Have managed today to take some photos of Ruby and Jas both of whom are growing! 

Ruby’s ears are a source of amusement, they seem to alternate every day ,which one is standing up. She has now had her last jabs and has taken her first exciting walks on the common ,with me, still on one crutch but managing. Her recall is really good. One piece of advise I was given by a lady who’s training classes I used to go, to many moons ago, was to go out on walks without the rest of a new puppies pack members ,that way they learn to focus on you and not the other dogs.I have followed this advise for many years and it certainly works even if you only have one other dog. I often take a single dog out for some special one on one time and they love it . 

 Jas has 2 weeks to go now pups are due on the 22nd May ,she is so “mumsie” it is amazing.She is eating well and her behaviour is so calm. She goes out for her walk still, but on her own .Nature is a wonderful thing to see the change in her is amazing. The last week, her tummy has really grown. 

We will get the ” Maternity Wing” of the lounge ready next week so she can familiarise herself with it. Chris and I have fingers crossed that everything goes well for Jas and the little “Splots” however many there are . I know there are some excited people out there and we will keep you posted as soon as we have news. 

There was a mass exodus of Crumpsbrook Munsters to Malvern and WELK’s, the first championship show of the 2014 season. Jas stayed at home with important duties to perform ! Cassie was entered and after a much needed bath she  left loads of her coat clogging the plug hole. She is loosing the beautiful coat which helped her to her win at Crufts. Kate took Cassie in her limit class  for me and did a brilliant job, thank you. She had a third place.

There were 8 Crumpsbrook representatives there in total, Mandy was showing 2 of Oscar’s (Cassie’s brother) and Esther’s litter, Poppy, Moss and their dad Oscar. Another litter mate was having its first chance in the ring, Bertie with his mum Caroline. Cassie had 3 of her sons there from 2 litters, Henry with his mum Karen, Fynn with his mum Mariet and Simon and his mum Annette.

 The results were amazing, Poppy won her class, best puppy, beating her brother and the reserve CC. (Many congratulations Mandy).  Moss won his puppy class . Fynn won his junior class, Simon was 2nd in the same class. Then Henry followed on with a 2nd in post graduate.

The wonderful thing is all of these dogs have now qualified for Crufts 2015. I think I can safely say Mandy and I are both so proud of our Crumpsbrook puppies achievements. Not a bad result from just 4  litters between us. We managed to take a group photo of everyone. From left to right – Oscar, Poppy, Moss, Henry, Bertie, Simon, Fynn and Cassie.

Jas is being a sensible girl and has really taken the responsibility of impending motherhood seriously. She is even more affectionate, if that’s possible, and is eating well again after her “morning sickness”.

Ruby, my Shepherd pup is absolutely gorgeous, such a fluff ball and so cute. She is really sensible, treats the horses with utmost respect and is really quite grown up. Ebby’s influence perhaps. That’s not saying she doesn’t get up to the normal puppy behaviour, those teeth are like needles especially around your ankles and she adores chewing the rubber ferrel on my walking stick ,which will return to the hospital complete with tooth marks, oops. Still someone said I ought to take a photo of her with me when I return for my check up in 3 weeks and because she is so cute they will forgive the damage! 

I am pleased to report I have had my new hip and everything went well. I decided not to have a general anaesthetic  so I was aware of the whole procedure. Though the drilling and banging were a little disconcerting I am so glad I made that choice as my recovery was instant. I stayed in hospital until  Monday 7th, it was lovely to be home again to see my girls.

Chris has been managing , just about, with all of the chores as well as looking after me, but I am now much more independent, the only thing I cannot do is put my socks on. Friends and neighbours locally have been wonderfully supportive with visits and food parcels, so at least Chris has been well fed. The horses have had an extended break but it won’t be long now and I shall be back in the saddle. The other things I am looking forward to is sitting on the settee with my girls having a cuddle, I have to sit on a raised arm chair and going for walks with them. We love packing a picnic and setting off to Wales with them for a day’s walking ,can’t wait.

