2017

DECEMBER 2017

 

27/12

 

An amazing end to the year at Dublin Championship Show.

Lucie was a good girl in her class, Excellent Graded & taking 1st Open Bitch, but all special mentions undoubtedly go to Dylan, who took his 7th Green Star, Best Dog & Best of Breed, which fulfills his requirements for his Irish Champion title!

25/12

 

A happy Christmas to all our friends - human and canine. We spend it together in Ireland, enjoying good food & drink, beautiful scenery and even more excitingly - snow!

17/12

 

It was a day of rain and ice at Allerton Weightpull today, making for difficult pulling conditions, and none of my dogs at their best. Nonetheless, Lucie came away with a pull of 20x her bodyweight and 2nd place in the 41-60lb class, while the Harry and Dylan managed 14.3x & 12.6x their bodyweight respectively. 

 

09/12

 

LKA Championship Show yesterday. Harry stayed at home so just team black & white.

First up, in a big AVNSC Working entry under Richard Kinsey (Kitarn), Dylan came 2nd in Limit Dog behind a nice St Bernard.

Lucie & I then headed over to the Malamute judging, where under breed specialist Kerry Jelfs (Lapema) she not only won a lovely Veteran Bitch class, but went on to take the RCC -  a good days work! 

03/12

 

We start December by attending the inaugral AMCUK Kershope rally. 
A last minute decision meant I decided to pair Dylan with Lucie in competition for the first time, giving the latter a change from her trekking ways and her first ever rally experience at 7 years old. It was a tough trail, 4+ miles of steep uphills, icy downhills and some deep, muddy sections to slog through – but what fun we had, with both dogs giving me such a pleasant surprise with their hard work together, and managing to come away with 2nd place in the MB2 class.

NOVEMBER 2017

 

26/11

 

Our 2nd weightpull of the season at Allerton today, where once again all my dogs went out trying for the same weight of 1500lb, which for the boys meant final pulls of 15.9x bodyweight for Dylan, and 18.9x bodyweight for Harry. 
Lucie came out as star of the day though, with a pull of 24.56x her bodyweight (2nd highest of the day) and 1st in the 41-60lb class! Extra thanks to friends Marina for pulling Dylan and to Joan for pulling Harry in the higher weights for me.

 

This is also a very special day as it mark's Dylan's 2nd birthday! Birthday wishes to the rest of the Sledog Puck x Java litter too, who have homes across the UK, France, Sweden & Norway :)

Dylan at 2 years old, getting cuddles in his crate from friend Sarah. Photo Credit: Jen Hilditch

12/11

 

Today was the 2nd round of the Allerton Weightpull competition, but our first weightpull of the season.
By coincidence, all 3 of my dogs went out trying the 1450lb pull, making the boys final placings 16th of 23 in the 81-100lb class for Dylan at 15.7x his bodyweight (kindly pulled by friend Marina Page) and 14th of 24 in the 61-80lb class for Harry at 17.8x his bodyweight. 
Lucie came away with the most success, winning the 41-60lb class with a pull of 23.6x her bodyweight, the highest percentage pulled by a bitch on the day and only 0.3x behind the weight pulled by the Dog.
Thank you to Kirsty Mountstephens for sharing these fab photos of the crew in action.

09/11

 

Another day in Leipzig, this time attending the prestigious World Dog Show event.

Under judge Stefan Sinko, Lucie gains another Excellent Grade in a huge Open Bitch class with almost 20 entries. Dylan comes away with a 1st in Intermediate Dog under Ukrainian judge Georgiy Onishchenko.

08/11

 

A special trip to Leipzig in Germany for me and he Black & White Team, with our first stop being the DCNH World Speciality Show. Both dogs are judged by Klaus Strack, where Lucie gains an Excellent Grade and 4th in a nice Open Bitch Class, while Dylan had a particularly good day with an Excellent Grade, 1st Intermediate Dog, VDH CAC and RCACIB.

04/11

 

A trip North of the border to start the month at Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland Championship Show. In Alaskan Malamute judging, Harry and Lucie both come away with 3rd places in their respective Post Graduate & Open classes, under judge Pam Addison for Dogs and Sheila Luxmoore for Bitches. Meanwhile, Dylan is in AVNSC Working, where he gains a pleasing 1st Limit Dog, Best Dog and Best AVNSC under Judge Chris Quantrill - not a bad days work!

