This is Star a dog I am dog walking for a lady, lovely dog and beautiful condition.

Isn't the weather awful the garden has been flooded again with all this rain, tried to do a little gardening this morning as it's the first weekend I have been home for awhile , managed to do a little but rain stopped play. so took cover in my study with Kobra asleep on his chair it's nice and dry in here.

Show wise Deepha and I went to Grantham Open show and won 2nd so we left early and went to visit Jan.

While I was there I was very pleased to hear later in the day Lucy and Dana won the pastoral group (Bonvivant Sorciere) seems like the judges are beginning to notice a good dog when they see one and not just pass us by. Well Done Lucy and Dana!

On the Sunday I was stewarding for Blackpool Toy Dog Open Show at St Annes , they asked me about 4-5 years ago, I do it twice a year.

I realy enjoy stewarding for them they are realy a happy society always laughing and jokeing.

Deepha and I had a lovely day at Midland Counties last Saturday.

Deepha won Best Bitch and Best of Breed.

Well went to work this morning to start at 10 am my client said there was nothing for me to do because he has the decorators in so I said I would come back on monday.
I didn't mind gives me more time to do my printing, I am in the middle of printing my 4th poetry book, first time I have printed it myself , sounds easy but it's not, decided to have a go myself to try and keep the costs down, and that side of it has worked.
Must get on with my printing need the books for Midland Counties.
If you would like one just email me.

Deepha n Kobra

Well the weather is begining to get colder even when the sun shows its head it is chilly, the winds are also getting stronger, anyway that enough of the weather forecast.
Have been very busy lately with work and going to a lot of shows.
At Stafford & district Canine Society Open Show Deepha won 3rd in AVNSC Open.
The Belgian Shepherd Dog Ass of GB Deepha won 2nd in Malinois Open Bitch and Best Veteran Bitch.
South Wales Kennel Ass Deepha won 3rd in Malinois Open bitch.
The Northern Belgian Shepherd Dog Club Deepha won 1st in Malinois Open Bitch, Best Bitch, best Veteran Bitch, and Reserve Best of Breed.
Still got 6 more shows to go to before the end of the year, 2 championship and 4 Open.
I have some new pictures to go on the blog but for some reason best known to itself the computer wont do it.

Deepha and I went to Darlington Championship Show yesterday at Newby Hall Ripon North Yorkshire we were third in the ring this was about 12.30pm there was 7 entered and 10 entries Cougar (Ch Bonvivant Esprit) won Best Dog and Best Opposite Sex, Reserve Best Dog was Sam ( Bonvivant Saumur), Deepha ( Bonvivant Coup De Foudre avec Zodantta Csau-ex .Tan) won Best Bitch and Best of Breed also Best Veteran, Reserve Best Bitch was Lexi ( Bonvivant Symbolique at Tokyn), Best Puppy in Breed was Chic ( Bonvivant Ysatis).
Had a realy lovely day weather was lovely and hot quite different to last year , which was wet cold and very muddy.

just a few pictures of Deepha at different ages.

Last weekend Deepha and I went down to Jan's so we could go down to Richmond Championship Show at Losely Park, with her and Barbara.

(Barbara has Kobra's brother Sam)

It was a lovely sunny day left Jan's at approx 5.45 am but it took us ages to get there because of road works on the A1, we finerly arrived at 9.45 am ish so it was a mad dash to the ring as judging was at 10 and we were first in the ring which was unusual to say the least anyway Jan was in first with her young pup they had called the class but Zena Thorn Andrews was the judge and told Jan to take her time so not to freek Yaz out.

Zena was getting through the classes very quickly before I new it I was in with Deepha.

Deepha won her class then went on to challenge for best bitch which she won.

Then was the time for the CC it was a single which for those reading this and don't know who ever gets BOB gets the CC no matter if its a dog or bitch (thank god this is the last single)

Well much to my surprise Deepha won the CC this is her first but I hope not her last.

There is no more CC's to challenge for this year we will have to wait till Crufts 2010.

So as you can guess we all came home floating.

Last weekend with it being bank holiday my husband John decided that the kio carp hadn't been reading the right books.

I said what are you on about?

He said the book that tells them when to stop growing (Ha Ha)

So he decided to make the pond bigger as you can see it's like a building site, Kobra is in his element in and out of the water and mud, Deepha goe's for the easy life with me in the study just going out now and again to have a play with him.

When John had dismantled the old pond I asked him if he wished he hadn't started it he said yes he had forgotton what such a big job it was.

But now all the digging out has been done and he is rebuilding it he said he will be glad to go to work for a rest (Ha Ha).

All this upheavel is outside my front door, but i'm sure it will be nice when it's finished.

I think it will be more like a lake than a pond.

