News
Summer 2003
MEPAL (Pentney Lakes)
Last weekend a large number of Newfie enthusiasts trekked over to Norfolk for the annual Mepal event organised by EAWN (East Anglian Working Newfoundlands). Of course this year the event probably should have been called Pentney as we had a last minute venue change. We believe there were a minimum of 88 Newfs on site for the event and goodness knows how many human companions.
The venue was simply perfect. Our pitches were a stone's throw from the lake, the obedience ring and the marquee. Even sat enjoying a quiet cup of tea in one's awning you were still a part of the goings on.
During both days water training was carried out in 25 minute intervals. Huge progress was made working our dogs with a new set of people. What with the EAWN expertise and the added wow factor of the French also over for the weekend, it was an opportunity to explore different ways of working. I know of at least three dogs in our group who made a leap in their training from learning to do boat jumps after months of trying, to very young puppies learning the mechanics of boat tows, swimming round the boat, rescuing strangers and basically getting to grips with the fundamentals.
Obedience training was run twice a day with a large number of good and not so good Newfs training their owners (sorry - should that be the other way round?). We had people dragged from the ring, dogs running from the ring, scraps in the ring but on a more positive note there were some sure signs of obedience coupled with lot's of treats being handed out left, right and centre. These actual training sessions were backed up by talks at lunch-time on dog behaviour.
Grooming tips were delivered with many a ragged dog being totally transformed by the nimble fingers of our very own Ange Mercer.
The days were packed and by the end of the weekend I'm sure everyone present would agree that it was a fantastic event. We are hoping this change of venue remains permanent as ideally we would all like to go back again next year. Huge thanks to the Mayhews, the Pecks and all the members of EAWN, who as usual did an amazing job.
Horsham Newfs Committee
At the AGM on April 13th, a new committee was voted in.
After 7 years at the helm of our group, Steve Mallett stood down as Chairman and Elaine Mallett stood down as Treasurer. There have been several emails and phone calls received expressing a huge amount of THANKS to both Steve and Elaine for all their hard work on behalf of the group. Although they are both stepping down from these busy roles, it is good to know that they are both planning to stay very involved in the group.
Voted in were:
- Kevin Mercer as Chairman
- Debi Hawkins as Treasurer
- Georgia Leybourne as Secretary
The Tasha Trophy
Last year Wendy Adcock introduced the Tasha Trophy
to our group in honour of her late dog, Tasha.
The trophy is awarded to the dog that has a love of the water but also shows great enthusiasm to please it's handler and together make a good working team. The dog should display a natural ability for waterwork and be responsive to the handler.
At the AGM in April, the committee officers voted to select the recipient of the award for 2002. The successful Newf was Izzi Mercer who continues to show the most amazing enthusiasm for water work.
This was a close fought competition as there were some very close contenders who are excellent water dogs. The choice was made after careful consideration and awarded to Izzi for consistency year after year after year.
Launching our new boat
Back in January we purchased a new boat for use
at our regular water training on Saturdays at Southwater and for use at
sea. This boat was funded from a combination of membership fees, monies
collected at events and primarily donations from Christine Reeve's memorial
fund. The boat was launched at our first weekend back in the water in
March. A plaque honouring Chris is mounted on the inside of the stern.
The boat has already seen a lot of use and is proving to be an excellent addition to our group. The extra size and non slip pads on the tubes makes it ideal for our water training.
Sasha in her new home
Sasha
is a beatiful Landseer who used to belong to Bob Fletcher and his family.
Due to various circumstances, Bob was forced to have Sasha rehomed. Through
a series of phone calls, Sasha found her new owner who lives on the Isle
of Aaron and enjoys beach walks with his Jack Russell. As you can see
from the photo, Sasha is now a part of those walks and is absolutely delighted
with her new surroundings. It was thanks to Newfie Rescue that Sasha found
her new home and Sasha's new family found her.