I was very keen to go to Carmarthen to pick up Ruby, our new GSD puppy, all went well and she is now settled here at Catherton. I knew the Father of the litter as I had tried to mate Ebby to him which was unsuccessful, so when the opportunity came to have litter pick of the girls from one of Hilarys bitches I was tempted. Even more so when I read her pedigree, she has fantastic German bloodlines that I knew well and love. This was fate, admittedly I did not expect to be going in to hospital so quickly to have my hip done, but hey -ho life is for living ! Ruby is gorgeous, such a pretty girl, very confident and she has fitted in really well. Her training will be a struggle for another week or so as I am not allowed to bend down but she will soon catch up. She is responding to her name well and has started to sit. We took her on her first adventure with Ebby, Willow, Cassie, Jas and Sully, who was staying for the weekend, in my car to visit Carol and Otto.

We took Jas to the vets for her scan this morning, her appointment followed on from my appointment at the doctors to have my staples removed, another step along the road to recovery.

I am pleased to confirm she is pregnant, Chris and I are excited as I am sure Kate and Matt, Dougies owners are (they are having litter pick of the boys). The puppies are due 22nd May. I had a good gut feeling that she was pregnant, she is really quiet, not like her at all, and has refused her breakfast, a sign of doggie morning sickness. Having said that phantom pregnancy can lead you to the wrong conclusion which has happened to us before. 

Proud parents to be. Dougie and Jas.

I have now had my operation date for my hip, Friday 4th April. So basically we are trying to get things sorted here at Catherton. The timing for my vege garden is not ideal but beds are dug over now and are ready for planting. I still have some herbaceous borders to weed and cut back but I am getting there. 

We have been to Carmarthen to choose our new GSD puppy, she is so pretty, lovely strength of bone and real quality as I expected from such a wonderful pedigree. I am wracking my brains for a name and haven’t yet settled on one so will update you on that soon. She is arriving here the week after my opp, I am hoping to go to fetch her with Chris but I shall have to wait and see how I am, a 3 hour journey may not be ideal, we shall see. In case I am grounded our friend  Marce is booked to go with Chris and I shall have to wait patiently at home. At least I can write my blog about her exploits while I am incapacitated.   

I have had so many photographs from Crufts sent to me and many emails of congratulations plus cards, thank you all so much. I still smile when I think of that wonderful day. Cassie came home and I am convinced she knew she was special, she strutted around home very pleased with herself. As promised some more photos and video of the occasion. Even at Crufts Jas wanted to swim after the ducks in the lake, good job Marce had a firm hold.

Jas and Dougie have had a “dirty weekend” Dougie actually came to visit and what a gentleman he proved to be. Fingers are now crossed in various households across the country. She will go to be scanned at approx 4 weeks. Lets hope for a positive outcome. I will keep my blog updated on progress.

Well ,who could have believed it, certainly not me! Cassie, Crumpsbrook Acacia, won her Limit class which was a large class of quality bitches. This was surprise number one . Then a few minutes later, after I had calmed down and topped up the pain killers for my hip, we went into the bitch challenge.

I was so chuft at my Limit class win then when the judge, Mrs Crawford, called Cassie out as the Best Bitch Challenge Certificate winner you could have knocked me over with a feather. I didn’t blub this time, I was so happy (maybe 

 something to do with my tablets !). I know tears were shed around the ring by special friends and Crumpsbrook puppy family members. It truly is an amazing feeling especially with so much support from the ringside. I would love to thank you all for your many congratulations. It is a hobby for me, breeding and showing my gorgeous Munsters, but that doesn’t mean I don’t give it the care and consideration it deserves. I feel truly vindicated that my decisions of mates for my girls are proving correct. Cassie was from my first and only litter from our amazing Willow. The gorgeous, handsome Jasper (Tanzenbach Chevalier) owned by Carol Saunders was the father. Thank you Carol, I still feel I hijacked your lines. 

