Hempton: Pooches put best paws forward
THERE were no lightest and heaviest weight prizes at the annual Companion Dog Show at Hempton at the weekend, organised by the Fakenham and District Dog Training Club.
But if there had been, a miniature Yorkshire terrier, called Pixie, tipping the scales at only around two-and-a-half pounds, would have won by some margin while a sixteen-month-old mastiff, Humbug, was easily the heaviest in show at sixteen-and-a-half stone.
But there were 20 pedigree, cross-breed, handling and novelty classes, including one for rescue dogs, for more than 70 owners who competed for the many rosettes.
"We always get a good entry from young people," said dog training club chairman, Amanda Spinks. "They are getting more and more professional in their handling skills."
One regular entrant was Gill Getley, from Great Walsingham, who although confined to a wheelchair, has won rosettes at shows all over Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. Her two-and-a-half year old toy poodle, Lady Gees Pippin, is her very special companion – after her husband – and although not professionally trained, is a great helpmate.
"She fetches things for me and pulls the washing out of the washing machine and she understands she has to wait for me to get through narrow openings.
"She's learned to live with an owner in a wheelchair and is always cheerful," said Mrs Getley.
Mrs Getley finds her instant obedience very helpful when they go for country walks when she can let her off the lead to explore. "She can have her freedom because I know I won't lose her. She always returns, without hesitation, when I call."
Among the novelty classes was a prize for the dog with the waggiest tail while the last class of all was A Dog the Judge Would Like to Take Home.
The show, as always, raised money for the charity, Canine Partners for Independence.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
