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Special Features
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"The Other End of the Scale". By Joy Walker
- Joyville Rough Collies.
I have owned Rough Collies for two years but for a variety of reasons,
never more than three at a time so when I was asked to write an article
about my minute kennel I wondered what I could say. My triumphs do not
compare with the triumphs of the larger kennels that are already presented.
However, there must be many Rough Collie lovers out there in a similar
position to myself so maybe my story will strike a chord with the "little
people" who also show their dogs.
I do not come from a doggy family and at the age of three was attacked
by a neighbour's dog. This left me badly frightened, and a fear of dogs
stayed with me so my parents were very surprised when I decided I would
like to own a dog. After a pep talk about the responsibilities of owning
a dog mum and dad finally gave inand I became the proud owner of a scruffy
mongrel who I named Pip. Pip had a merry life but a short one as I lost
him at the age of two. There was an outbreak of distemper and at its
height my local vet was putting to sleep as many as forty dogs a day.
This epidemic virtually cleansed the town of its doggy population.
Needless to say I was heartbroken and wanted another little friend but
it was not safe to do so until the dreadful disease had run its course.
Several months late, I remember it well, I was stretched out on the
settee watching television when my dad came in and placed this furry
bundle on my tummy. There sat this ten-week-old Border Collie. My Dad,
a trombonist, had been playing with the local brass band at a village
fete where a farmer's wife had this puppy on a stall. The idea was to
pay sixpence [old money] and guess his name. Dad paid his money, wrote
down the name Billy and won!!
What a way to own a dog but Tod, as I had called him, had come to a
good home and was to be a faithful companion for 15 years.
| After
I said my final goodbye to Tod I decided that was it, no more
dogs, as losing them was too painful. A year later came my first
Rough Collie!! A fourteen month sable & white lad names Pearlian
Pistol Packer otherwise known as Crash. He was Crash by name
and Crash by nature as anything that could be knocked over was.
On one occasion I was in the kitchen looking for a paintbrush,
I heard an almighty clatter. I rushed into the hall and looked
up the stairs. Crash had run up and knocked over a two-litre
can of emulsion paint that was now cascading over a newly laid
stair carpet. To say the air was blue that day is a bit of an
understatement!! However his super nature made up for Crash's
misdemeanours. |

Pearlian Pistol Packer [Crash]
and Drop of Brandy at Clorewood [Brandy]
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A
year later a seventeen month tri bitch came to live with us and as
I was now working Crash at the local obedience club Brandy followed
suit. They were both cracking workers and I was very proud of their
achievements, that first rosette, being in the winning club team..
They were great times and I loved every minute of this pastime and
so did the dogs. In the obedience ring your dog was placed according
to the number of marks it had lost, not on who was at the end of the
lead. A week after Crash's fourth birthday tragedy struck. Crash and
Brandy were enjoying themselves on the local playing fields when,
due to a massive heart attack, Crash dropped like a stone. There was
nothing I could do except hold him tight for those last few moments
until his eyes closed for the final time. Both Brandy and I were devastated
at this sudden loss and it was imperative for both our sakes that
I found another Rough Collie as soon as possible.
| This
time I decided to have a puppy and went to look at a litter
bred by Jenny & Dave Whant. I chose a sable & white girl whose
pedigree name was Jendaw Gin 'n Tonic and she became known as
Ginny. The intention was to work Ginny but unfortunately she
did not really enjoy obedience. Then one day, the fateful words
were spoken as someone said "Ginny is a nice bitch, why don't
you show her instead?" That was in 1982. Ginny & I went to the
local ring training classes, next came exemption shows and then
the open shows. I still carried on working Brandy but slowly
and surely the show scene took over. |

"Ginny" |

Traglenza Magical Holly [Holly] |
I
quickly learned that Ginny had too many faults to stand a chance
at Championship level but we had some good times at Open shows.
After a five-year apprenticeship at Open shows and having lost
Brandy I decided my next collie would be one for the show scene.