Some of you may remember Cassies daughter,  Jas, from her first litter by Harry, Tanzenbach Waterboatman, another bred by Carol, won best puppy at Crufts last year.  Cassie wasn’t there then, due to being pregnant with her second litter also by Harry. Amazing. We have some lovely young dogs coming out in the ring this season from that litter too.

To top it all, you may be aware we have been waiting for Jas to come into season. Well my day couldn’t have been more perfect ,when we arrived at Crufts with the girls, Henry, Loki and Dougie were all keen to say” hello” to Jas. Ebby my Shepherd is in season and they often bring one another in but the day before when Jas had her bath for her big day, there was no sign of a season. Obviously meeting such handsome boys did

 the trick, she is in season, hurrah. The only slight negative was the hormones had obviously taken effect and she was a bit flat for her moment in the ring. 

Dougie, Paddockridge Rulander, who is to be the dad, had a great day too, winning his working class and standing second in Open to the Hargreaves Ghyllbeck Rapax who then went on to be Best of Breed. It looks like Jas’s timing means I can officiate at the mating, Chris, Matt and Kate would have had to be the gooseberries !!! 

My congratulations must go to Karen, Henry’s (Crumpsbrook Hickory) owner. She managed to control her nerves and took her lovely boy into the ring. She won a valued 3rd place Crufts prize card. I remember my first time with Cassie, it really is nerve wracking. We won a third too and I was overjoyed. Well done Karen you did me proud.

Thank you all for sending me such wonderful photographs. Such a brilliant record of a special day. We will continue to sort them and add more of them soon.

Had a lovely day at Mid Western Gundog last Sunday Dougie and Jas finished BOB and RBOB The engaged couple looked lovely together. Fynn had a good day too getting Best Puppy. Cassie had to go in open and had a 3rd out of 5 which I was pleased with. So all in all a splendid day .

We have had a few visitors recently, Milo, a Portuguese Water Dog has been with us for 4 weeks ,he came last year too and really fitted in well with the girls making himself right at home. Sully ,comes regularly when his mum has to work and the other Munster is Otto who just came to play . I love seeing them together they are so good sharing beds and snuggling up at night .Washing all those paws is a chore we could do without, but seeing them content and sleepy in front of the fire of an evening is delightful . Milo really enjoys his holidays ,being an only dog he seems so happy playing with the girls, he is besotted with Ebby my GSD 

 I have had my Pre Opp appointment through for the 4th March which is exciting and scary so I shall dose myself up and enjoy my day at Crufts, it could be the last time I shall be running round the ring with my girls for a while. I fully intend to keep showing ,lots of lovely people have offered to help .

 I plan to visit my new GSD pup before my operation can’t wait to see the litter I shall take photos and put them on my blog.

Hope you are all keeping safe and dry ,as some of you may be aware we were flooded here at Catherton during the Summer of 2012 twice. Our flood defences were installed and they have worked brilliantly, thank goodness.Muddy dogs are a nuisance. The horses are home now, they wintered well got very fat and woolly and are  very happy watching the rain from the comfort of their  stables . We have not ridden much, the weather has not been conducive to hacking and my hip has deteriorated over the winter break which does not make it enjoyable. Still at least I know that is a short term thing,can’t wait for me new hip . 

Since Christmas my business, Mannerly Mutts has expanded. I have joined in partnership with Steve Tolley, a long term friend of ours. He is operating a dog walking, sitting and boarding service. This is something that I am asked to do frequently but do not always have the time  so I felt there was an opportunity for these services. Steve is a retired police officer. He spent several years in the mounted division and was a  dog handler with German Shepherds and Springer Spaniels.

I will continue to focus on the training and behaviour ,which I love. I am still studying for my degree with The Cambridge Institute in Dog Behaviour. My obedience training classes will be starting up again in March and my behaviour consultations are ongoing . If you wish to be nosy take a look at my website  www.mannerlymutts.co.uk .

