News

November 2010

Rae has done a super job with her puppies as they all start to get ready for their new homes. I can not take any credit for this litter as they have been raised by my good friend Louise Wilding. She has done a wonderful job with them and I can't thank her enough for making it possible for us to keep Rae to help us continue building our own line.

Show news is very exciting for us this month we travelled to Rotherham Cocker Club where Chelsea was second in Post Grad and Lexi won her Graduate class and Best In Show!! under breed specialist Miss Ann Nugent. Lexi is our first cocker to do this, winning a huge rosette that is now hung on the wall with pride. As if that wasn't enough Lexi has outdone herself again at Devon & Cornwall Cocker Club Champ show where she won her class and was awarded the Bitch Challenge Certificate and Best Opposite Sex In show, by breed specialist Mrs Ellen Harman. Too say I'm on cloud 9 would be a massive understatement,  we have been overwhelmed by all the lovely messages we received after the show.

October 2010

October already... and it feels like winter cold, damp and a kitchen full of muddy paw prints!

Well at least the shows have moved indoors now! a trip to Yorkshire Cocker Club Champ show and Grace came along for the ride, dusting off her show lead and doing what she loves, she had a lovely second in open and Lexi was VHC in Graduate. The following weekend was a long one travelling over to South Wales Champ Show Lexi was second in Graduate and Chelsea won the Post Graduate class, and then to West of England Cocker the next day where the girls were both Second in their classes.  We decided after all the long trips to go to a local open show, Sheffield where we had a great day, Chelsea, won her class and was Best Of Breed, Lexi also won her class and was Reserve Best Of Breed and Louise won Best Puppy with Sybil. Midland Champ show was our final trip out this month where Chelsea was VHC in Post Grad and Lexi won her Yearling class.

September 2010

September started off with Rae - Trentshome Sweet Dream having a lovely litter of 7 chunky pups to Sh Ch Robraine Sulamani AKA 'Ian' She is being a super Mum and enjoying all the attention.

This month also brings round what is becoming an annual trip to Ireland. This year we had the chance to show at two shows on the same weekend, making it a longer trip. Lou and I took two other cocker friends and we had nine dogs between us. Carol west, who had not been over to Ireland for many years, and Sarah Smith who was a 'firs timer'  We had a fabulous trip all the dogs were impeccably behaved together on such a long weekend. We were given the warmest Irish welcome by some friends of Lou's who opened their home to all the dogs and us. I don't think any of us expected the wonderful meals that were on the table each evening, along with wine and great conversation. Far better than any hotel. The dogs also had a good time in the ring at Ulster Cocker. Lexi was first in Yearling and Chelsea was first in Post Graduate, but star of the weekend was Louise with Curtis who was Best Puppy In Show! Curtis is a lovely boy who always entertains us with his very comical little ways and it was lovely to see him do so well.

We also had a trip to Darlington champ Show where Chelsea was 2nd in Post Grad and Lexi was 3rd in Yearling. Then exactly one year after Lexi went to her first Champ show we went back to Birmingham where she won her Yearling Class. I can't believe I've been showing her for a year it only feel like yesterday she was a fluffy baby with no idea what she was doing, how time flies when your having fun!! 

August 2010

Another busy month in the show calendar, and a trip to Paignton with Lexi who was second in her last Junior class and Chelsea won her first Post graduate class. Louise and I then had a weekend away showing at Hants & Sussex Cocker Club show and Bournemouth Champ Show. Lexi and Chelsea both won their classes at Hants & Sussex and Chelsea went on to be reserve Best In Show, handled beautifully in the challenge by Frances Bowman, thanks Fran. After an entertaining night in a hotel with four cockers we went to Bournemouth Champ show the next day where Chelsea was Second in Post Grad and Lexi won her first Yearling class.  Louise showed Sybil, sister to Curtis, she was third in Minor Puppy and qualified for Crufts first time out. We finished the month off by going to the Welsh Kennel Club Champ Show, a very long and winding drive where Lexi was Third in Yearling and Chesea was Second in Post Graduate.

