What an exciting & fun 10 days! Fern & I set off, without Rog on Thursday the 13th to Kelmarsh, site of the KC International Festival. I was nervous having no man around to do the strong stuff, and no back up driver as Fern is not legally allowed to tow the caravan yet, but still looking forward to our biggest 2 shows ever.
Fern stayed awake for the 3 hour drive, (a miracle in itself as she normally drops off within the 1st 5 minutes!) but we pulled into the site and set up our 1st camp. It was huge!!! We finally decided to walk through the field, across the bridge and investigate the main ring area, and what a site. 19 rings, loads of trade stands, 100's,.. no 1000's of people & dogs, and a blast of colour around the main ring with all the different countries flags flying.
I was nervous on the Friday morning, but it was fine, and Lily & Olli were excited to be there. We didn't manage a clear round Friday. Partly my nerves, partly the dogs being high as kites, but I was a bit fed up by the evening. Perhaps I wasn't ready for such a huge show. I needn't have been down though, as Saturday Lily had a cracking clear round in the jumping & managed 6th place! 270 dogs in her class so I was thrilled. Olli missed out by the odd pole flying, or a missed weave entry but he tried. Sunday and Lily had got into her stride. 5th in Jumping & 12th in Agility! It was an amazing show, and Lily proved that she has got what it takes to go far, with a little fine tuning.
Monday we were packed up and gone by 10am and arrived at Ipswich at 1pm. Dogs in Need Charity show was almost more impressive, more organised and a better venue than the Festival. Acres and acres of caravans, scorched ground (no rain for weeks!) but beautifully laid out rings, dotted among the trees and such a relaxed atmosphere.
We relaxed, had lazy days, walked the dogs, played with Dave, Fern taught him new tricks, and Lily & Olli both did well. I missed Rog being there but we chatted every day and I kept him up to date with all our successes and failures!
Olli managed a clear round with Fern & a 12th in Jumping with me. Not bad, but Lily excelled herself and surpassed my expectations. 7th in Agility, then 2 3rds, one in Jumping, one in Agility to end the week. In her Agility class there were only 10 clears out of 170 dogs, and she was only beaten by 2 Grade 7 handlers with their new dogs. It was a really tricky, trappy course but she focused and we did it!!
Oh how I love that dog! Lily Fudge Cake we have so much more to achieve and I have no doubt we will. Not bad for a £50 farm pup with half an ear!!!!
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