Judging at Crufts 2012

Kath has just been sent these pictures from Emmy Simonsen!  Proof she was working at Crufts this year.

OK - so "Hero" got very bored!!!!

And doesn't pay attention even when Kath looks at him!!!

Karen's Birthday at Crufts

Friday 9th March was the day Karen competed in the Heelwork To Music Final at Crufts and it was also her birthday - making it a very special event for her.

Lesley and Kath had ordered a cake especially for the day to share with everyone.

Lots of the International handlers and supporters came along to share the celebrations.

Happy Birthday was sung to her in four different languages - French, Dutch, Swiss and English.

Not sure who was the loudest!!!

But the French were the most tuneful! 

It looks quite sickly - but it was actually very, very nice with enough left to take to the restaurant that night.

HAPPY "CRUFTS" BIRTHDAY Karen.

Top Lodge at Crufts 2012

Crufts 2012 - and all Top Lodge were involved in the competitions. Kath had been invited to judge all three days of competition - the Freestyle (Thursday) the Heelwork To Music (Friday) the International Freestyle (Saturday) and the Young Kennel Club Classes (Saturday afternoon)

 

It seemed a long walk to reach the judge's tables in the Main Arena!

Lesley and Angus competed in the Freestyle Competition to their music "Elegance" from Hello Dolly.

A great routine which gave Lesley and Angus third place!!!   Well done both of you. 

All ten competitors with their lovely dogs, plus the judges for a photograph of a day to remember 

Karen with Fly competed in the Heelwork To Music Competition on Friday, performing to "Singing In The Rain" they completed a superb routine with bejewelled umbrella and jacket - all hand done!

 Well done Karen and Fly gaining 4th place

 What a great line up - all ten competitors with dogs - and a couple of judges! 

Crystal engraved trophies presented to the judges in appreciation of their hard work.

The Winner of the International Freestyle Competition Thierry Thomas and Ubac from France

At the benches for a well earned rest - Lesley with Angus and Hamish

The benches are a nice quiet area for both dogs and handlers.  Decorated with the Good Luck cards from family, friends and fellow competitors

 Karen met with Lada from The Czech Republic from her visit there with Kath a few years ago

Karen at the benches with Fly and Erin snuggled in their cages.  Lots of cards - it was Karen's birthday on the Friday so extra celebt-rations for her.

Another Crufts over - and the year starts all over again - looking for new music for new routines.

Thanks to everyone for supporting Top Lodge - especially Derbyshire County Cricket Club for allowing them to use the indoor facilities.

First Birthday Shopping for Denby

Just one year ago today (3/3/11) - Denby (Stillmoor Extra Special) was born along with his sister Gracey (still owned by Paula Ackary)  Yes Denby was and is a big boy!!!!

To mark this special day - Kath took Denby shopping for his first birthday present.

Lots of toys - what to choose?

Kath had to let him know which were sqeaky, poor Denby just had to watch - and listen!!

Nice Footwork!!

The final choice - well OK he's spoilt as he couldn't choose between the three!!

Denby's Debut!

It was a big day for Denby - his ring debut at Tomlinsons Canine Centre at a Training Show where dogs were allowed to take part over 10 months old.

 Happy enough even though now off lead!

 Denby's first run went as well as could be expected for a big new venue

Happy Tuggy Denby

Second time in the ring

He kept his focus well.

He had two goes - one in the morning when busy and one later towards the end of the day when unfortunately, people had started to go home due to the very cold weather.

Kath was very happy at his attitude and movement.

Mostly heelwork with a couple of spins and weaves.

And a tuggy reward for being such a good boy

And straight back into more heelwork.

Ready for another reward

Zoooooooooooooooooooom   Food Circuit!!!

Whoops - all good fun till the food became stuck between his pads!

But happily coming back for more

Off it goes again - yummy cheese!!

And straight back into good focussed work.

Nice Denby :-) Looking very long here!

A great for training all her three dogs, Spice, Amber and Denby - very worthwhile.

Karen and Fly Interviewed for DOGSPORTMAG

Karen was recently asked for an interview following her win with Fly in the Individual Open European HTM Championship and for being a member of TeamGB which won the Team Open European Championship.

Read the article  HERE 

Kath has a Weekend Of Seminars

Westglen HTM Club invited Kath to present two seminars over the weekend 11th & 12th February 2012
 

The first day was to cover the KC Rules and Regulations L

 A tough day learning the rules and how to apply them.

Not much fun for Kath's dogs though - at least the weather was improved and warmer - but not as good as a run in the woods - thankfully David was with Kath to take the dogs for short walks throughout the day.

The second day was the Judges HTM Practical seminar -lots of useful discussion and feedback.

Thanks to Pat Sidaway and Westglen for inviting Kath and for letting Kath and David join you for dinner Saturday Night andmany thanks from Kath to everyone who attended - you were a great group - both days!