Well of Deepha and I went to Welsh Kennel, we left home at 1.30am to get a good run with very little traffic when we were about an hour away form our destination I pulled into a closed services to have a sleep when I woke we had been there about an hour this was 5am so off we went for the last part of our journey arrived at Biulth Wells at 6.45am had to wait till 7 am before they would let us in.

When we had parked I had a little relax for awhile took Deepha for a walk to stretch our legs then I started to take my stuff into the cattle shed were the rings and benches were. Judging was meant to start at 10am with Greonendael then Tervueren, we didn't think we would be in the ring before 3pm but Judge Jean Lawless was quite quick and we were in a lot sooner. Bitch CC and best of Breed went to Gaffey's Sabrefield Sequoya who was also made up on the day Dog CC went to Jan's Bonvivant Tete A Tete, Reserve Dog CC was Jan's puppy Bonvivant Yazoo

Reserve Bitch CC was my own Bonvivant Coup De Foudre avec Zodantta (Deepha)

Best Puppy in Breed was Bonvivant Yazoo.

Best Malinois Breeder was Jan Ralph then we went on to main ring for Best Pastoral Breeder group and we were so delighted when we won it.

Deepha and I started our journey home about 6pm it was a good journey I decided not to stop and we arrived home after picking up some tea for me at the local Chinese about 9.15pm very tired , I fed Deepha had my tea come supper and then relaxed for awhile before going to bed.

What a great time we had the week we went down to Jans.

I went down on the Thursday evening got there about 9pm tired after the long journey, had a coffee and chatted till the early hours.

On the Friday it was all go getting the things Jan had ordered for the picnic and the barby then starting to prepare them and get things that needed cooking cooked in between seeing to the dogs, we decided to have an easy meal in the evening as we didnt have time to stop, so I nipped to the chippy, my god were they good.

When we had finished feeding our faces I went and help Jan with the dogs, that was a long tyering day.

Not to late to bed as we had to be up at 4am to go to the show at Uttoxeter.

Deepha (Bonvivant Coup De Foudre avec Zodantta) came second in Open Bitch and first in Veteran Bitch was graded Excellent she won reserve best bitch at the Northern BSD Champ Show under Mon Michel Griol.

On the Sunday was the BSDAGB Champ Show Deepha won Open Bitch was graded Excellent again by American Judge Sharon Redmer.

One of the highlights of this show was that Deepha's sister Cher (Bonvivant C'est Chic) won Best Veteran in Show.

After the excitment of the weekend on the Monday we all mucked in getting the picnic food ready for Tuesday and making sure we had everything ready for the barby on wednesday.

Tuesday afternoon we went to the beach at Scagness there was 7 people and I think 10 dogs

it was great Deepha and I went a walk up the beach she thought it was great.

After all the dogs had had a blow out on the beach we went back to the cars for our picnic which I think everybody enjoyed sand flies and wasps didn't dampen the day thats part of having a picnic isn't it.

On the Wednesday lots of us jammed into the kitchen to help Jan take everything out to where the barby was, there was loads of food of different sorts it was super there was a agility course that everybody could have a go on, Deepha enjoyed herself on that, Steve Hughes did some fun obedience later on, and the barby was going all day and into late evening.

It was a great atmosphere, and Deepha and I realy enjoyed it.

photo JRalph

Been kept busy with housework etc over last weekend trying to get house in order so I don't have to worry while I am away next week.

Looking forward to going down to Jan's for the week ,got the 2 championship shows over weekend and then Jan has laid on something special for tuesday and wednesday, then I'm home thursday.

It will be nice to meet friends that I haven't seen for awhile.

See you at Uttoxeter.

photo by Denman

photo JRalph

Hi sorry I haven't posted for a while but here we go.
I came down to earth with a big bang at East of England we had a allrounder judge and she gave Deepha 3rd in open bitch so there you go.

We went to National Working and Pastoral champ show on 18th July we had tickets on offer Deepha got reserve CC under a breed judge.

Deepha and I camped that night there was Eversham Open show the next day, the weather was very wet infact it chucked it down all day on the sunday with very little bright places.

Deepha won the Malinois open and she got Best of Breed, we stayed for the group but got chucked out.

We left for home about 3.50pm and got home about 7.30pm the weather on the way home was terrible in places the traffic was traveling at 20 miles per hour because the rain was that heavy you could not see in front of you (scary!)

Well our next outing is the Back to Back so see you there.

Deepha relaxing eating a bone while Kobra is standing guard

Well still not down to earth yet, it still hasn't sunk in what she has realy achieved.
She had a photo shoot today with the photographer from the Courier our local paper, I got a look in this time because he wanted a picture of both of us.
We have had lots and lots of congratulations from many many people and she's laid here taking everything in her stride.
Deepha's next outing is East of England we are going to stay with her breeder Jan.