Along came Traglenza Magical Holly [sire Ch Brilyn Supertramp]
from the late Mrs Gill Finch. In 1988 at the age of 12 months
Holly was entered under Mr D. Hatfield, in her first junior
class at Windsor. She won her class and novice bitch. I was
over the moon as only first place in Junior was a qualification
for Crufts and my little girl had done it. |
The
next year Holly & I were going to our first Crufts. However, the day
was not quite over as not only
had Holly qualified but she also ended the day by receiving the R.C.C.
I was "gob smacked", my first year showing at Championship shows and
Holly had gained her Stud Book Number.
There were no more major awards for Holly but she certainly gave me
a day I will never forget.
I decided it was time I had my own affix and the Kennel Club allowed
me my last choice "Joyville".
I had also decided to let Holly have a litter but we had no success
in that department.
The first mating Holly missed and the second time around resulted
in one live pup that I decided not to keep.

Saheltra Styled in Gold at Joyville [Sunny] |
To
make up for the disappointment I bought a sable and white
puppy dog, Saheltra Styled In Gold at Joyville [sire Bhyllsacre
All in Gold, Dam Saheltra's Angel Face] otherwise known as
Sunny and bred by Mrs Sheila Withers. During his puppy career
Sunny only went BPIB twice at Open shows but once he reached
14 months he came into his won and went on to gain the old
style Junior Warrant as well as qualifying for Crufts. From
then on Sunny never looked back and in the next 4 years of
showing he went on to gain 30 x BOB and 10 RBOB at Open shows
and in 1994 gained his Stud Book Number at the City of Birmingham
Championship show under Mrs Doreen Clarke [Lynway].
In February 1994 I received my first judging appointment and
hopefully one day, I can progress from C to B list. Although
I have not yet reached dotage I do not aspire to give tickets
as by the time such a top honour came my way I could be on
a zimmer frame.!!! I count myself very lucky indeed if, I
was offered a Breed Club Open Show. At present I am quite
content for I enjoy stewarding and am also the Treasurer of
the Wellingborough and District Canine Society. |
To
bring you up to date with my reminiscences I now show a tri bitch
Kalmia Kiss Me Kate at Joyville
[sire Troydon Tripple Ice at Carclew, Dam Lynway Shameless Hussy of
Kalmia] bred by Janet & Paul Barlow.
Kate has been awarded 8 x BPIB at Open shows and 15 X BOB at Open
shows as well as several best tri rosettes.
So far a Stud Book Number has eluded Kate but she usually manages
to qualify for Crufts somewhere along the line.
Since owning Kate, who is now 5, I have said my goodbyes to Ginny,
Holly and Sunny but I do have Kate's daughter,
by Kalmia Kick Back, Joyville Heaven Sent.
This juvenile delinquent is usually called Bliss; heaven only knows
why as I can think of some better names -- all unprintable!!!

Joyville Heaven Sent [Bliss] & Kalmia Kiss Me Kate at Joyville
[Kate]
Over
the years I have met some super people, and made lots of friends from
the "doggy world" and all my collies have been a joy to own and maybe,
just maybe, I will have that third Rough Collie again……………
and.................that is what has happened. Finally that third
Collie has come along in the shape of a tri bitch named Oakanmoor
I'm A Puzzle for Joyville. Born 9/06/02, Sire: Chrisarion Collier.
Dam: Oakanmoor Dream in Blue and bred by Sue Phipps[Oakanmoor].Initially
Sue was going to keep Puzzle but due to her son's illness rang me
up out of the blue and gave me first opportunity of owning her. Puzzle
was 5 months when I first saw her and I immediately said "Yes
Please"
OAKANMOOR I'M A PUZZLE FOR JOYVILLE J.W. 1RCC

A
decision I shall never regret as Puzzle, although very naughty, is
a delight to own and gets on so well with Kate and Bliss. In the seven
months I have been showing her Puzzle has so far had a very successful
career. At Open shows Puzzle has gained 10xBPIB, 3xRBOB. Puppy Group
2 & 4 AND A Group 3. Puzzle gave me a day to remember when at
Midland Collie Club Open Show she went Best in Show. Although she
made a slow start at Championship shows she has certainly made up
for it once she became a Junior.