Back at home we have had Rae scanned and she is in whelp to the beautiful gentle red boy Sh Ch Robraine Sulamani AKA  'Ian' we expect the patter of tiny paws early September. Keep your eye on our puppy page for updates.

Holly now coming up for 4 years old has really matured into a lovely young lady with a certain way about her, she is the most relaxed, happy little girl who is always on the go, but in her own very methodical way. I find myself watching her with 'new eyes' of late. Seeing much more than I have ever noticed before. She is a powerful but elegant mover, effortless and she has that purpose in everything she does, even if thats just sitting under a tree and waiting for a bird she is sure is up there. She has made me remember to keep my eyes and mind open.

  July 2010

Our first show of the month took us south to Windsor where Lexi won her junior class and was in the final 3 for the CC so another fab day where the sun continued to shine on us all.  Mark had again travelled with us, and I had my first experience of handling a Sussex Spaniel it was a memorable moment but for all the wrong reasons, splitting the bum in my trousers while in the ring!!!  The following weekend we went to East of England, where the weather stayed hot, but with good facilities for the dogs they were able to show out of the direct sun. Lexi was third in Junior. Trent was third in Minor puppy, so the dog of the day was Louse's young blue boy Curtis AKA Jayzander Blue Ensign who won minor puppy at his very first show and qualified for Crufts, thank you Lou for trusting me to handle this very special little boy who stole my heart a long time ago. He was a little star and entertained everyone ringside when he almost tripped me up in the challenge, like mother like son!!

July also sees The Cocker Spaniel Club annual Championship Show, this,  alongside Crufts is our premier show of the year, where exhibitors travel far and wide, many dogs travelling from aboard to compete, for a coveted black, yellow & white rosette only given out for first place at this show. Judging this year was Miss J. Derby, Bitches & Mr R Webb Dogs.  We took all three of the show girls. Grace was second in open, Chelsea was First in Graduate and Lexi was also First in Junior.  Louise took Curtis, second in minor puppy, Trent, second in puppy, Lucy, second in puppy and Fabian, first in graduate. What a fantastic day we had with the dogs. We all had our usual  get together with lots of lovely food and wine, and a chance to catch up with the many exhibitors from aboard who we only see a couple of times a year. The committee of the Cocker Club should be congratulated on another fantastic show with a great sporting atmosphere.

                   Chelsea                                           Grace                                              Lexi

               Trent                                                     Curtis

The gang at The Cocker Club. (Photo's are copyrighted to Cockeringles.org)

June 2010

 Our first show of June was at Southern Counties in Newbury a visiting Judge from America, Bonnie Threlfall, with the largest entry of the year. It was an interesting day. The rarer colours taking some of the Classes and top honours. Our team had another successful day with  Lexi First in Junior, Grace  VHC in a very strong Limit class and Louise's Trent Second in Minor Puppy. We then travelled to Malvern for the Three Counties Champ Show where Lexi was Second in Junior and Chelsea was VHC in Graduate. The fo;;owing weekend took us on the long trip up to Border Union in Scotland. An eventful trip with Mark Boswell and Louise. Mark took his young Hungarian Vizsla, Patsy, who didn't travel well and the sight of Mark walking down the road heaving and looking very pale in the middle of nowhere while Louise cleaned up the car will stay with me for a long long time. oh the glamour of dog showing!!! After all that it was a great day, boiling hot so spent most of the day hoping from one shaded area to another with the dogs. The girls had a lovely day under breed specialist Anne Webster. Lexi was first in Junior and Grace was second in limit. Louise took Trent and he was Second in Minor Puppy.

      May 2010

First show of May was fairly local only having to travel to Stafford for the The National Lexi had another lovely day being First in Junior & Chelsea was Fourth in Graduate handled again by her other Mummy, Louise. We then had a much longer trip up to the Scottish Kennel Club Champ show in Edinburgh where Lexi was VHC in Junior and Chelsea was third in Graduate. It was little Trents first show. He took it all in his stride, just like his Mum Grace he was in no rush! He was placed Third in Minor Puppy qualifying him for Crufts 2011 first time out. The weather was glorious with the Sun shinning all day, making a change for this show as I can't remember the last time we were here not needing wellies and a boat!! The following weekend found us travelling to Bath where the weather really turned on us and left us wishing we had water wings at some points in the day!!  Lucky for us this is a show with good wet weather facilities so we still enjoyed our day. Lexi was First in Junior, & little Trent was First in Minor Puppy so another lovely day for the team.

