Merlin's Magicians August 2010 Newsletter
Newsletter August 2010
August 1st. Well, we did Flyball displays at the Gower Show Swansea.
Hadn’t realised just how big the show was. Believe me folks; it was big, busy, loads of people, which was good, if a little daunting. Gave us some welcome publicity. We were first on in the morning which was a blessing, gave us time to put up the equipment (practice for the afternoon session which was sandwiched between ‘events’) Also let dogs, and us, perform a comedy of errors with fewer people watching! The afternoon session was much better, we were approached by a visitor/holidaymaker who belongs to another team asked if she could run with us. Sarah took Sassy out and took over the commentating, having one of us, who knew what we were about made all the difference……………..Fantastic!
Sarah’s Pip was a natural at the Terrier racing too!
Thank you everyone who took part, especially Sarah who took the Gazebo and her tent to provide a base/shelter/shade and tea! Also my son Liam and his partner Emma, without them we wouldn’t have been able to assemble/disassemble equipment. And my step granddaughter (is that right?) Alysha, who did a great job collecting balls. Mike, what a star! Travelled down from Hereford earlier in the week with his trailer, fetched the Agility ‘stuff’ for Fly Agility from Ferryside and Bryn Iwen, then when we had loaded it drove to the show, helped unload, acted as ‘Starter’ for the display then loaded up and bought it all back for me. A great big thank you Mike from all of us. The hander’s out of Flyers including little Megan, and last but not least you lovely people and your dogs. We are getting a donation for the club funds so, hopefully, I shan’t need to send out so many begging letters next year for the insurance!!
I have, as a result of this display had enquiries, if we get even 2 or 3 new members to swell our ranks it will be fantastic.
The BFA Champs Tournament is next, it is at Southam in Warwickshire, and we are running on the Friday, this unfortunately means that Sheryl & Del will have to travel down on the day, after driving from Scotland the day before! Now that is dedication. (Oh how I remember those 5 am starts, don’t envy them) The rest of us are camping, at least for the Thursday night. Mike Sue and I are staying over until the Sunday for an extra couple of fun days. It will be a first for a long time outing for Sue who has not been able to attend much this year.
I have booked a room in Cynwyl Village hall, Sunday 26th September, for the long promised meeting to discuss our year and, where we will be going in 2011. I would like to have some of you help with the running of the club, which may mean making us ‘proper’ elect officers etc. (I have created a monster – can’t cope with it all any longer) The suggestion is that we all contribute a plate of food and we can use the kitchen to make tea/coffee. I will do an agenda so please let me have items to be included. The meeting will be chaired by Sarah, just to keep us in order.
Training session, Ferryside Sunday after the Gower we had THREE new dogs and their people! All brilliant and enthusiastic, plus Llew the Goldie, having only been the once before the Gower, after a quick reminder soon had it off pat again! Have two more hopefully coming to Newcastle Emlyn after the Champs. We are on our way to a really healthy membership at both venues. I am already looking at the Tournament list for next year with a gleam in my eye.
I am going to add Thistle my English Bull Terrier to the ‘Dogs’. I didn’t have Thistle for Flyball; I had her just because I wanted another Bully, my very favorite breed of dog. Thistle hasn’t been easy, typical Bull Terrier! But now, ball mad, with netting wings will do Flyball. Mind you, she does like to jump the wings instead of the jumps on the way back, clears them by a mile too and, I would swear she laughs at us!! Anyone with experience of the breed will appreciate what I am saying.
Sad note here, those of you that have used the Bryn Iwen venue will know Gavin whose place it is. Gavin’s partner Jo passed away after a long illness in Morriston Hospital. A young woman who had endured much ill health, Jo will be sadly missed. We send our sincere condolences to Gavin on his loss.
The Champs has been and gone, least said soonest mended! Well it was Friday the 13th when we competed, I am not superstitious but am willing to blame our dismal performance and, the dismal weather on that! Never mind, we got rosettes just for competing and next year, who knows? And, hey, the dogs had a good time so, not a complete failure.
A direct result of the Champs is I am going to run off copies of the BFA rules of racing for everyone who competes, me shouting instructions didn’t work!!
Thistle has been spayed! She was very sorry for herself for 24 hours but is rapidly bouncing back. I had always intended getting her ‘done’ but it became a ‘rush job’ when I adopted a seven month old male Cocker Spaniel. What would puppies from that combination have been? Cock & Bull puppies!! Heaven forbid. Anyway Thistle is now like all the rest neutered. Charlie Brown (Cocker) is the only entire canine here.
Charlie Brown is a Chocolate Roan, a very scruffy boy with a delightful personality. He immediately became Thistle’s ‘best friend’. Took just half an hour to settle in and one would think he had been in my noisy dog filled home for ever. He has been thrown in at the deep end, went to Flyball and played chase me, chase me, with Duffy and a new dog, Ozzi. Attended the Gower Show and went camping at the Champs. Not bad for a dog that had only ever been in a vehicle to go to the Vet for his vaccinations. Oh yes and he was micro chipped at the Champs (he wasn’t so keen on that!)Next thing is to book him at the groomers, after which I shall get a nice picture for the ‘Dogs’. Yes he likes a tennis ball! When Thistle doesn’t beat him to it he plays fetch beautifully.
September is going to be a busy month, unfortunately we won’t be able to have training at Ferryside except for the 12th due to commitments but hey, come October we will be weekly again, no Tournaments/Displays/WHY until April next year.
September 19th. Is the Burns Dogs Day Out in Pembray Country Park, if last year is anything to go by it will be great fun, well worth attending with your dog/dogs. Personally, I never learn, I am going to humiliate myself again by doing Agility (think I told you in last month’s newsletter) with Annie, who does a ‘go slow’ when in the ring, and, Rusty who treats the jumps as if they were 14 inch Flyball jumps and mows them down!!
At Margam Park or Pembray Country Park, come along and introduce yourselves if you are interested in joining us for Flyball.
I have just come in from walking dogs and Rosie (Lurcher) has rolled herself in Fox Poo!!!! Why do dogs think it is so wonderful? Despite being put under the shower she still smells…………..YEUK!!!
Keep smiling,
June