At Puzzle's last four champ shows she has had 5x1st, 2x2nd and a Reserve
Bitch CC and gained the final point for her Junior Warrant. I don't
know if I have a champion in the making, but it will be fun finding
out.......
Joy Walker
Joyville Collies
CORBY.
01536 743047
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MY DAY AS A V.I.P.
[written by Mrs Rene Cozens - Bhyllsacre
Rough Collies]
It
began with a 'phone call. As these things often do. "I am an artist
employed by a Fine Pottery Company" said the voice at the other end
of the line, "and they have asked me to find a suitable Rough Collie.
I believe you have a Champion bitch. Could I possibly come and have
a look at her?"
I was thrilled. "Of course", said I, and it was arranged for the following
Saturday [surprisingly, no show to go to that day!]
Mr Campbell duly arrived, and I had "Mia" [see
Bhyllsacre Rough Collie web page] all polished up and looking
her best. I was able to watch him at work, and what an eye-opener!
Every part of "Mia" was measured - even her toes! "Everything must
be absolutely to scale" the artist said, "as this is intended for
the Collectors' market". He produced a glossy brochure advertising
much of his work. There were beautiful delicate models of wild birds,
foxes, badgers etc. and a fascinating range of dogs which included
one of Joe Braddon's "Ide" pointers, and a well-known German Shepherd
Dog. It was exciting to think of "Mia" - up there with the Elite.
Mr Campbell brought with him a dog on a stick!
To clarify that further, this was a clay model, giving the outline
of a composite dog. The base was a small turntable with a rod standing
up from the centre, the rod having a diameter of a fine knitting needle.
The model was attached to this, through the middle, rather like a
carousel horse on a roundabout at the fair. This was to be the beginning.
After all measurements had been taken, and fortified by a meal of
Fish & Chips, we hastened to "Mia"'s favourite field to get some action
shots of her on film. [I never knew you could pace like that, Mia!].
These would be used by Mr Campbell to enable him to study her action
in minute detail. When we arrived back home it was time to call it
a day, and he arranged to visit again, in a few weeks time. His first
visit was very nearly his last, actually, as on his way home a mattress
flew through his windscreen. Yes, a mattress flew through his windscreen
! [Not so funny at the time, however, as it landed him in Hospital
overnight, with a severely cut hand]. It appears he was following
a heavily laden vehicle which decided at that moment to part company
with some of its load. Fortunately, there was not too much traffic
about at the time.
After two more visits, the model started to take shape. One could
now identify the breed of dog more easily, even the coat texture was
there. However, the ball bearings which were inserted into the position
where her eyes would eventually be, gave her a decidedly hard expression
! At this stage I was invited to do a critical examination. After
careful consideration, I decided that her lip-line was too low down,
giving her a "lippy" appearance. This was soon altered to my satisfaction,
along with other minor points. This was the last visit to see "Mia".
The next time Mr Campbell and I were to meet, would be at the Albany
China Factory, in Worcester. The day dawned bright, sunny and warm,
one of the few enjoyable days of the Summer. Or rather, Autumn! I
had visited my hairdressers the previous day, and was dressed in a
rather expensive suit [bought impulsively with my Barclaycard whilst
on a visit to Sweden] and I felt rather excited and carefree as I
drove along the dual carriageway towards Worcester.