        April  2010

The dogs have enjoyed the nice weather we have had this month, fewer wet days makes for happy little cockers and a happy Mum. Even trimming outside a few times! Our new area for the dogs had made my life so much easier, being able to let them out without getting wet and muddy all the time has cut down on time spent waiting for them to dry to be able to trim and groom. That said they still like to get mudded up on non show days!

We travelled up to Lanark in Scotland with Chelsea & Lexi where they were placed Second in Graduate and Third in Junior. Louise went with Primrose. It was a bitter sweet day for Lou as this was Prim's last show. This lovely photo was taken of her in the ring.

Our trip to WELKS champ show was Lexi's first general champ Junior Class, we were delighted  to be first under breed specialist Sandy Platt, a lady who's opinion I hold with high regard. We then travelled to the Solid Colour Cocker Club where she won her junior class and was short listed to the final 5 for Best In Show. Chelsea being a mismark as we call her (blue roan - not a solid) had the day off as no classes for her!! So Grace had a lovely day out being Second in Limit to the BOS on the day. She spent much of her day with her son Trent who went for the puppy walk. It was lovely to see him enjoy his moment in the ring for the first time with all the other pup's. The puppy walk is a non competition class held at some breed shows for pups 4-6 months, lets them 'have a go' before they have to do it for real. I love to see them all together being silly, legs everywhere, jumping about and playing. A great positive experience for their first time out. While we were between classes Louise took some photo's of Lexi now she is growing up. I'm pleased she edits me out of most of them, but I think I'm supposed to stay on this one!

     March  2010

A really manic month...... ah what's new lol.

Lexi and Grace had a trip to South Wales Cocker Club where Grace was Second in a strong Limit Class, I think she was pleased to be back in the ring enjoying her day, and all the fuss and attention a day at a show brings. Lexi was Second in Maiden class and won her junior Class. Chelsea has enjoyed 6 weeks off and was raring to go by Crufts.

we had a unforgettable day at Crufts Lexi was first in the ring and came Second in Special Puppy, Chelsea went next, handled by her other Mummy, Lou, She won her Graduate class, and finally Grace was placed Third in a great Limit class.... what a day!!!!

We got to see lot's of old friends, Lexi had her own little fan cub at one point. We enjoyed our day made even more special with some friends over from Australia. Lou and I spent the rest of the week with the Oz girls, shopping, shopping and more shopping.

The girls at Crufts. (Photo's are copyrighted to Cockeringles.org)

      February 2010

Already writing News for February... where has the time gone? Well Grace's pup's have gone to their new homes and getting settled in fast.

Covenrty Cocker Open Show Lexi won her puppy class and a maiden class, with a second in another puppy class.

We then had a trip to North Lincs open show where Lexi won her last point for her Junior Warrant title! At only 12 months old we are all very very proud of her. She is our first Cocker to win a JW, being homebred makes it even more special.

The rest of the month has been taken up with getting the girls ready for Crufts next month and building a covered run for the dogs.

    January 2010

Happy New Year & best wishes for 2010.

January was off to a busy start with The Cocker Spaniel Club Puppy Challenge Event. A chance for all the years top puppies to come together. We had a super day, an enjoyable meal and conversation with fellow exhibitors and friends. It was especially nice for us this year with Lexi as she finished 4th overall top puppy this year. (Second top puppy bitch)

I am so proud of our Lexi, but know this achievement would not of been possible without the help of some very special people, you know who you are! 'keep the faith' & you've been right so far!

Not many shows at this time of year but we went to Lichfield open show with Lexi where she won both her classes, was Best Puppy and Res. Best of Breed. She also won her Puppy class and was Best Puppy Bitch at Manchester Champ Show. Chelsea also had a nice win at Coventry open show in Limit and a 2nd in Post Grad at Manchester.