IT'S CELEBRATION TIME!!!

Well here she is my fantastic girl!

It was Blackpool Championship Show this weekend I had been stewarding on the friday and saturday but on the sunday was pastoral day and I had entered Deepha.
On the way to the show a black cat crossed my path and I thought well we won't do very well today as these sort of things have the opposite effect what should be lucky is normally unlucky but not today deepha won Best of Breed and then to my utter amazement and still disbelief she won the Pastoral group, what a shock ! I still can't believe it.
Last wednesday we went to Cheshire show and she won best of breed there.
Oh I am so proud of her.

What you got there dad?

That smells good, where's it comming from?

I know there's somthing in there!

Not been doing much lately weather not been to great and working hard.
I took Deepha to Southern Counties last Sunday, started out on our journey at 3.50 am, roads were quite and the weather was dry till we approached Birmingham then the heavens opened.
The rain continued chucking it down till I was getting near to the A34 the the sky seemed to start clearing and in patches over the day the sun came out and was quite warm.
It was a very long day for both of us we were the last in the ring.
The judging started at 10 am Briards were first in the ring, then our judge started at approx 12.30 pm the Tervueren were judged first there was a few absent, then the Groenendael followed by the Laekenois and we ended up in the ring at about 4.00pm Deepha won her class and got BOB.
After I had packed up said my goodbye's and started home at approx 5 pm.
The weather was still dry but there was a few more cars on the road after stopping once at Keele so we all could have a call of nature and I had a sleep for an hour, we arrived home at approx 10pm (knackered) and still knackered the next day.
I must be mad!!
Anyway no more shows for a couple of weeks so I can get some energy back to start again.

John and Deepha (What u got Dad)

Took Kobra training on Friday very pleased with him, he seems to be improving slowly, there's no rush.

I went to Westmorland Canine Association to help steward for there Open show, they gave me the toy ring, guess what! it was the biggest amount of classes and the biggest entry, and they wanted me to show a new commer the ropes, so I thought what the heck I was there once.

The judge I was stewarding for was very nice very patient and a lovely lady to boot.

When we had finished all the judging the judge gave me a present and thanks for stewarding for her that's got to be a first in my book it was a lovely thought.

Deepha and I are at Southern Counties next Sunday, If your going I will see you there.

Just some pictures of Kobra and Deepha which I took on my new phone.

Another lovely weekend
Monday Deepha and I went to a local Open show at Great Harwood no classes for Mals so she went in AVNSC Open and won the class. Weekend before I went to SKC with Lucy it was very nice to be driven I saw the lovely scenery on the way which made a nice change Deepha was in Open bitch and came second.
Deepha was 9 years old last Wednesday so both her and Kobra had a very large knuckle bone.
Next weekend I am stewarding for a local Open show, then the weekend after that both Deepha and I will be going to Southern Counties Champ Show. If your going I will see you there.

Well what a turn up for the books it's SUNNY!! and quite warm breeze.

Both John and I have been working in the garden, had to put a net over the big pond as the herons have had all the small fish in the little pond, all these years we have been here and never been bothered with the herons before.

Swollows are nesting again in the same places, its lovely to see all the different birds.

The bird twitters are about again coming in coach loads now they are a pain cars and coaches just stop anywhere blocking drives and roads and they look at you as if you shouldn't be there.

There's a few of old and new photo's, there's one of Lisa walking Deepha along the sea wall when she was here.

Been very busy lately what with work and trying to organise my own home as well.
Lisa came for the day a couple of monday's ago, we had a nice day we took my dogs along the sea wall at Fluke Hall the sea was way way out and it was breezy but lisa and the dogs seemed to enjoy it as did I.
Last monday I was steward for 46 classes and 16 breeds at the North West Canine Charity Show I enjoyed it but it was very taxing.
This weekend Deepha and I went to the Birmingham National Champ Show at Stafford, she won her class and as usual showed like a trooper, next week Lucy and Dana are coming Saturday evening as we have a early start Sunday morning to go to Scottish Kennel.

Well we have both been busy this weekend doing gardening haven't had any time of late so with the weather being nice and sunny have made the most of it.
Both Deepha and Kobra have been having fun running around and chasing each other Kobra has been in the pond swilling around the tadpoles poor things I bet there dizzy but can't keep Kobra out of the pond he loves it.
Kobra went to his training last friday he seems to be coming on a lot better he was a lot calmer than previous weeks also he is calmer at home, he greets me at the stairs in the morning and dosen't back off like he use to.
He missed the week before because I was at Accrington Open show with Deepha and he will miss next week because I am at W.E.L.K.S with Deepha, but I am very pleased with his progress so far.

