A Day Out at Southern Counties Championship Show, by Melanie Thomas
I only have one show Bolognese now and he is almost 7-years old, so I was in 2 minds whether to go to this show as the older I get the more anxious I am driving out of my home town!
In a few months my dog will be 7, so can enter the Veteran Classes, which will make it more worth while going. I groomed and bathed both dogs the night before and dragged the heavy buggy down the stairs and into my car.
I was up early and got to the show with ease (so far so good). Yes it was fine, a little windy, but we were not too squashed in and Bolognese were 2nd in the ring, so not too long to wait either. My boy Harry showed well and I was happy with my 3rd place in Open Dog. My older dog Lily (14-years old) waited patiently in the buggy, which was another worry for me as she hadn’t been in that buggy before and I thought she might wreck it!
Our judge Francesco Cochetti is a well respected International Judge with a particular interest in our breed. Francesco was charming and found his Best of Breed in Kobanyal Pelyhes Odin with Devonia, Best Puppy was Phendelle Phigaro Eam and Best Veteran Enjanicka Toscana Ti Adoro. Sian Kaye Lewis who has shown Bolognese in Italy, but moved back to the UK was at the show. Sian who was enthusiastic about being there, was pleased that I got a few pictures for her handling Phendelle Pharaoh Othello to first place for Deana in the Post Graduate Class. There were some very well presented dogs at the show which is nice to see and the top honors were spread over a few exhibitors, so most people had a good day.
We all got together after the judging for a group picture and I took a few random shots of everybody’s dogs. Getting some pictures at shows is important for me as people love to see them and we have followers around The World on our Facebook at website.
I left the show about 12 thinking great I will be home in a few hours and can go visit some friends for a BBQ. Well, that didn’t happen, my car broke down 40 mins into the journey and it took almost 9 hours before my car was loaded on a transporter to head back to Hastings. Its funny as I had a feeling that I shouldn’t make the journey, but just thought I was being silly. I got home at 11.30 and the car was dropped off at the garage. I was still recovering from the journey home for a couple of days and still don’t have the car back. So, Southern Counties 2025 was a mixed day for me and one I won’t forget for a long time!
PS, I only attend a few shows in the South East each year, but everybody is invited to provide a similar report of their day at a dog show and supply pictures
