Puppy and Cavalier of The Year 2013

This year the venue was Wroxall Abbey Estate and Hotel, and it proved to be a really good venue. It was easy to find, with good car parking and the event was held inside the huge wedding marquee. Not the usual draughty affair, but large, bright and comfortable.

There were hot bacon rolls and tea and coffee on arrival, and later a lovely lunch with a choice of hot or cold dishes, with really good, (i.e. fattening) desserts. Smart white covered tables were placed around and lots of space to walk between them.

Of course, the main courses of the day were the two events. The Puppy of the Year was first, with the three judges, Maurene Milton, Evelyn Hurley and myself each judging the classes. Our names went into a goldfish bowl and the balls were well agitated to ensure fairness.

Some lovely puppies appeared in the various rounds and eventually we were unanimous in our decision that the ‘Best Puppy’ would be Alex Bubb’s, ‘Wandris Evan ‘Elp Us’. The Reserve going to Joan Pagan’s ‘Sorata Miss Emily’.

Out came the goldfish bowl to draw the judges for the ‘Cavalier of the Year’.

Before lunch there was time to judge the dog class, and the winner of the match was, Andy Vella’s, ‘Cinderaic Seduction’.

After lunch, Mrs. Maurene Milton judged the bitch match and her winner was, Dennis and Tina Holmes, ‘Leogem Rhapsody’, who had recently won her crown.

The three judges then jointly judged ‘Best in Match’ and the winner, with the judge’s unanimous decision, but not without some hair splitting, was the bitch.

Throughout the day there was a lovely peaceful atmosphere, and it was a good idea of the committee to provide tea at the end. Long after the match, people were still sitting and happily chatting to friends.

There were just a couple of things that could be improved:

Firstly, if the venue is used again some rubber matting should be used, as the ballroom floor was quite slippery for some dogs.

Secondly, and rather sadly, the event was poorly attended. This event should be a very prestigious one that anyone who qualifies should be proud to attend; a real breed show piece. Have we really got to the stage of ‘No tickets on offer... No go?’; I sincerely hope not.

I do hope that the event will continue and be better supported.

It was an enormous honour for all three judges to be asked to this event, I know I can speak for us all when I say that we really enjoyed seeing such lovely puppies and dogs.

Judy Wright.