Taken today

What a great day Deepha and I have had!
Last night the secretary of Accrington D.C.S rang me to ask me if I would steward for them at the show she said the commitee agreed that it was ok for me to show Deepha as well.
They wanted me to steward for the Terriers which was in the morning and my class was in the afternoon.
Anyway I agreed, everybody on the commitee were very happy go lucky people, my stewarding stint finished about 12.30 pm.
So left me plenty of time to sort Deepha out (not that she needed it) the time finely came for us to go into our class AVNSC Pastoral Open there was 7 in the class, Deepha won the class and went on to win Best Pastoral AVNSC, then we went into the Group and she won Pastoral Group 2 I was over the moon (if it had been low enough I would have jumped over it) I could not have asked anymore from her she was super.
I just thought I would share my excitement with you all.

Took Deepha to Wigan open Show on Sunday had a nice relaxing time Deepha was in NSC Open Pastoral and she was 3rd out of a very strong 11 in her class was really pleased with her she showed her socks off as usual.

When we got home john had been cleaning out the garden shed and found the hessien sack I use to work with Deepha and he showed me how much Kobra liked it here are some photo's I took but by this time he was getting tired (john not Kobra) (: (: he could go on for ever.

Sorry I haven't updated lately but had a granchild problem and also I haven't been to good but you know me I bounce back eventually.

Went to the BSDA GB Open show last weekend Deepha and I enjoyed ourselves.

When everybody had gone jan and I had a well earned drink and put the world to rights, I miss our chats I will have to come down and stay Jan so we can have some more and so I can catch up on your new arrivals.

Deepha and I are going to Wigan D C S Open Show at Chorley this weekend no classes so in AVNSC.

Kobra and I went to training on Friday he is begining to relax a little did his stays well and did his stop on the long lead also to rejoin his handler he was fine he's getting there but I am quite sure it will take quite a long time because we are doing it slowly not pushing him as we both have plenty of time.

Photo's taken today

Had a nice surprise last Sunday because they had turned the electric off from 8.30am to 4 pm John said he would take me out to dinner, we went done to my daughters local where they do lovely meals ,it was a lovely change and relaxing (no cooking or clearing up) yepi!

Kobra has started training for his silver good citizen, not to happy on his first visit but hopefully he will improve.

I think this seems to be a common thing with the Sky reps, I put in an order at my local Asda Store they were ment to be comming last Friday morning to install it there was no show by 10 am so rang them no order had been put through I was levid as he had my bank details and card details including my code.

Anyway I reordered on the phone so they should be comming monday 23rd between 12 - 5pm.

Anybody that is thinking of getting sky don't order by a rep ring up and do it on the phone.

I got up at 3 am on Sunday to go to Crufts left the house at 4am and had a good quite journey down to the NEC in Birmingham arrived at approx 6.30am, loaded up my trolly and off Deepha and I went.
Had just unloaded everything put Deepha in her crate when Jan rang to say she had arrived so I asked someone if they would keep an eye on Deepha , and I went to help Jan down with her dogs etc I made a couple of journeys to the carpark then came back with Jan and Martin and some more dogs.
I was very pleased with Deepha she showed very well and got VHC it was a very strong class.
After the Malinois had finished I went a walk about round the show and picked up the trophy Kobra had won from Our Dogs stand, Kobra won a lovely Crystal wine glass because he was Top Malinois Puppy 2008 (picture above) and I was also told by a commitee member of the Northern Belgian Shepherd dog Club that he was also Top Puppy 2008 at there club, so as I'm sure you will realise I am as juffed as a pixie,(Who's a clever boy then).

First aid course now finished got my certificate.
I was judging in North Yorkshire last Saturday I judged all the pastoral including both groups I really enjoyed my day, had a lovely time and there was some very nice dogs to go over.
Well Crufts is nearly upon us our day is next Sunday, Deepha is looking good got some weight of her and just needs a blast to sort her coat out, as for me I'm as ready as I'll ever be.
If anybody is going to Crufts good luck and hope to see you there.

Well the weather has improved not before time, the dogs are enjoying running and playing in the paddock.
I thought things were beginning to look up for me this year when I finally got a job, but them up above (the almighty) keep sending me things to test me the latest being my suspension spring on the car broke luckly I was at home, but didn't find it till I went to go to work on the wednesday anyway couldn't work wednesday borrowed garage van went to work thursday and did both clients I tell you this agency is very understanding also my clients.
Well got car back now all mended but haven't had bill yet not looking forward to that.
Still doing my animal first aid course and really enjoying it, one more week to go.
Second week we had to take a soft toy I took a rabbit that we had to practice putting leg and head bandages on (poor rabbit).