Trio in season at last!

Well as the title speaks for itself!  After a long wait, she finally came into season after our trip to Windsor - seeing Alfie again certainly seems to have done the trick.

We started to progesterone test on day 8, anticipating a retest on the following Monday (day day 12) and a trip to Alfie mid week.  Sean had as soon as she came into season that we'd end up visiting Alfie on the Saturday.  The children were going to Caldey Island with the youth group that morning, and it was the NSDTR breed seminar that I was booked onto.  We had already organised for Sean to take the children and I was car sharing with Gerald (Cooper's dad) to the seminar.  I had spoken to Gerald as soon as she came into season letting him know that there was a very slight possibility that I might have a problem as we were planning on mating her, hence I might need to change plans regarding the trip. 

Well the progesterone test (Thurs pm) came back at 6.5 ng showing that she had just ovulated and was ready to go! 

Panic stations then ensued with a host of phone calls, quick trips to town for last minute supplies for the children and packing.

We had kindly been offered the opportunity to stay with Meg's (Tilly's daughter) owners, and I  had packed the tent to camp in their paddock.  All was then organised to travel to Lincs to Alfie, then on to Nicola & Charlie's for the night before heading to Leics the following day for the seminar and then home from there. 

Gerald sadly had to travel on his own, and I certainly missed his company on the long journey to Lincs.

The journey to Lincs was long and hot, and took several hours - but eventually we did arrive.  We didn't get the mating that we had hoped, despite the blood results she just didn't appear ready and it was agreed to try again the following day after the seminar.

A lovely meal with Nicola and Charlie, and a good catch up and they were very persuasive in having me stay in a bed and not the tent for the night!  It was certainly more comfortable, and Trio was happy being in her crate in the same room as me.

I travelled to Leics the following day and Nicola and family kindly minded Trio, much nicer than being cooped up in the car for the day.  She certainly had a lovely day from what I was told on my return.  The seminar was really interesting, and with a morning exam and afternoon of critique writing was quite taxing on the old brain. 

It was agreed to meet again with Alfie, which we did after I'd collected Trio.  Sadly I didn't get much chance to catch up with Nicola and Charlie, and the cup of tea from Charlie was much appreciated before I headed off again.  To our relief we managed to get a mating, and a tie of 15 mins!! 

A long drive home then to finally reach my own bed shortly before 2am!

Our local club show took place on the Saturday, sadly we had to miss this as we had already booked the seminar which was such a shame as they now put on classes for both breeds.  We were delighted to be told that Eve's sister Bron - Seahaven Gloriana won BoB (only entry) but then went on to be placed in the gundog group!

We now have to be patient and wait to have Trio scanned at 4 weeks, at least it's nearly one week down.

Windsor Weekend

A busy but very enjoyable weekend spent firstly at Windsor Champ Show, and then the LMC Working Test.

An early start on Saturday enabled us to miss the heat whilst travelling, but it was incredibly hot there.  We did manage to find some shade, and with a breeze blowing and cool coats managed to keep the dogs comfortable.

The day started with the Junior Handling, where Tasha and Eleanor were both entered.  Both gave good performances and Eleanor was shortlisted and placed 5th in a really strong class.  Trio wasn't keen on moving in the heat, and this may have contributed to Tasha not being shortlisted - though she did get more enthusiastic in the breed classes.

In breed Trio had a Reserve in Limit and then a 3rd in Open - a placing that we were delighted with.

In no time at all we were back in the ring with Eve, where she came away with a Reserve in Limit.

We left the showground mid afternoon and made our way to Hall Barn, where we were staying for the night.  The tent was put up swiftly, and we were soon able to give the dogs a swim in the lake to cool off.  A very pleasant evening was then spent with others camping there from the LMC, with a BBQ and general get together.  Dogs and owners happily mixing together in such a pleasant location.

Eleanor recalling Eve

The Sunday started with an overcast sky, which was quite welcome considering the dogs would be working for the day.  The girls were working on different tests, which made for interesting discussions on the differences in them.  I was given the task of booking handlers in, which meant a very busy start, but then the opportunity to watch some of the tests.  I managed to see some of the Puppy Water, Puppy Hunting, whilst the girls saw the Open Blind Retrieve & Novice Retrieve.  We all managed to watch the Open Dog Water at the end of the day.

Eve watching in the shade

We didn't stay (although we would have loved to) for the final results and prize giving as we had arranged to stop and see Fenway and her family on the way home. 

A fantastic weekend, great company on both days and two stunning venues!