Bob's son, Ryan, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. He is currently 8 months into a 3 year treatment plan and in remission. After some dreadful months Ryan is now back on his feet, back in school and feeling a lot better. The monthly therapy causes a few bad days here and there but all in all things are looking a lot brighter.
Bob is undertaking a Charity Challenge to raise money for the Antony
Nolan trust. To date he has raised over £4000 and in September will
be doing a climb to Mount Everest Base Camp. Bob is looking for sponsorship
and will be sending out more details in the near future.
HUDSON'S GRAND DAY OUT
Way
back in the autumn, we were invited to provide a dog to take part in a
carting display at Crufts in March.
In her younger days, Maisie would have loved to do her bit but is now happier just snoozing. This meant that Hudson would be given a chance to shine as Sydney had yet to pull a cart.
Luckily he seems to have taken to draught work like the proverbial duck to water! His laid back nature is ideal for the task, unquestioningly doing everything that is asked of him.
Despite this, practice was the order of the day. He became a familiar sight on our estate doing manoeuvres around trees and road signs, reversing between gateposts and railings. Those of you that work your dogs will know that for every hour spent carting half of it is taken up with answering questions and stopping while people make a fuss of the dog. This is especially so as where we live the footpath that runs past the house is used by all the local children enroute to school. Nearly every child stopped to give Hudson a cuddle, especially his little red haired friend who had been chatting to him over the gate for months. Her elder brother said they always had to wait at the top of our drive to talk to ''wolfie'' as she calls him!
By the time Christmas came Hudson was really settled in the shafts, being a stalwart for the group when we gave cart rides at St. Mary's school, then rushing off to help Santa that same evening at the caravan club Christmas party. New year came and went and nothing was heard about the display until three weeks before Crufts when the organiser rang to say that Hudson would be the only Newfie involved along with four dogs from the Midlands Bernese Carting Display Team and our friend's Leonburger.
We were used to exhibiting Maisie at Crufts but this was different. It was like being royalty, being allowed to park and unload outside the main entrance. Just as well, as we had the cart, the dog, his food, our food and assorted equipment to transport. I have to admit that I think that Hudson pulls is better than I do; I'm not sure how many shins and toes I injured on the way in! Hudson's bench was amongst the obedience competitors. He really did look out of place sandwiched amongst all those collies (oops, working sheepdogs) but because of the size difference he drew everybody's attention.
The carting display itself was very straightforward with each dog being introduced individually and a few details given about them and their particular breed history. The commentary on the Leonburger and Newfie included the fact that both had working carts that are used for cross country and test events and are highly manoeuvrable. The Bernese carts were brightly decorated and the owners were all dressed in Swiss national costume. Not to be outdone, Hudson's cart was flying Canadian flags brought back for this very purpose from a friends holiday in Toronto. At the end of the display the commentator asked for a child from the audience to ride in Hudson's cart - there were plenty of willing volunteers for this and the little girl chosen thoroughly enjoyed her ride, waving to mum and dad all the time during her trip around the ring.
After the display Hudson returned to his bench to have a well earned rest, but the constant stream of people wanting to give him a cuddle and have their photograph taken with him was never ending.
Unsurprisingly the journey home was extremely quiet apart from the odd snore from the back of the car. Maisie and Sydney were both pleased to see us back but when Sydney greeted Hudson his eyes lit up and you could almost hear him say, ''whoopee you're home - it's playtime''. Hudson by this time was absolutely shattered but we both agreed it had been a grand day out!
Wendy Chrismas
At Working Breeds of Wales, Merlin Hawkins was 3rd in Junior and qualified for Crufts next year.
Loxley tried very hard in Puppy but was probably still recovering from his very traumatic experience the day before.
When we arrived at Wales all the dogs were put in the paddock for a "comfort break". Loxley decided that he wanted to be with Mum and tried to go through a double layer of stock fencing - result was a panicking puppy with his head firmly stuck. Frantic calls for the wire cutters and he was soon free - hope Hedd doesn't charge for repair bills on the fence. Just proves that another one of our Newfs has only half a brain cell!
Angie Mercer
© Horsham Working Newfoundlands