Already the last day of the year. How quickly it has gone by again! This time last year, we were in France in the snow, escaping the fireworks. Now that’s not necessary; Brandir doesn’t like it but isn’t really upset. Chidish and Cytaugh haven’t reacted to it so far and seem not to be bothered by it. Hopefully, that continues! Just now, we went for a long walk with the hounds in the Pannehoef. Normally, they can run off-leash in certain areas, but due to the beautiful weather, it was so busy that they mostly had to stay on the lead. A bit of a shame, but well, then they get to run a bit here too; on five thousand square meters, you can also have fun.

For this year, I had signed up again for the Winner. Luckily, Sonja offered to come along and go with me; I had entered all three of them, so I could use some good help, and it’s not Simon’s hobby! So, on Sunday the thirteenth, we set off early in the morning, packed and ready, heading for Amsterdam. Chidish and Cytaugh behaved exemplary, truly Deerhound worthy.

Chidish also showed nicely, but Cytaugh messed it up; she really needs to be ‘warmed up’ beforehand. They both received a Very Promising from Willem Buitenkamp. Brandir showed no interest at all; it’s clear he’s not enjoying it anymore, and well, in that case, you’d be better off going into the ring with a bag of potatoes, that’s still more manageable. He received the reserve CAC and reserve CACIB. After showing, it’s always good to rest, especially if you can lie safely with your dad.

After Chidish defeated his sister in the Best Puppy contest, he had to appear in the afternoon in the ring of honor. This was a good experience for him: big ring, lots of people, loud music, and many other dogs. He was a bit impressed at first but showed himself fairly well. In the meantime, Cytaugh had had enough and just wanted to go home. So as soon as I came out of the ring, where Chidish of course hadn’t been selected, we packed up our things again and headed towards the exit. Cytaugh, who hadn’t peed all day despite several requests, could no longer hold it and right before the exit, in the middle of the hall, peed a big puddle on the clean, shiny, marble floor! Then they should make sure the outdoor potty areas are just as clean, she must have thought. And she was right!

The following weekend I was allowed to judge in Cuijk. I was very disappointed with the quality of the hounds, something that has become increasingly noticeable to me and many other sighthound judges over the past few years. Many faults include: too little or too much spring of rib  (Italian Greyhounds!), much less nobility in the heads due to high foreheads and non-parallel lines, insufficient archover the loin, short tails, too steep pasterns, and of course poor movement. And if you then give a Very Good because the hound in question has a really disturbing fault or so many faults that a Good simply isn’t possible, you get looked at angrily as a judge. People should read the qualification regulations and the standard of their breed a bit more; then they would understand. But judging isn’t enjoyable when you wait for the moment your winner steps into the ring, and that doesn’t happen! Anyway, hopefully the quality will improve again over the coming years.

Just a few more hours and we’ll slide into the new year again. What will it bring us?

I wish that people will be a bit more considerate of each other, react a bit less aggressively, and just be a little more social and kind to one another. That already makes life a lot nicer!

Happy NEW Year!!!