Harry! Photo Credit: Steven McPhee

OCTOBER 2017

 

28/10

 

We stay quite local to attend our first Open Show since July, Selby Canine Society.
In Alaskan Malamute Breed judging Harry places 3rd in a nice Open Dog or Bitch Class under breed judge Barry Wanless (Northcoast); Dylan places Reserve in AVNSC Working Open Dog or Bitch under judge Christine Ellingworth (Doncleve); and Lucie comes out for AV Veteran Stakes where she takes a pleasing 2nd place under judge Jeff Luscott (Jalus).

Photo from previous day. Credit: Vanessa Logan

27/10

 

A good day at Midland Counties Championship Show today.

In Alaskan Malamutes Harry is handled by our friend Donna Jarvis where he takes 3rd in Post Graduate Dog; Dylan is the star of the day though, not only winning his AVNSC Working Open Dog Class, but going on to take Best Dog and then Best AVNSC under jude Barry Croft (Malcro). 

Photo Credit: Matthew Baker
Not taking the collecting ring seriously! Photo Credit: Alan Seymour (Our Dogs)

22/10

 

Today we travel down to the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs Event, held at the Excel in London, where Dylan represents the Greenland Dog on the club's breed stand. He has a lot of fun sharing cuddles with the crowd!

14/10

 

We were unable to attend the Greenland Dog Club of GB AGM last weekend, but today the results of the Greenland Dog of the Year Awards were announced and I am super pleased to say that for the 2nd year in a row, Dylan Claims Top Greenland Dog and Top Greenland Dog Puppy (the latter from only 2 months of showing)!
He also places in the Working GDOTY for the 1st, with his efforts with Malamute Harry, coming 4th overall behind either pure GD or mixed GD / Siberian teams.

 

08/10

 

This weekend saw a return to Ireland for myself, Lucie and Dylan for the 2 day IKC International Championship Show.

On Day 1, both dogs place 1st in their classes under judge Mr K Johannsen, with Lucie claiming the Reserve Green Star and RCACIB.

On Day 2, again both dogs place 1st in their classes under judge Ms E Agafanova, with Dylan coming out on top with his 6th Green Star, Best of Breed and his first CACIB.

SEPTEMER 2017

 

28/09

 

We end the month at Driffield Championship Show which is a muddy but enjoyable experience.

Dylan is in a huge AVNSC Working / Pastoral entry of 40+ dogs and does me proud by winning his last Post Graduate Dog class against a lovely mix of other breeds under judge Kevin Young (Sunkap).

Meanwhile in Malamutes, Lucie is unplaced in a large Open Bitch class under judge Veronica Avory, but Harry comes away with a Reserve in Post Graduate Dog.

23/09

 

Only Harry gets to show in the AMCUK Championship Show Breed classes today as sadly we have to leave before Lucie's Veteran class starts, however he has a good day being handled for the first time by Afear Logan with whom he gains a VHC in Post Graduate Dog under judge Pary Dauvet.

16/09

 

A successful day at Darlington Championship Show for the black and white team.

Under judge Mike John (Cristakell), Lucie is reserve behind 3 Champions in a strong Veteran Bitch class.
Dylan competes in Greenland Dog classes, and does me proud by winning out over some lovely competition in his mixed Post Graduate Class (including the Best Bitch winner), and goes on to take Reserve Best Dog  under judge Tim Ball (Kaitak).

09/09

 

Today we travel South to Richmond Championship Show.
In Alaskan Malamute judging, under judge Kari Jarvinen, Lucie places 2nd in Veteran Bitch.
Dylan is competing in AVNSC Working under judge Stuart Plane (Stuplane), where he places 1st Post Graduate Dog and Reserve Best Dog.

 

03/09

 

We decide to skip a Championship Show this weekend in favour of a weekend off, so the dogs enjoy exploring the Yorkshire countryside, with Lucie & Dylan getting some backpacking training in ahead of the cooler months.