I had Mr Campbell's directions with me, and drove straight into the
factory yard. Quite an achievement really as I'm not the world's greatest
at following directions!! I soon found the reception area and showroom
and announced myself to the young lady who was behind the desk. She
informed me that Mr Nicholls, the Director, would be back shortly,
and would I please sign the Visitors' book. I had done this when I
noticed a display on my left, and out of the corner of my eye, caught
a glimpse of my "Mia". There she was, surrounded by Labradors, G.S.D.s,
and all sorts of birds, but very definitely - it was MY "Mia". I walked
[I nearly ran, actually, but felt the occasion demanded some modicum
of dignity!] over for a closer look. Had she been modelled in the
usual show stance, it would have been beautiful but the artist had
captured her on the move as it were, with the near hind and forelegs
flexed, and with her head held proudly, jaws slightly apart, showing
just the tip of her protruding tongue she looked for all the world
as if she was about to walk off that plinth and come towards me. I
was spellbound, almost unable to speak [very unusual!!] "You must
be very proud of her", the receptionist broke my thoughts. "Oh! I
am", I breathed, "Very proud indeed".
Mr Nicholls returned at that moment. We shook hands, and he invited
me into his office for a coffee. This was followed by a lengthy conversation,
during which he told me a little of Albany's history. Although the
company was only 14 years old, it is set in an Olde Worlde atmosphere.
It must have been an old coaching Inn at sometime, with stables around
the square courtyard. It really gave the impression of a centuries
old building. I also learned a bit about the various artists [Mr Campbell
had not yet arrived at this point]. In this office, was what Mr Nicholls
referred to as the "Albany Museum". This consisted of tiers of shelving
around the walls containing one of every single model which the firm
has produced. Many were Limited Editions, whose value ran into thousands
of pounds. But even they were dominated by the most beautiful model
of a peacock, easily life-size, standing on a solid wood column all
of five feet in height. Draped down one side of the plinth was the
bird's handsome tail, each feather delicately traced in bronze, the
"eyes" of beautiful turquoise enamel, the beak of 22 carat gold. I
did NOT ask how much he was worth. I just knew I could not afford
to buy him.!! Apparently, there are only three copies of this model
throughout the world. At the other end of the scale were tiny, dainty
little birds, looking almost ready to dart from their twig perches
at any second. Even Polar Bears were on view, standing proudly atop
pieces of Stourbridge crystal. I half expected to see the fox lurking
somewhere in the background, waiting to take the bear's position upon
the "glacier"!
I spent over an hour looking at all these beautiful creations, and
having their history explained to me. The I was introduced to Dave,
who owned a Collie, but was also into Rottweilers. We talked dogs
at length, after which, Dave took me to a nearby restaurant. Here
we enjoyed a seafood lunch, a bottle of wine, and a good chat. In
fact we were so deep in conversation that we were late getting back
to the factory, where the Press photographer was patiently [!!] waiting
to take pictures of the "official presentation". I was to have a complimentary
model of "Mia", presented to me by Mr Campbell, Dave was also included
in the photograph.
Next I was taken on a tour of the factory itself, and was able to
see each department at work. I was shown how the original "dog on
a stick" was dissected into small workable pieces to enable moulds
to be made. Even Mia's ears were separated from her head! Then more
moulds are cast from these original "masters". No mould is used more
than just a few times, otherwise much of the model detail would be
lost on some of the end products. This explains why these models are
so expensive. The highest quality only will do, and nothing is left
to chance. Each model is of course, hand painted, and as I chatted
to the artists it was obvious that they loved their work and found
it very interesting. I was shown the firing ovens into which every
model must go three of four times before it is finished. I also visited
the bronze foundry, where great lumps of metal are turned into delicate
filigree leaves, tiny twigs and birds' feet.
Then , back to reception, where "Mia" was by now, packed carefully
into her own little box, and waiting to be taken home. It was time
to say "Goodbye" to the staff at Albany. I picked up my precious cargo
and drove carefully home.
All the family were waiting for me. They gathered round and watched
excitedly as I tore at the wrapping on the box. Out fell a pile of
polystyrene "beans", beneath which were a couple of layers of that
lovely, transparent "bubbly" packing which my young daughter proceeded
to "crack" with great enjoyment. Eventually, I came to the oobject
of their attention. Very carefully it was lifted out, to the expected
accompaniment of "Ooh's" and "Ahhs". My usually non-committal husband
made the first comment, "Now that is the best Collie model I have
ever seen""
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The
above article was first printed in The International Collie Handbook
in 1985 but we thought it was an interesting read for our visitors
to the site.