Grace is still enjoying her babies, they are growing fast and will be off to their new homes al too fast.

       December

We had a lovely quiet Christmas with the dogs, enjoying wasting time watching Grace's babies grow almost by the day! We had a hilarious night out with the Wilding family at the Pantomime, Neil Morrissey in Cinderella. Not sure who made me laugh more Buttons or Louise, (she knew EVERY word to 'Bob the Builder')  I'm still smiling thinking about it as I write this a week later!

Lexi had another fantastic win at London Cocker Spaniel Club Champ show winning her second Best Puppy in Show and winning her class at LKA Champ show. Chelsea has was also placed at both shows. As you can see Lexi is very pleased with her Silverware!

            November

November has been an exciting month both in the show ring and at home. Lexi went to The Solid Colour Cocker Champ show on Halloween and won Best Minor Puppy and Best Puppy In Show! Winning some lovely rosettes and lots of food for the gang. She also won her class at Coventry Cocker champ show. Chelsea was second at Solid Colour show but didn't go to Coventry as  Grace had been very busy a couple of nights before (Friday 13th!!!!) having 6 beautiful chunky pups, reds and blacks. This is her first litter and our first reds. She is being a super mum, much to our surprise. To see the pups click here

We have also had the rest of our slab work done and now have another great area for the dogs to use especially in the winter. Really was hard work getting it finished with all the bad weather we have had, thank you Simon (our poor landscaper) for working so hard and making life as easy as you could for me with the dogs. No more shows this month but I'm looking forward to stewarding at NMECCSC open show on the29th

       October

I am writing October news a little early but I know the end of the month will be manic! We loaded up Lou's truck and skipped across the water to Ireland this month to Ulster Cocker Champ Show (mad I know) taking Cheryl Blackly and 6 cockers between us we had a great trip. Louise's orange girl won open bitch and her lovely blue boy Romeo was third in the strongest Limit dog class I have seen in a while gaining his stud book number. Cheryl's girl Ruby won 2 classes getting her last 6 points for her Junior Warrant title, she also went on to get Best in Show!  Chelsea not to be outdone by everyone else won the Limit bitch class and also got her stud book number. She was also Second a couple days before this trip in Graduate at South Wales Champ show. Gaining her SB number this year has been the icing on the cake for my little Boo Boo. Lexi has had another exciting month in the ring being second in minor puppy at Driffield, West of England Cocker Club and Ulster Cocker Champ shows and First at South Wales champ show. She is a delight to show her character comes out in the ring, she is having a ball, she has no idea what she is doing except having a good time, with loads of attention! Grace had a scan and all is well so far she will be expecting her babies mid November! I'm sure she will not be 'Mother Earth' like Holly, she is a real Diva. Thank God I will have Louise to help me, we are gonna need it!!!

Pod has also become a dad again to Chelsea's Sister  the lovely Belle  a lovely chunky litter of blue's and oranges they have been nicknamed the 'Podelle's'

          September

September has flew by so fast with our ever busy life! Lexi went to her first Champ show at City of Birmingham and was second in minor puppy, qualifying for Crufts 2010 first time out, she then went on to Lancashire Cocker Champ show, second in Minor puppy, Richmond and Darlington Champ shows she won both her Minor puppy classes and qualified for The Cocker Club Puppy Challenge. An event held every year in January for the years winning pup's.  Not to be outdone by the 'new kid on the block'  Grace had a very respectable fourth in a very strong Limit class at Birmingham. This was her last show for this year as we are hoping for the patter of tiny paws from her mid November, fingers crossed.

       August

August is coming to an end and we don't seam to have had much sunshine I'm still hoping for a warm Sept! The girls have been doing well in the ring. Chelsea was VHC at National Gundog 2nd at WKC and First at Paignton all in Yearling.  Grace has been second in both her limit classes at Paignton and WKC. She also won BOB and group 4 at Scunthorpe open show. Louise won Best Puppy and Puppy Group 2 with her new baby 'Jack' Lochranza Who Loves Ya.  Lexi went to her first show at Ashbourne handled by Louise she had a Fourh place and a Second place at Alferton the next day. She really enjoyed herself and I'm looking forward to taking her to her first champ show in a couple of weeks.

