We were blessed with another warm, sunny day for our Charity Day and thank Mr R Hall-Jones. Mr M Reeve and the Mavis Enderby Shoot for allowing us to come to Raithby to raise money for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
Our judges for the day were Godfrey Lowe, Martin Eveleigh, Will Hales and Gilly Bell and Sue Lowe was the Chief Steward. Thirty-one novice dogs competed for the ‘Remembering Jim Cochrane’ shield and sixteen open dogs were in the running for the Gibson Shield, presented by Mr and Mrs C P Gibson.
There were four tests for all of the dogs, though the open retrieves were longer than those for novice dogs:
Test 1 was a double mark. One dummy was thrown into the water and another into cover, both with shot. The one in cover (the more difficult) was picked first.
Test 2 was a two dog walk up.
Test 3 was a marked retrieve with shot over a dyke and there was also a blind alongside the dyke, across to the left at an angle. The marked retrieve was picked first.
Test 4 was along a track with cover on one side and a wood on the other. Two blinds were out on the track and a shot was fired. Both blinds had to be picked.
Results
Novice
1st Jogolo Ebony of Abbottsmere LDR D handled by Morris Abbott*
2ND Funnyline Fieldquest Knockandhu GR B handled by Anna Wagland
3RD Harpersbrook Harris of Serrara LDR B handled by John Iacono
4TH Woodfinch Fortissimo GR B handled by Paul Williams
CoM Harpersbrook Harrier of Serrara LDR D handled by John Iacono
CoM Teeshot Nickel LDR B handled by Doreen Spencer
*Awarded the ‘Remembering Jim Cochrane’ Shield
Open
1ST Laurinco Just Ace LDR D handled by Stephanie McBride**
2nd Tildaross Byron LDR D handled by Chris Johnson
3RD Cannonfield Georgia of Alpel LDR B handled by John Lepla
4TH Dark Cloud of the Sky LDR B handled by Penny Mariner
CoM Hollowgate Dancing Flames LDR B handled by Janette Sayer
CoM Thorntonfern Fantasy at Lowennabest LDR D handled by Marc Salt
CoM Kenquince Sneak Right In LDR D handled by Helen Smith
CoM Funnyline Fieldquest Kelbrook GR B handled by Phil Wagland
**Awarded the Gibson Shield
There were also four ‘fun’ awards:
Best water entry Grovery Gracie
Most improved handler Emily Bristow
Most unlucky handler Mrs Whittaker
After we had appreciated watching the dogs at work, we enjoyed a pork roast and puds. The day was rounded off with a huge raffle, ‘heads and tails’ and a small auction.
Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came and supported in any way Hearing Dogs for the Deaf and raised about £700.