AUGUST 2017

 

26/08

 

We finish our Irish Circuit at Tralee Championship Show.
Under judge Mr H Almgren, Lucie is graded Excellent, wins her Open Bitch class and goes on to take Green Star Bitch and Reserve Best of Breed.
Under the same judge Dylan is also graded Excellent, places 1st Intermediate Dog, Green Star Dog and Best of Breed.

I also get the pleasure of handling Canadian Eskimo Dog 'Flo' (Akna Dale) to an Excellent grade and 2nd Junior Bitch and Norwegian Buhund 'Jade' (Trelowen Anastasia) to an Excellent grade, 1st Open Bitch, Green Star Bitch and Best of Breed!

Photo Credit: Magdalena Sikora
Photo Credit: Paul Scanlon (Our Dogs Ireland)

24/08

 

Today is Limerick Championship Show.
Under judge Mrs N Karlsdotter, Lucie is graded Excellent and wins her Open Bitch class.
Under the same judge Dylan is also graded Excellent, places 1st Intermediate Dog, Green Star Dog and Best of Breed.

Handling duties for the day are with Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 'Finn' (Akna Stark) to an Excellent Grade, 1st Junior Dog and Reserve Green Star Dog, alongside Canadian Eskimo Dog 'Flo' (Akna Dale) to 2nd Junior Bitch!

 

23/08

 

Another day off for the dogs and this time the black & white duo get their first ever beach experience with friends.

22/08

 

Our midweek show is Killarney Championship Show. 
Under Breed Specialist judge Darren Walker (Lueldar), Lucie is graded Excellent, wins her Open Bitch class and goes on to take Green Star Bitch and Best of Breed.
Under the same judge I help out with the Canadian Eskimo Dogs and come away withan Excellent grade and 2nd Junior Bitch for 'Flo' (Akna Dale) and a Reserve Green Star in the Bitch Challenge for 'Ember' (Qimugta Carmine For Miamilady).
Meanwhile under judge Mrs A McNally, Dylan is also graded Excellent, places 1st Intermediate Dog, Green Star Dog and Best of Breed.

Finally I get to handle Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 'Finn' (Akna Stark) to an Excellent Grade, 1st Junior Dog and Reserve Green Star Dog.

21/08

 

The dogs get a day off from showing today, so we spend it settling in to our camp site for the week and going on some nice walks with friends.

20/08

 

Sunday brings us wet weather and Clonmel Championship Show. 
First up is Lucie, who under judge Mr M Mahonen is graded Excellent, wins her Open Bitch class and goes on to take Green Star Bitch and Reserve Best of Breed.
Under the same judge Dylan is also graded Excellent, places 1st Intermediate Dog, Green Star Dog and Best of Breed.
I then get some first time handling duties, first with Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 'Finn' (Akna Stark) who gains an Excellent Grade, 1st Junior Dog, Green Star Dog and Reserve Best of Breed.
Next is Norwegian Buhund 'Jade' (Trelowen Anastasia) who also gains an Excellent grade, 1st Open Bitch, Green Star Bitch and Best of Breed.
And finally I get the lovely Canadian Eskimo Dog 'Flo' (Akna Dale) who is graded Excellent and takes 2nd Junior Bitch.

 

19/08

 

Today we venture to Ireland to show for the first time in the Munster Circuit, and what a start we have!
Under Breed Specialist judge Elaine Walker (Lueldar), Lucie is graded Excellent, wins her Open Bitch class and goes on to take Green Star Bitch and Best of Breed.
And then, under judge Tony Moran, Dylan is graded Excellent, places 1st Intermediate Dog, Green Star Dog and Best of Breed. And as if that isn't enough, in a huge Group 5 goes on to take Group 3, a first for a Greenland Dog in this country!!

13/08

 

It was a 3am start and a 10ish hour round trip to Bournemouth Championship Show today, but yielded a respectable set of results).
Dylan was first to get in the ring with me, and came away with a 2nd in AVNSC Working / Pastoral / Terrier Post Graduate Dog under Replacement judge Mr R J Morris.
Meanwhile, in Alaskan Malamute under judge Keith Baldwin (Nightwish), friend Lisa Mort very kindly took Harry into  Post Graduate Dog for me where I was super happy to return and find he came away with Reserve in an entry of 8 nice boys.
Lucie & I were next in, where she came away with a fab 2nd against strong competition in Veteran Bitch.
And finally I got the pleasure of stealing Lisa's Sid - BPISS Arcticbreeze Midnite Hero - to handle in an 'Arcticbreeze' Best Veteran Challenge where he was (as always) a good boy for me and took Best Veteran in Breed over his sister - well done Lisa and team!

