Richmond Dog Show at Loseley House

We went to the Richmond Dog Show to check out the competition and compare a Championship show to the Open shows we normally attend. When I’m not working I like to wake up late so it was 12:30 by the time we got to Loseley House. I was surprised to see there was no charge for parking or for entering the grounds. I believe there were fees in the past; maybe it’s a sign of the times that it was free. We enjoyed looking around but it was late in the day so I’m not sure we got the full experience. By coincidence, I saw one of my customers in the ring with his Afghan, and was able to take pictures and talk to him afterward.

Later my husband and I of course had to get something to eat. That’s normal for us; we walk around for an hour or two and then have to break for food. I was surprised to see a large number of food vendors; we were really spoilt for choice. Richard had fish and chips with mushy peas, which he thoroughly enjoyed and I had a ham and cheese toasty.

While we were eating we started talking to two ladies from America. They were travelling around England and the continent in a camper van and had entered their Papillion in the show. The dog travelled in a cool looking back pack kennel that I have never seen before. They said compared to US shows this one was big. I’m not sure if they were comparing similar type shows but I was definitely surprised. I have to check out an American show the next time I’m there.

It would probably have been better if we went earlier, but it was fun none the less and I will seriously consider selling Dogs Etc product at the show next year.

 

Proposed Dog Chipping Law

I am seriously upset by the thought of all the dogs destroyed in shelters every year. There is a simpler solution to the ones I have been reading about.

A law that every dog needs to be chipped and the owner put on file in a national database. Vets & Kennels will need to check that every dog is chipped and in the database.

If a dog winds up in a shelter, the owners can then be found and notified.

• If the owner no longer wants the dog and cannot find a new home for the animal; the shelter will determine if the dog needs to be put down.
• The owner will then be fined and have to sign away the right to ever own a dog again.
• If they are caught owning another dog there should be legal consequences.

All other legislation makes only dog breeders responsible; but every human being should be accountable. The real problem is the person who gets a dog without taking responsibility for their actions. With this law people will come to realize a pet is not a toy.

Microchipping is not dangerous and it can help save animals lives read this article http://www.vethelpdirect.com/blog/2010/09/28/microchipping-molly/

If you want to have your pet microchipped you can do it for free with the RSPCA
http://www.rspca-london-se.org.uk/events.html

Trip to Beaulieu

Two weeks ago I took my niece and nephew to Beaulieu in Hampshire. They allow dogs and although I could have brought Lenny, I thought it wasn’t a good idea. Lenny is friendly but not used to being in public places and not the best behaved dog in the world. Unlike Lenny all the dogs at Beaulieu were obedient. Two Border Terriers were in the queue when we came in. Then passing the restaurant, I saw what I think were a large Belgian shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff snoozing under a picnic table. All I got was a butt shot so I didn’t include it.

The kids were on the formula one simulator ride and while I was waiting, I saw a beautiful golden retriever and three Shih Tzus. I wanted to take pictures but figured people would think I was crazy. In the motor museum there was a covered space where you could tie your dog up to wait. I managed a picture here but it looks like a scene from the ‘Green Mile’.

If Lenny was there, I know he would have barked his head off. Before we left, I got one more picture of a cocker spaniel waiting outside the abbey.

I promise I didn’t only look at dogs; there were many other things to do. I went on the tram, toured the museum, had a lovely meal and took in the view of the town from the stately home. Inside the house you could walk through some of the rooms and encounter actors in costume as well. They portrayed staff and family who would have lived in the house; they answered questions and entertained everyone. I thought it was a nice touch and haven’t seen it done before.

If you want a nice day out with the family and your dog try Beaulieu. They also had scooters available so my father who has trouble walking had a good time as well.