Top Lodge at Crufts 2014

The Top Lodge Team had three of the top ten dogs competing in the HTM Finals at Crufts 2014

The competition took place at on the Friday 7th March late morning. Both Karen and Kath took advantage of the empty arena at 7:00am that morning to get the dogs more accustomed with the space, the astro turf floor covering and the general atmosphere.     Karen's Fly and Kath's Amber are both regular finalists and they both looked very excited and happy to be in this special arena.

Kath's youngest dog Denby (Stillmoor Extra Special) was drawn first in the running order

Not an easy draw for his first time in the ring as it is hard to calculate just when entry into the Arena will be due to the other activities running over - or going too quickly! 

But Kath's experience helped him through the routine and of course being first to compete - he was in first place but not for too long!

Kath was very happy with how he coped with the experience - he kept quite good focus on her but was slightly distracted a couple of times by the painted marks on the Astroturf where the agility/flyball equipment was to placed in the following competition.

Denby finally finished in 9th place but with experience now for the next time!!

 Karen was next into the ring with Fly (Iatka Spring Spangle). 

Performing to a Michael Buble number - It Had Better Be Tonight", they thoroughly enjoyed their special time together in the Main Arena.

It's been a tough time for this team recently with Fly having to fight cancer in the summer but she has recovered and Karen was so pleased that she had made it not only through the Crufts Semi Final but also being able to perform once again on that "hallowed turf"! 

 Fly and Karen finished in a very happy 10th place.

The final dog to compete was Kath's Amber (Stillmoor Lady In Red). 

It was good feeling for Kath to be there this year as in 2013 Kath withdrew Amber from the competition due to a bad tummy upset.  So it was with relief that Kath walked out into the Arena with the routine she had prepared in 2013!  

They worked well together until Amber had a slip on the Astroturf - which led to her being a little too vocal!  But they finished the competition in 8th place.

Kath having two dogs in the final was very grateful to the third Top Lodge Member Lesley who helped her with the two dogs backstage during competing and costume changed!