07/08

 

Dylan starts the month well, with an Open Dog win, Best Dog and ultimately Best of Breed in a lovely Greenland Dog entry at Paignton Championship Show under judge Jenny Shorer-Wheeler (Koromandel).

Harry and Lucie are also showing under judge Avril Roper (Tokosha) and both place Reserve in their respective Post Graduate Dog and Open Bitch classes.

JULY 2017

 

29/07

 

It's a boys day out at Alfreton & District CS Open Show, where Harry places 1st Post Graduate Dog or Bitch in Malamutes, and Dylan wins 1st Post Graduate Dog or Bitch in Greenland Dogs under judge Joan Sheehan (Amaqqut).

 

22/07

 

Just the black & white team braving the rain for Leeds Championship Show today, which sees Lucie gaining a respectable Reserve in a large Veteran Bitch class under judge Steve Myring (Fortezza) and Dylan winning his AVNSC Working Post Graduate Dog class and going on to take Best Dog / Best Opposite Sex under judge Keith Thornton (Karnak).

16/07

 

We are Kingston CS Open Show today, which schedules both Alaskan Malamute & Greenland Dog classes.

Dylan has a good day taking 2nd in Special Yearling Dog or Bitch under judge Allyson King.
Lucie has an even better day under judge Marion Hodgson, winning her Open class and going on to take Best of Breed. This is extra special as subject to KC confirmation this now closes her Show Certificate of Merit (ShCM) title. 

 

15/07

 

Today is National Working & Pastoral Breeds Championship Show, where judge Derek Smith (Clickham) officiated all my breed classes.

Alaskan Malamutes were up first, where where I had my first time handling friend Lisa Mort’s handsome Sid – Arcticbreeze Midnite Hero – who was such a good boy for me and placed VHC in a strong, 10+ Open Dog class.
Returning the favour, Lisa then handled my out of coat Harry for the first time, which saw him place Reserve in a nice Post Graduate Dog class.
Onto Lucie next who took a nice 2nd in Open Bitch to Lisa’s Echo (who ultimately went onto win Best Veteran in Show).
Canadian Eskimo Dogs were next to be judged where I had my first time handling Racheal Bailey’s Angel – Shepherdsway Eskimo Angel at Akna – who won her class and Best Veteran in Breed.
And finally it was Greenland Dog judging where Dylan had his outing and took his second Best Dog & Best Opposite Sex in as many weeks - not a bad day work!

14/07

 

A special happy birthday to my handsome Stan who turns 10 years old today. Pictured here enjoying his time in the benching at East of England last week.

13/07

 

It's a blue card day for us at Frecheville (Sheffield) & District CS Open Show, where both Lucie and Dylan are competing in AVNSC Working under judge Jay Horigan (Aritaur). Lucie places 2nd in Open Dog or Bitch behind the BOB Bullmastiff, and Dylan places 2nd in Post Graduate Dog or Bitch behind the RBOB Giant Schnauzer.

Dylan in his class. Photo Credit: Stuart Winterton

08/07

 

A fantastic, if warm, day at East of England Championship Show for my black and white show team. Our judge for both breeds was Robin Searle (Surlson), who gave Lucie a 1st in Veteran Bitch and Best Veteran in Breed for Alaskan Malamutes, and awarded Dylan 1st in Post Graduate, Best Dog and Reserve Best of Breed.

02/07

 

We start July at Windsor Championship Show with only Dylan showing in AVNSC W/P. Under judge Terry Munro (Stornum) he wins his Post Graduate Dog class and places Reserve Best Dog.

JUNE 2017

 

25/06

 

A much rainier start to events at Blackpool Championship Show, but not without success. Lucie places 2nd in Veteran Bitch under judge Noel Melling (Penpriory), kindly handled by friend Janine Horsman-Phoenix, and Dylan wins his first Open Dog class at Championship Show level, going on to take Best Dog and overall Best AVNSC under judge Peter Jolley (Rubio).