       July

With July brings the annual Cocker Club Show. It's a great day catching up with everyone, enjoying good food and a glass or two of wine, after showing the dogs!! Grace won open red bitch for the second year. Also got the chance to handle her little brother  Lewis who was Third in his class he is so much like his sister, all in his own time! We also took Lexi just for the day out she had a lovely time meeting all the other cockers and lot's of people. We then went on to Leeds Champ show where Doris was VHC in Junior bitch at her last show, and Chelsea won Yearling bitch. We did have a lovely hot day out with Chelsea and Lexi at Louise's ending up in the pool with the dogs photo's on  Photo Gallery

 Doris has gone to a new home click on her name to find out more

       June

Chelsea is finally back in coat and looking more like a cocker spaniel again. She has been to a couple of shows and is once again enjoying her days out, she qualified for Crufts 2010 at Bath Champ show and is holding her own in a very strong yearling class. She is a great buddy, our Boo Boo, as she is  nicknamed - don't ask me where that one comes from! but she answers to it. She is enjoying baby Lexi and looks after her all the time. Grace has been enjoying a couple of weeks off growing fluff and getting into mischief. Doris had a lovely day at Southern Counties Champ Show 1st in junior and qualified for Crufts 2010  She is always fun to show but you need eyes in the back of your head she always finds something naughty to do. From tipping up water bowls to chewing anything within reach of her crate or her favourite trick - try to get the judges rosette off their jacket.

        May

It's been another busy month, we have have good weather for most of it enabling us to get a long overdue project finished, the area in front of the kennels has now got slabs!! Giving us about 50sqm of slabs and not mud! Great for the dogs but even better for me come the winter. It comes to something when you get excited about slabs!!! Hopefully we will get the 2nd phase finished before  the end of summer. Grace continues to do well in her limit class with the big girls being in the cards in some excellent company. Doris had a good day at Boston open show her first show not in puppy, winning best of breed and going on to be fourth in the gundog group.

       April 

The weather has been kind to us this month and the longer days makes the dogs (and me) much happier more time for them to play!! We had a busy month as always. Holly's puppy's were ready to go to their new homes. All have now started to settle into their new lives and we wish all their new owners well with them. We still have two with us who are getting into lots of mischief together. Showing has not been too busy this month, Grace &  Doris  went to Midland Cocker. Grace was second in open and Doris fourth in puppy. A trip to Scotland got Grace VHC in a strong open class.

           March

   Its been an exciting month, Crufts finally came. We had a great day with Grace she was placed VHC in mid limit bitch a real thrill. Our good good friend Louise had her very comical blue boy  Romeo placed VHC in Junior dog, Cheryl's boy  Rocky , Grace's brother won the Good Citizen Class. We had a lovely day meeting people from all over the world old friends and new. I must also congratulate Vicky Warrener of Waterswarren English Springer Spaniels a fantastic day for you and your 3 Amigo's a first and 2 VHC's Well done!

Grace VHC Mid Limit Bitch                 Romeo VHC Junior Dog                 Rocky- First KC Good Citizen Class

photo copyright cockeringles.org

Pod became a Dad again to Louise's Jayzander Grace N' Favour AKA Juliet a lovely litter of Blue and Orange roan puppies to see them click here

Our own puppies are growing fast and becoming very comical great time wasters I can sit and watch them play for hours!

Finally with a lot of help from Louise and Tim our Website has gone 'live' We look forward to sharing our dogs adventures both in the ring and at home.

February

   It has been a very busy month with the arrival of a litter of puppies, getting ready for Crufts and trying to start this Website. On the showing side Grace won BOB at Belper open show and Open red bitch at Particolour Cocker Champ show.  Doris not to be out done won her Puppy class at the same Champ show and became Scunthorpe CA Puppy of the Year. This was a nice one to win as her half sister Grace won the same title last year.