This photograph shows Mrs Cozens with her BOB winner at Crufts
1997 - Bhyllsacre Golden Gem. |
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The
Beginning
In 1957 we were living in a farm cottage in Lincolnshire. Dick worked
as a cowman on the farm and we had one baby girl called Lynne and another
on the way. Not the time to be thinking of buying a puppy, but the head
never has ruled the heart. Answering an advert in "Exchange & Mart", we
bought our first Rough Collie.
The puppy was to be sent from Scotland to the nearest railway station,
which was Alford, and there, being no public transport to speak of, we
walked the three miles pushing the Silver Cross pram, which came in very
handy on the return journey because the puppy was only a baby.
It was a disappointment when we got the puppy out of the tea-chest, because
it was a tri-colour and not the sable we were expecting.
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| Mac,
as we called him, was of Beulah breeding and was to prove a nuisance
on the farm, especially when I went into hospital to have our new baby,
but we didn't stay at the farm for much longer, and it was with happiness
that we sat in the back of the furniture van with new baby Jayne, and
of course, Mac, and headed back to civilisation. Back to running hot
and cold water, flushing toilets, baths and buses every few minutes.
A Better Start
The first home of our own was a terraced bungalow with front garden
and back yard. Not the best beginning for a show kennel, but it was
whilst living there that we read an advertisement in the dog press for
a young, adult sable bitch, from the Kinreen Kennel, and, with the aid
of my father, who had a car, we dashed down to the Kinreen home and
bought our first bitch. Sugar, or Katherine of Kinreen, was by Ch. Legend
of Ladypark, and certainly did not have the temperament for showing,
but she did produce our first litter, in a cupboard by the fire.
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Various
dogs followed, and we rented a near-by allotment, which proved disappointing,
but it was at this time that we overheard a conversation at a show at
Seaburn, about a house for sale, and we couldn't wait for judging to finish
before hurrying off to investigate.
The old Vicarage, at Bowburn, was what most dog people would love, with
tennis court, beautiful gardens and imposing stone house. The library
had book shelves from floor to ceiling, the bathroom was palatial. At
£2,700 (a lot of money when a weekly wage was only £8), the property was
too much for us, but it sowed the seed of an idea. As most of the land
in County Durham was owned either by the Church or National Coal Board
(N.C.B.), we wrote off to both, and eventually bought Old, Hall, Hutton
Henry.
The attraction of the house was not the house itself, but the half acre
of walled garden, with an old stable that was converted to eight compartments.
The house was very spacious, the village green and Primary School were
opposite, and it was just the place to bring up our family, which had
grown to five.
I suppose we would be there still, but we were both working, and with
a little (only a little) more affluence we began to look for something
better. |
RIXOWN,
SHERATON
The Hind's House, as it was known locally, was a very dilapidated
farmhouse, the vandals and thieves had been at work, and all plumbing
and electric's had been ripped out. However, nothing daunted, we
scraped the cash together and bought the property outright and we
have lived there for the past twenty-five years.
There is about half an acre of land, which was once the farm yard
and the buildings were used to fatten cattle. Much work had to be
done to make the kennels, but most of this has been completed.
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After
a year on the premises, we decided to try boarding for a living, and I
left my job and soon was spending half the day clipping and grooming all
breeds and the other half looking after dog and cat boarders, and of course,
our own dogs. We carried this on for seventeen years, and when Dick retired
from his teaching job, we closed down the business and settled for taking
it easy ! (I jest ).
EARLY INFLUENCES
Without a doubt it was the film, "Lassie Come Home", which gave us our
love of Collies, but when you look at re-runs of the film today, you can't
help comparing the type with today's dogs. Of course, the film star, Lassie,
was really a dog, and American, but it makes you think.
Tom Purvis was the most powerful influence to us, and we still refer to
anecdotes of his. He knew not only dogs, but also people, and didn't suffer
fools gladly. His dogs in the early days were kept on an allotment and
consisted not only of Rough and Smooth Collies, but Shelties, Whippets
and an assortment of others. I suppose there must have been 40-50 altogether.