We are still waiting for Jas to come into season, she persists in keeping us guessing. Apparently good things come to those that wait. Exciting news is my German Shepherd puppy has arrived, born yesterday 14th Feb arrh !!!! I wish they were nearer but I shall have to be patient for a few weeks to go and see her.

Chris has started a new job which is exciting, working with start up and small  businesses in our area, something he enjoys. So added on to his other jobs he will be busy.

I love March it is one of my favourite times of year. It kicks off with Crufts  followed by The Cheltenham Racing Festival, two brilliant days out. If Jas can wait till after then to come into season and my hospital appointment arrives shortly afterwards that would be pretty perfect. Too much to ask ? Whatever, we will cope .

 Stay safe and dry everyone, see you at Crufts perhaps. 

Thought I would share some moments with you of our lovely Christmas here at Catherton.Firstly we had a drinks party for all my training class clients, plus a few neighbours,the Sunday before Christmas. At its peak we had 40 people and our girls came in individually to say hello.Kate and Matt came with Dougie who was keen to say hello to Cassie who was just coming to the end of her season, but I’m afraid he will have to wait for another Crumpsbrook girl ,Jas ,when she comes into season.

Christmas morning we go for Champaign cocktails to our friends over the common ,this will have been our 25th year! Such a brilliant start to the day. My friend Jackie came to stay with us and bought her little dog Hetty, so she to enjoyed her inaugural “Margarets.” We ate lunch at about 4.00pm, turkey (which had lived a happy life a couple of miles up the road) and all the trimmings followed by last years Christmas pud. I make my own and keep one until the following year, then watched Downton falling into bed after a wonderfully satisfying day. 

Boxing Day we traditionally go to the Meet at Ludlow. The hunt gathers at Ludlow castle which is such a pretty sight. Following on from that there is a tug of war which happens across the road between two Tudor coaching inns, The Bull and The Feathers. Rather a haphazard affair ,health and safety is forgotten for a few minutes as people pile on the rope. The traffic is forced to a stand still by the volume of people who crowd onto the road to support their team. Chris and our good friend Pete always pull for The Feathers, the underdogs, due in part to the slippery cobbles they have to pull on . Those of you that know us well will know Chris is not a competitive soul, but even he gets into the spirit of things, Pete on the other hand,well he means business! Bless them, neither have weight on their side ,but they pull their damnedest. This year the first pull was won easily and Marce (Petes wife ) and I, who were shouting and screaming our support, thought this may be our year .The second pull was lost after a really long “hold” I thought they were all going to expire. The arguments over the third pull will go on ,but basically The Bull team cheated !! I even attacked a well built chap who was standing with his Labrador and said ” I’m a dog trainer I’ll hold your dog ,get on the rope ”  to no avail. Still there’s always next year.We then came home with Jackie and Pete and Marce to watch the King George from Kempton. We had been into the bookies in Ludlow and placed our bets . I had nothing, but Pete’ s selection won. Later that evening a few friends came to us for supper and silly games . Chris had bought me a Onesy , didn’t think  for one minute  I would ever wear one  but  they are sooo snuggly , perfect for curling up in front of the fire .  The photos are from that evening , I am doing a Charade!  Thanks Pete for taking the pics on the I Pad .

Friday I was judging Munsters and I found my champion in Dougie ,not surprising after all he is going to be the father of my next litter. Then a quiet evening in.

Saturday and Sunday were family days. Josie and her family (Chris’s sister) came to visit and the weather was gorgeous we had a lovely lunch with them before they returned to Buckinghamshire.