 

18/06

 

An awesome weekend in Scotland at Border Union Championship Show where despite a rare heatwave we came away with success.
Dylan showed in AVNSC Working under Judge Peter Clifton (Joseter) where he came away with 1st Post Graduate Dog, Best Dog and Best Opposite Sex.
In Malamutes under Breed Specialist Jo Sugden (Campfire), Lucie made me ever so proud with a 1st in Veteran Bitch, followed up by Best Veteran in Breed and the Bitch Reserve CC. Over the moon!
Not to forget Harry who was most certainly not on best behaviour but still got a Reserve in Post Graduate Dog.

11/06

 

A good day out at Pudsey & DCS Open Show, where under judge Janet Forshaw (Janzan) Lucie places 2nd in Open, Harry places 1st Post Gradute & Reserve Best of Breed, and Dylan places 1st in AVNSC Working Special Yearling and Best AVNSC Working Breed.

MAY 2017

 

28/05

 

A good day for the boys at Bath Championship Show today, with Harry placing 2nd in Post Graduate Dog under judge Graham Hill, and Dylan 1st Junior Dog & Reserve Best Dog in Breed under replacement judge Jeff Horswell.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Brown

27/05

 

A very warm day at the AMCUK Speciality Open Show, where Harry gets the gold star with a 1st in his Post Graduate Dog class under breed specialist Anna Ballington-Graham (Catua) as well as a couple of Reserves in the stakes classes. Lucie shows but is not quite herself in the heat, however still manages to gain a couple of reserve rosettes for her efforts.

Photo Credit: Ian Pullin

Today also saw the announcement of the AMCUK Malamute of the Year Awards (MOYA) and Working Malamute of the Year Awards (WMOYA) which saw Top 5 placings for both Harry & Lucie.

Harry placed MOYA 4th Top Import, 11th Top Dog, 20th Top Malamute and WMOYA 13th Top Weightpull Dog.
Lucie placed MOYA 4th Top Bitch, 7th Top Malamute and excitingly won WMOYA 1st Top Weightpull Bitch! Very proud of them both.

 

21/05

 

A fantastic day for us at SKC Championship Show despite a lot of running around to manage ring timings / locations.

In Malamutes under judge Breed Specialist Chris John (Cristakell) Harry places 2nd in Post Graduate Dog, and Lucie places 2nd to the BCC winner in Veteran Bitch.
In between that, Dylan and I made it just in time for his AVNSC W/P/T class to fly the Greenland flag, where under judge Sarah Hattrell (Khinjan) he was placed 1st Junior, Best Dog and Best AVNSC! Clever Greenland :)

20/05

 

Today we attend Redditch & DCS Open Show where the team have a good set of results.

Dylan places 1st in Greenland Special Yearling under judge Allyson King (Allyking).

Meanwhile, under judge Jay Horigan (Aritaur) Lucie places 1st in Open Dog or Bitch & Reserve Best of Breed, as well as a 2nd in Working Veteran (her first such class and beaten by a lovely Champion Sibe)! But special accolade today goes to Harry who won Post Graduate Dog or Bitch and then went on to beat his kennel mate to take Best of Breed.

14/05

 

We have a day out in Sunny Leicestershire attending the Canadian Eskimo Dog Club of GB Breed Seminar where Dylan is one of their demonstration dogs comparing the sled dog breeds - he enjoys representing the breed, as well as socialising with the prospective judges and committee.

Stan, Lucie & Dylan enjoy the sun during the seminar. Photo Credit: Lorna Graham

07/05

 

It's a boys day out for Birmingham National Championship Show with Lucie sitting at home out of coat.
Harry is up first in Post Graduate Dog under judge Keith Nathan where he qualifies for Crufts 2018 with a 3rd place. 
Dylan then competes in Greenland Dog classes under judge Tom Johnston, where he places 1st in Junior Dog or Bitch and goes on to win Reserve Best Dog behind the BOB winner. 