He was connected with a few dog Societies including, Darlington Championship
Show Society, and was, of course, the leading light in the Northumberland
and Durham Collie Club.
Phil Prudhoe (Ryhope) was a more reserved character, with not the driving
ambition of Tom, but still a force to be reckoned with on the dog scene
in the Durham area. His dogs were kennelled on an allotment at Ryhope,
near Sunderland, and his kennel was a converted pre-fab, and it was immaculate.
His dogs in the early years were mostly of Glenriver breeding, which went
back to Ch. Gunner of Mariemeau and were mostly dark shaded sables. In
later years, Sandiacre breeding was added. He also had successful Shelties.
Secretary of the Northumberland and Durham Collie Club for many years,
was Mary Tweddle, (Arcot), a lady who couldn't have been more kind, and
meals at her house were fit for royalty. Her kennels were also on an allotment,
which also housed quite a few Arcot Shelties. |
SHOW
SUCCESSES
Possibly the first Champion Collie bearing the Rixown Affix (begun in
1961) was a bitch, which Tom Purvis bought from us to accompany a dog
he was sending to America. We were told that she became an American Champion
but we have no way of substantiating this.
Rixown Ramsam was the first real winner of anything notable, gaining one
Reserve C.C. whilst his younger brother, Rixown Star Award won two Reserve
C.C.'s.
It was, while taking a bitch to be mated to Ch. Fourjoys Blue Danny, that
our eye was caught by a nine months old tri-colour dog puppy, which we
bought. He was our first C.C. winner and eventually became Ch. Fourjoys
Black Regal of Rixown. |

Ch. Fourjoys Black Regal of Rixown |
At
Darlington, in the early 70's a tri-colour dog puppy, a son of Ch. Royal
Ace of Rokeby, came on the scene. He was very attractive and filled his
bench. We approached the owners to buy him but were rebuffed. Five years
later, we were asked if we were still interested and a sale was transacted.
Ch. Baronstar Black Diamond was made up within seven shows and in all,
he won 6 C.C.'s and 6 Reserve C.C.'s.
Ch. Rixown Ravella was a late developer and had to take a back seat as
a youngster, because her sister was such a reliable shower. Ravella also
won 3 Reserve C.C.'s.
Answering an advert from the Arranbrook Kennels, we were fortunate to
buy the lovely puppy that was to become Ch. Arranbrook Sugar 'N' Spice
at Rixown. She won Best In Show (BIS) at two Breed Club Open Shows as
a puppy, and was a joy to own. As an adult, she won 6 C.C.'s and 6 Reserve
C.C.'s, including Best of Breed (BOB) at Crufts in 1983. |
Both
Ch. Pied Piper of Aberhill at Rixown and Ch. Heighinglea Black Knight
of Rixown came to us as young adults, and although we had moderate success
with both, we just could not get enough body on them to win in top competition.
It was just a case of the way of life and management didn't suit them,
and no one was more pleased than us when they made up for new owners,
Mrs. Hassock and Mr. Walton.
At one time we owned a nondescript little blue merle bitch, Sea Dreamer.
We let her go on breeding terms and used Black Regal. None of the pups
were of show quality and when she came in season again, we advised the
owners to use Tom Purvis' Danvis Jefsfire Johnnie Walker. The resulting
litter produced two of the most famous blue merles of of recent times
- Ch Danvis Ladyvale Blue Macade. |

Ch. Rixown Ravella |
| One
long-serving Club Secretary remarked to us that anyone could buy Champions.
To some extent this may have some truth, providing you have a pocketful
of money and are prepared to make a lot of mistakes. The trick is to have
the eye for a good prospect, buy it at a bargain price, and hope for a
large piece of luck. |

Ch. Arranbrook Sugar N' Spice at Rixown |
Other
breeds have had a place here at various times. German Shepherds, Smooth
Collies, Shelties and Cairns have taken our interest. We attend local
Shepherd shows at every opportunity and an old Cairn Terrier still keeps
single Collie pups company.

