dogs being judged, and some nice dogs there, and then Fleur's class was called and I was last in the line as it's alphabetical order in France. We were sent round twice before our judge Jean-Jacques Dupas assessed each dog and graded them. It was our turn, and Fleur was happy being gone over, and was very steady on the move and showed her socks off for me, and wasn't as long standing for our critique to be done.
We were then sent round the ring again before our judge made his mind up, Fleur was graded Excellent 1st in her class, I couldn't believe it we had won our class and our first time in Intermediate bitch, it was a super feeling, Fleur knew she had done well as she was over the top with her kisses.
We were then called into the ring for the challenge for CACS & CACIB (as it was an International Show). We were put into class order, and moved round the ring twice, and then waited till our judge had made his mind up on his Bitch Winner.
Fleur was then awarded the CACS & CACIB - what an achievement this was. It was a very special moment and one we will not forget.
We then had to challenge for BOB. This consisted of the CACIB Dog winner, Veteran Winner, CACIB Bitch winner (Fleur) and the Junior Winner. We were moved twice more and BOB was given to the Veteran dog who is a stunning dog, Fleur done us proud in the BOB and was very happy with how she performed.
We then got some photos done, and then waited for 4.30pm to come so we could leave to get home. We even got a trophy for being awarded the CACIB so was a lovely day.
We left the venue about 5ish after packing up and getting out of the car park, we did get lost but lucky for us Daniel our TomTom got us through it, and get us back on to the right road home.
We arrived at Pets Passport Tunnel Calais at 7.15 and we checked Fleur in and was given all clear to travel, and we then proceeded to wait for our train at 8.20pm. We went and got a few bottles of wine as it was on offer (a very good offer for sure) so that was good.
We then boarded the train and headed for last part of the journey still on cloud 9 for sure.
Was a long day and a very worthwhile trip and one we will never forget
We had a super time at the All Winners Show Amsterdam.
We set off on Saturday after doing a quick stop at the vets to get Fleurs passport signed, so she could come back into the UK on sunday.
We arrived at the Channel Tunnel, and a notice was saying severe delays on passengers routes and we got a earlier train (well 10mins earlier we thought). We went through to the car park and chilled waiting for our letter to be called, and checking the board to see what was happening. Fleur was having a wonderful time watching everyone and being her normal self, making new friends as they went by, Lucky for us our train was only 30mins late, so it didnt cause too many problems like it did for others earlier on.
Once we were the other side of the water in Calais the TomTom said it was abuot 3hrs30mins so that was good and remembering we was an hour in front we would get to IBIS Hotel Amsterdam at 5.30 local time. The roads and traffic was brilliant and not a hold up at all.
We arrived at the hotel beautiful setting and it was freezing though but it was fine. We managed to get a ground floor room so much easier for Fleur, we settled in and Fleur was having so much fun exploring the room.
We had a lovely dinner with Avril & Stan, and an early night even though we had the manageress come round to say that Fleur had been vocal whilst we had gone for dinner, i guess she had missed us whilst we were gone!!!!
The next morning we left just before 7am and arrived at the venue, car park was underneath and reminded me of the GMEX Manchester, so unloaded the car, and off to the lift to get to the hall. All good fun trying to get trolley and everything in but we managed it.
We found our ring in the furthest corner from the front of building just like shows in the UK always the longest journey to the ring.
We set up by the ring, and saw we was 4th in the ring but there was only about 20 dogs in front of us.
I took Fleur for a run round the ring to see how it was and to make sure no drains or anything that you could step on, Fleur loved running round. We groomed her out and then let her sit and chill till time to go in.
Fleur was in the Junior Bitch class and there was 5 entries. Fleur was graded Excellent 4th we was very proud of Fleur, and the only thing we found was static on her feet that she got from the carpet so something to watch with her, i think she has too much coat thats why!!! We had a lovely write up from the judge too, and was nice to see it in black and white so quick and not have to wait weeks for it to appear in the paper!!!!
Our good friends Avril & Stan had a brilliant day with the Pulis they made Leon into an International Champion he was also BOB and Storm also took BOB and Group 2 so a super weekend for Weetoneon all round.
We had a look round the trade stands but there wasnt that much there so a little disappointed really but still spent money and Fleur got another new toy!!!.
We left the venue at 15.50 (Amsterdam) and arrived back him at 20.20 (UK time) so had another brilliant journey back.
We had a super time and will return again to show in Amsterdam.
We this week we are getting everything ready for our trip to Amsterdam to attend the All Winners Show. We are just taking Fleur with us so plenty of time for Fleur to have lots of fun, and to catch up with Avril & Stan who co-own her.
So many things to do and hopefully will have enough time to get it all done. Have got to do a DVD yet for Avril & Stan of Fleur, that is going to take some time but hopefully it will be straight forward (things never are when I want them to be)!!!!
Have got to sort out stuff for Fleur, pack for myself, get car ready, have a tooth out, my weekly injection, vets with Fleur, bath Fleur and to go shopping for some food. Yes plenty of time!!!!
Hoping to see all our friends that we have made, and looking forward to another trip abroad to a show and getting lots of pictures to put up when we are back.
Will update on our news when we return
Well its been 6 weeks since Melissa had her operation, and a time for a update
Our first show out since the operation, and Michaela doing all the work with the dogs was Kent County, and Michaela's first time showing Fleur, not sure who was more nervous her or me. Michaela did a brilliant job with Fleur with winning Junior & Res Best of Breed, and then winning Best AV Toy Veteran with Shaggy a long and busy day for her.
We then went to City of Birmingham, for a weeks holiday and the weather was ok and even better when we had Fleur to bath, what fun that is. Michaela did another brilliant job with bathing and drying her and then she did well in the ring with a 3rd in junior. I think Michaela has enjoyed showing Fleur and has been hard for me sitting at ring side watching and not being able to do anything.
Hopefully will be back in the ring soon
 Fleur being dryed for show day  Fleur all done, and both her and Michaela waiting for Ice Cream as it was so hot  best seat in the caravan  welcome to our home can I help you???
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