A very happy Harry

APRIL 2017

 

16/04

 

Another day ut at Allerton, this time for an 11 mile trek around the estate. For Dylan this was his first time doing this distance and suffice to say he worked hard all the way round and did us proud. For Harry, this completed the requirement for his final AMCA WTD title leg, giving him some further initials to add to his name. Well done boys!

15/04

 

An epic end to the weightpull season with two events to report.

 

The first was the final pull of the season where all dogs did me proud, with Harry working hard and Dylan pulling an equal PB of 1600lb / 19x his bodyweight.

Star of the day though was Lucie, who exceeded expectations by not only winning the 41-60lb class but doing so in style by pulling a new Personal Best of 33.96x her bodyweight. We believe this is a UK record for % of Bodyweight - what a star
There was also the final trophy presentation for the season, where Lucie got fame again by winning 1st place in the 41-60lb class - clever girl!
The boys got no trohies, but worth mentioning Harry still placed 11 of 35 qualifying dogs in the competitive 81-100lb class, even with moving weight classes in the season, and in the same class, from only 2 competitive pulls, Dylan places 22nd. Very proud of my dogs today.

10/04

 

A very sad day today as this morning we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let Maya fall asleep for the final time. Sweet dreams Maya x

09/04

 

Today we showed at Mountsorrell & District CS Open Show where judge Hayley Henworth (Wolfraven) oversaw both Malamute and Greenland Classes.
It was a good day for the boys, with Harry placing 1st in his Post Graduate Class and Dylan also winning his Junior class. Lucie also enjoyed a trip in the ring with a 3rd in Open behind the BOB & RBOB.

MARCH 2017

 

26/03

 

A good day at the Allerton weightpull today!
Lucie was only allowed in for a couple of pulls while still on limited exercise, but had fun getting back out and the boys certainly seemed keen to make up for her absence. 
Flying the Greenland Dog flag, Dylan continued to work hard for friend Marina Page and pulled a new PB of 1600lb (19x his bodyweight) before we withdrew him to ensure we ended on a good note. I think thiss may actually be the Highest Weight pulled by a Greenland Dog in the UK in weightpull competition.
Harry, however, was the definite star of the day with a final pull of 1800lb – 21.4x his bodyweight – which was enough to earn him a fourth AMCA WWPDA title leg in the competitive 81-100lb class – just one more to go!

19/03

 

Despite me being out the country, Dylan is still able to enjoy a day out at Retford CS Open Show to support the Greenland Dog classes thanks to friend Marina Page transporting and handling him for the day. He comes away with 1st in Post Graduate Dog or Bitch under breed specialist Mark Plummer (Austmans).

12/03

 

Today was Working day at Crufts and saw all three of my "show team" in attendance for breed judging.
In Alaskan Malamutes, under Breed Specialist judge Barbara Stanier (Arctictrek), Harry is unplaced in a Post Graduate class of 14 but has a great time.
Lucie has more success and does me proud with a 3rd place in huge Open Bitch class (24 entries), kindly handled by Gaylene Robertson for the first section of the class whils I was stuck in a clash of classes.

In Greenland Dogs, Dylan takes his first Crufts in his stride and wins not only his Junior Dog but goes on to take Reserve Best Dog behind the Best of Breed. A great day for the family as were able to cheer on his Mum Java taking Best Bitch and sister Latte winning Reserve Best Bitch too!
We rounded this off by collecting Dylan's medal for Our Dogs / Natures Menu Top Puppy in Breed 2016.
Well done to all who qualified and were able to enoy their day on the green carpet.

11/03

 

Dylan and I were proud to be asked to represent the Greenland Dog at Crufts 'Discover Dogs' stand today, where he had a great time greeting his crowd and receiving lots of tummy scrubs. It proved hard to get photos while manning the stand on my own, but here are a few snaps I managed of Dylan in action.

MARCH 2017

 

04/03

 

Two events to report today, the first being another round of the Allerton Weightpull Championship. 
Dylan has his 2nd competitive pull and has a final weight of 1400lb (16.5x his bodyweight) to come 7th of 15 dogs in the 81-100lb class.
Harry pulls the same weight, but is beaten by Dylan on time.
Lucie has a good day all considered, with a pull of over 23x her bodyweight which earns her not only 1st in the 41-60lb class but also highest percentage of bodweight pulled overall.

