His Second Show - The Homerescue Fun Show

A Typical Ringfull of Dogs!

Although only just over 100 miles, and nothing, in terms of distance by modern day standards, this was the longest trip I had undertaken for some time, and given my circumstances, prepared for it as much as possible. I had joined International Rescue (so Thunderbirds are Go) could be set in motion if I broke down. And had bought a mobile phone, which would probably save a 2 mile walk in the rain, should the worst happen. This is despite what I've said in my outspoken way about how they cook your brain, albeit slowly, and will cause major health problems in the years ahead. This has not changed, but the risk of this is almost zero, if you only use it a few minutes a week, or even a day. I've only used mine for 11/2 minutes so far.

I have made contact with a friend, who I met while walking Barney on the common, but had moved from the area last year. Unfortunately her dog had pulled a muscle in it's hip and was forced to rest, but she said she was still going to go to the show anyway. I was looking forward to meeting her again, and it would be nice to have a friend there as well. It is a lot easier at a show with 2 people.

The computer had been very useful in providing detailed route planning, on what was a fairly simple journey anyway. Also providing a town plan for Royton. I had arranged to meet Tracey at the well-known services at the junction of the main London to Edinburgh road, and the East to West motorway over the Pennines. It was also an ideal spot to rest my tired van as well, being almost half way.

The route planner had said it was a 2 hour journey so I allowed myself 4, there was after all no need to hurry. I set the alarm for just after 6.00am, hoping to be away by 7.00. I woke after a restful night and looked at the clock - 6.00, not a bad start. I switched the alarm off and got up, showered dressed, prepared pack-up, Barney, cereal breakfast, loaded van with prepared spare clothes, boots, coats, maps, camera, watch, phone, dog (after short walk to toilet), dog leads, shoulder bag containing first aid kit, torches, road atlas, checked pockets for money, and set off at a respectable 7.15, not bad for me. I'm sure it must be easier planning a trip to the moon.

We had an uneventful journey to the services, where I found my young friend pulling up alongside; we had arrived almost together. We said our helloes, and toileted dog and ourselves. Tracey bought me a drink and me some crisps and after a few minutes were on our way again. I managed to find my way to the correct motorway, as the exits to these places can be a bit like spaghetti junction, (a famous interconnection of motorways in central England).

Another uneventful hour of motorway saw us arrive in Royton, on a non-too busy Saturday morning. I realized from memory we would have to ask the way, so stopped at a convenient place. I asked an old gentleman, who pointed the way. We just had to go back 50 yards to the lights and turn left, and it was half a mile away. We arrived at the school - the venue for the show and went and introduced ourselves. We were in plenty of time and not too many people were about on this wet, cool Saturday. After a chat we moved our vehicles to the car park, which had been opened and sat out a brief rain shower. Shortly after the rain cleared the crowds appeared and we returned to find the booking for the show in full swing, and everything going according to plan (well it looked like that Bev).

I had booked in earlier, and found Barney eligible for 8 of the twelve classes. He had won a random prize from his booking in number. When the show started I was immediately impressed by the high number of entrants in the classes; something that continued throughout the day. Almost all the dogs' (67) entered all their eligible classes, and it is certainly the highest proportion of any show I have been to so far.

The second time we entered the ring, the nice lady judge awarded Barney second place in the Most Handsome Dog class. There were 25 entrants in this class. We got a rosette, a prize and a lovely certificate that Marc, Bevs' husband had done.

I split the remaining classes with Tracey, which would give her something to do, and give me a rest, and also the opportunity to take some photos. We entered several more classes, where Barney was as well behaved with Tracey handling him, as he was when I did. Then, with Tracey showing him, the judge awarded him first in the Most Appealing Eyes class, which was one of the largest classes of the afternoon.

Having a good dog which everyone says will win lots is of course very nice, and I realize I am very lucky to have found Barney. However the judge has to be of the same opinion, and up to now this has not happened. This was only his fourth show, and I DO enter for the fun of taking part. After winning lots of times with a dog it becomes normal, and had Barney not been the superb animal he is, I would not mind in the least if we never won again. It is just with the hype of almost everyone who meets him; it makes you feel you must have let him down in some way if you never win. So now he has won, and has broken this jinx it can now be pure fun from now on, because it doesn't matter if he never wins anything again. You see even with a fun class like Most Appealing Eyes, he still has to appeal to the judge more than all the other dogs; well over 30 on this occasion.

I entered him in the last class and then into the ring for Best in Show, which was for all the winners. That went to a lovely dog, although they all were of course. I didn't mind in the slightest. The day had surpassed all expectations, although cool, the weather had remained mostly dry in the afternoon. We stayed and chatted while the clearing up was done, and looking at the time I was surprised it was still only the middle of the afternoon. Most shows I attend finish at 5 or 6 o-clock. I walked back to the van and said goodbye to Tracey, giving her a prize for her dog - she had won it anyway.

I was in a bit of discomfort through standing, and wondered if I would have to stop for a rest, however this soon disappeared, leaving me to enjoy an uneventful journey home. We arrived back in Lincoln within the time set by the route planner I had used, despite the leisurely pace dictated by my old van.

I decided to treat us to fish and chips for tea, which I shared with Barney, ending one of the most enjoyable days I have had in a long time.