Monday we had a visit from one of our puppies from Cassie’s first litter, Zennor with her mum and dad, Mark and Liz. They came for a walk with us, then we had lunch and a good catch up .They run a wonderful B&B in Devon, one which takes dogs ! If any of you out there need somewhere to stay I can put you in touch. Zennie as she is known is a delight. Liz did worry when she squeezed under the fence into the wood to hunt, as Munsters do, but I knew she was safe and Chris managed to lift her back . We both love seeing our “babies “again and seeing how loved and adored they are,plus hearing what an array of  activities they all do. They have such active lives.

 New Years Eve was party time again and we managed to stay awake for Big Ben. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful circle of friends. Heather and John did us proud. After more Charades we returned home at 1.00 am. Unheard of for us. New Years Day was a bit of a damp squib ,we often go racing to Cheltenham with Pete and Marce ,but Marce had to work, so we had made arrangements to travel to Yorkshire to see another of our “babies” Simon, and his Mum and Dad Annette and Roger. Annette also rides and had offered to allow us to ride her wonderful dressage horse. Unfortunately my hips would not allow me to indulge, but Chris was really excited . Still it wasn’t to be, it poured with rain and blew a gale,so we have postponed the visit .

2014  looms upon us ,I am excited about many things for the year, new GSD puppy hopefully, and Jas’s litter, plus the usual shows .This year there will be a few more Crumpsbrook  pups out in the show ring. Mandy has her own bitch puppy, Poppy, Oscars daughter and Mandy’s mum kept a boy pup so hopefully we may see him out too. A couple of Cassie’s second litter pups are taking up showing, so will join Jas and Henry and Karen.

Jas ,Cassie and Henry are all off to Crufts this year too ,so that’s  exciting.

Ebby continues to be in rude health so hopefully she can be a good role model to the new arrival.

Lots of you have sent photographs which we have updated on Munster Puppies 2012 and 2013 plus I have updated dog show results for Cassie and Jas for 2013, another good year.

Enough of my ramblings, can’t you tell the weather is awful!

Hope you all have a wonderful 2014 and enjoy whatever the year holds for you . 

 Cassie, Jas and I  went to City of Birmingham Dog Show on Sunday.

In my last blog I said I hoped to qualify Cassie for Crufts next year,she has obviously been busy with motherhood and hasn’t been shown until August. I genuinely felt time was running out. I am proud of all my dogs, but this takes the biscuit, she actually won her Limit class which was in itself excellent. Bless her. We the then had to go into the challenge which is for all unbeaten bitches. Cassie and I have little experience of the dizzy heights of “the challenge”. Needless to say she was brilliant and after Christine won the ticket with Freya, I sensed the judge was looking hard at Cassie, then when he walked over to shake my hand I was so thrilled. Cassie had won the reserve ticket 4 months after having a litter of 11 pups. This now means she never has to qualify for Crufts again and Crumpsbrook now has 2 dogs, Cassie and her brother Oscar, with stud book numbers, both from Willows litter. 

Thanks to Mick Howes for thinking so highly of Cassie. I think she is beautiful, but then I would wouldn’t I !

Not wishing to leave Jas, Cassie’s daughter, out, she showed really well and was placed 3rd in a good class of post graduate bitches. She really needs to mature and grow her coat back. She is moulting at the moment, but I was happy with that result. 

We went to W.E.L.K.S at Malvern today, it was lovely to be outside after last summers awful weather. Jas’s brother Henry came to his first show with his owners and Karen was brave enough to show him herself. He did Crumpsbrook proud by gaining second place and a Crufts qualification for 2014 . Brilliant.

I think Karen and Henry enjoyed their day enough to come to some more shows and join in in our lovely hobby . Henry is a super boy and will improve with maturity, much like his Dad Harry. Everything is correct and with practice he and Karen will make a winning team I am sure..

Jas maintained her winning form by being placed first in her first junior class. Bitch classes are always tough but she shows so well, really striding out and looking so happy, she is a joy.

Congratulations to our friends Kate and Matt their Munster Dougie, Paddockridge Rhulander got the reserve CC. Well deserved.

Jas’s next outing is The National at Stafford in a couple of weeks.