 

The second event is Harry's fourth birthday - clearly he spent it in good company and we hope all his Of-Kiyara's-Wolf-Pak V-Litter siblings have had as much fun!

Harry in his crate, awaiting his birthday treat

FEBRUARY 2017

 

19/02

 

This weekend we attend the first AMWA Sherwood Pines Rally where thankfully the weather remained dry enough to give us really nice trails of over 3.5 miles both days.

 
First I was out with my own Harry & Dylan (Malamute-Greenland) pairing, who did me proud by coming away with a trophy for 3rd place in ASFDC; given it as only our third rally and with the majority of the class over the 2 days being either full CED or CED-Sibe teams am more than happy with that result.

 
I then took out friend Marina Page's Austin & his daughter Vegas in the M2 class; fair to say we had some “technical difficulties” on the first day which lost us a good few minutes at the start, but we had a much better run on Day 2 and the pups came over the finish line with happy faces & waggy tails on both days and worked hard for me. 

11/02

 

A torrentially wet and rainy day at Round 6 of the Allerton Weightpull Championship (not often we have to keep sweeping the chute clear of water) but thankfully the dogs (and even the owners) still seemed to have fun despite the slippery conditions.
 

By coincidence, Lucie and Harry both ended up pulling the same final weight (and both pulled half way before running out of time on the next weight up)! This resulted in a pull of over 21x her bodyweight and 1st place in the 41-60lb class for Lucie, and a pull of around 15x his bodyweight and a 9th out of 20 or so dogs in the 81-100lb class for Harry. Not too bad all considered!

More excitingly, it was Dylan's first time out of novice and in the main competition. He was kindly handled again by friend Marina Page, and ultimately was allowed to pull 1100lb (around 13x his bodyweight) before deciding to withdraw from the 1200lb to ensure we ended on a good note - a good start to our month! 

 

JANUARY 2017

 

22/01

 

Our second rally of the month, with this weekend being the (rather muddy) AMCUK Greystoke Rally. Again, the whole pack enjoy a weekend away but only Harry & Dylan are running in MB2 where they come away with another win - admittedly as a solo run, but with a respectable time over the 2 days all considered. 
Thank you all for the lovely pictures - and we even made it into the National & Local Press!

15/01

 

A rather wet and rainy day at the Allerton weightpull made for tough pulling conditions but a fun day nonetheless.

In novice class Dylan continued to work with friend Marina who for the first time had him pull the maximum permitted weight as if under competition conditions without any issue. Harry was not on best behaviour in his class but nonetheless managed to not come last! And Lucie, despite struggling with the ground, still pulled over 20x her bodyweight to place 1st in the 41-60lb class.

 

08/01

 

An exciting weekend away for the whole pack to support the first AMCUK run Grizedale Rally in Cumbria.

All 5 dogs were loaded into the van for a weekend away, and what a great time we had with good company and all the dogs enjoying some time out and about (especially OAPs Stan & Maya who don’t often get to nosey about at such busy events). 
Only my newly formed team of Malamute Harry & Greenland Dylan were in competition in the MB2 class. It was a scenic course, with an undualting mix of climbs and descents and some challenging trails, so I was super pleased to say they came away with a 1st place trophy, running a respectable average of 7.5MPH over the 4.5 miles on day 1 and 7.4MPH average on the 3 miles for Day 2 (reduced due to humidity). Clever boys!

05/01

 

We have our first 2017  Show at Boston Championship Show today, where we come away with a good set of results. In Malamutes – under judge Sarah Robinson (Rigrunner) - Harry came 2nd in Post Graduate Dog, and Lucie came 2nd in Open Bitch to the ultimate BOB winner.
Dylan also had his first Champ Show out of Puppy, and aged 13 months came away with two sets of good results, with a 1st Junior Dog & Reserve Best Dog in AVNSC Working under Robin Searle (Surlson), and then took another 1st Junior & Reserve Best Dog in AV Rare Breeds under judge Ian Sexton (Greenmile). Thank you to Dave Brown for this fab photo of him doing his sensible thing.

01/01

 

Happy New Years to all our friends and family. We enjoy the cold frosty day with a rare daylight training run.