Rixown Janetta
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MANAGEMENT
The dogs are let out every day at around 07.45 a.m., dogs and bitches
kept strictly separate, and stay out for three hours, when they are fed
in their individual kennels, and we have an early lunch. The rest of the
day is, therefore, available to use at will. We sometimes go out for 2-3
hours, but are not keen on leaving the premises unattended for too long.
Afternoons are also used for dog walking, etc., and at about 3 p.m. the
dogs are let out for a gallop before being kennelled for the rest of the
day. On wet days we are fortunate that the inside covered area is sufficiently
spacious to allow all bitches to be loose together, but the dogs need
a bit more watching. We don't think there is a right and wrong way to
manage the feeding, etc., it's simply a matter of what suits you, personally.
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| Feeding
has for many years been on the same basis. Mostly a flaked complete
meal, plus minced tripe. Of course, other things are added. Nothing
is wasted, whether it be bread crusts, vegetables or gravy. Bitches
are usually whelped in the living room and at two weeks of age the
family are moved to the whelping kennel outside. |
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Although
we have no immediate neighbours, the dogs are kept quiet for our own
peace of mind, but a radio plays in the kennel 24 hours a day and, together
with the noise of the passing tractors and cars, the dogs are not usually
bothered at noisy shows.
Thursday evening is dog ring-training classes time, and is a necessary
part of the routine.
The kennels are all made of breeze blocks with wood and welded mesh
fronts. None of the dogs can see each other while kennelled and, therefore,
we don't get fighting between sections.
BREED CLUB
We are members of a few Collie Clubs, but the Northumberland and Durham
has had a special place. Dick has been Auditor, Committee Member, Chairman
and President and is now Life Vice-President. I have been Committee
Member, Treasurer, and now also Life Vice-President. In addition, I
was a founder Member of the North East of England Working & Pastoral
Breeds Society and was Secretary and Treasurer for a number of years.
SHOWING TODAY
Occasionally, we manage to get to a show together, when one of the family
"house-sits", but more often I travel alone.
Shows are becoming a rich man's sport, and unless some changes are made
soon, I can see dog shows (as we have today) dying out. The situation
regarding the Welsh Collie Club and The West of England Collie Society
alternating Challenge Certificates is just plain daft. Both of these
Societies can pull large entries, but the argument should not be about
rotation, but which General All Breeds Society loses its C.C.'s. After
all, the Breed Club shows are only half the entry fee, and besides,
no one knows how the annual number of C.C.'s is arrived at. The UN-elected
few at the Kennel Club have dictated for far too long.
Soft, fluffy coats in Collies are not a new problem. I remember Mrs.
Coombes and Mrs. Chatfield drawing attention to it years ago, but why
do they win? There's nothing easier to discern. One other favourite
hate are the Collies presented with the collar hair brushed above the
ears to give a false impression of a good reach of neck. Who was it
that coined the phrase, "Elizabethan Ruff" ?
PRESENTATION
Presentation to me is of the utmost importance. A Collie, of whatever
colour, well turned out with gleaming whites and body coat shining still
gives me a thrill. What is the point of having a beautiful show dog
if you haven't taken the trouble to show it off to its best advantage?
I think to present a grubby exhibit to a Judge is unforgivable.
JUDGING
I judged my first Open Show in 1973 and my first Championship Show appointment
was at Darlington in 1979. Co-incidentally, this was the show where
we won our first C.C. in 1975. Since then, there have been many enjoyable
days spent judging at all levels including a lovely weekend we spent
doing the Swedish Collie Club Championship Show together. I judged dogs
and Dick judged bitches and Smooth Collies.
Mr & Mrs Oliver
NEW
ADDRESS FROM NOVEMBER 2005
"Strathmore",
Durham Road, Wheatley Hill, Durham DH6 3LJ.
Phone 01429/824491.
e-mail oliverrixown@btopenworld.com
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