Once again Discover Dogs continues to attract the public and the attendance was up 5% on the previous year despite the adverse TV programme on pedigree dogs. I as very pleased with the Border Collie stand this year and the judges also agreed and this year we received one place better than last, a 2nd in the best breed booth competition. I thought we had done enough to secure the first spot but lost out on the day to the Beagles!
The stall this year concentrated on health and happiness. We listed all of the health issues concerning Border Collies and what we as a breed have done to solve and cure the problems. We are a breed that doesn't need to hide our health issues as we have such a healthy breed generally, however we have led the way with genetic research over the past few years and are continuing to do so with the next target of identifying a gene that could be the cause of epilepsy. This is being co-ordinated by all the breed clubs and the AHT (Animal Health Trust). Hopefully, this will lead to a breakthrough in the coming years. Not all epilepsy is genetic but if we can solve the area that is, then that can only be good for the breed.
On the happiness side, apart from just being a pet, we had dogs representing all the sports and work that Border Collies can do. Obedience, Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music, Herding and of course Search and Rescue. We also had a visit from a PAT dog just to show the versatility of the breed. The colours were well represented with two Blue and White dogs and a Blue Merle along with the normal Black and Whites. Plus, this year we had the different types of coat from long to smooth.
All of the dogs played their part and the newcomers to the scene were excellent and well behaved over the two days. Young Oz and Scumpy (the smooth coated one) kept the crowds entertained and Bodge and Mist, the young pups, were a great hit with the children. Pepsi, our Search and Rescue Dog along with handler Mark Lambden drew in the crowds and raised over £135 for Berkshire Search and Rescue Dog Association (SARDA). The stalwarts were once again Owen and Cloud making their sixth appearance and Bud and Merlot their second. We had brochures and stickers and the children could get involved in the "Colour The Collie" corner, while their parents chatted to us about the breed.
The stall was manned by Mark, Lesley, Kim and Kate and by yours truly, wife Melanie and not forgetting Chairman Hilary. Questions were varied with the
greatest number relating to "Do they moult?" and Mark's favourite Search and Rescue question "But there aren't any mountains in Berkshire". We were also filmed over the two days for Horse and Country TV and this will be broadcast in the next few weeks. Apparently autographs are available from
those who took part!!
Both days were non-stop although we did make time to have a look around. The dogs were patted out, the human voices were very croaky but we stayed to the bitter end and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show.
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