Spring 2020
Our spring 2020 newsletter:
During these unprecedented times it is impossible to make decisions about what we can or cannot do this Summer as the rules by which we live change daily. Some are working longer hours, and some are having to stay at home which completely disrupts many normal routines. This can be exciting for our dogs because they may have us with them all day but can also be a challenge as you may also be trying to work from home as well. Much as our dogs love to help, it’s hard to type with them snoozing or bouncing on the keyboard!
Many events have been cancelled, notably several Mooches, the Manchester St Georges Day Parade, Country Fairs and dog shows and events up to the end of June. Some events have been re-scheduled for later in the year, some have gone completely for 2020. The Fun Weekend scheduled for 18th and 19th July is still running as I write this in early April, but we aim to have a decision by mid-May when the full programme and booking forms will be available if it looks possible to still go ahead. Just to give you a taster, this year we have Flyball, Racing, Showing, Games and Obedience (from a VERY basic level upwards!) planned along with some very special raffle prizes. If we do have to cancel, the committee will look at scheduling some Fun Day get-togethers around the country in addition to the Mooches that will resume at some point. We hope to hold the Championship Show at Tomlinsons on 10th October, and a Seminar on the 1st November at Ryton on Dunsmore where the morning session would be very suitable for members new and not-so-new to expand their knowledge of the breed.
Since the Autumn Newsletter Manchester Terriers have been busy. In the Championship Show Ring Bethany Cawley and Lollie won the Terrier Group at Darlington, Christy Straughan and Faith took Puppy Terrier Group 2 at Richmond where Jane Ferguson and Finn were 3rd in the Veteran Terrier Group. Mick Oxley and Rex took Puppy Terrier Group 1 at Driffield. At Liverpool Terrier Club Open Show, in his first show as an adult, Doreen Barlow’s Finn handled as always by Janet Forshaw won Best In Show.
Manchesters Reunited had the honour of being invited to be one of eight teams representing ‘Obreedience’ at the Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC in February. This was the first time the discipline had been showcased at this event. The team on the day was Chris Harrison with Teal, Ann Harrison with Sophie, Brenda Harrison with Sadie and Sue Pinkham with Lexi. The MTs put up a great display and it was a fun way to introduce our breed to a whole new audience – well, new apart from a couple of familiar faces who happened to be there – MT folk get everywhere! We were encouraged to do a ‘Meet and Greet’ session afterwards for families to meet the dogs which went fabulously well. Bored children got to cuddle a dog – oh boy did their eyes light up!
At the AGM held for the first time after the Open Show in February we welcomed Elaine House, Juliet Morris and Garry Minnikin onto the committee. Fay Fitch, Gill Knight and Phil Dale did not stand for election and the Club thanks them sincerely for the years of service they have given to the BMTC. The huge amount of time and the wealth of knowledge that long serving members give to the Club is greatly appreciated. Chris Boot has also joined the committee having been co-opted last Autumn.
Crufts saw Manchester Terriers competing across the whole spectrum of canine activities. On the first day the Manchesters Reunited Obreedience team consisting of Brenda Harrison with Sadie, Helen Fletcher with Shimmy and Ann & Chris Harrison with Sophie and Teal plus reserves Lesley Olbinson with Grace and Lavinia Paxton with Donald gained a creditable 5th place under the guidance of Team Captain Jean Walker. Obreedience involves attending many qualifiers during the previous year to qualify for the finals so thanks are due to all the other team members who enabled this team to participate. Also competing on the Thursday were our MT representatives in the Vulnerable Breeds show ring. Jane Goodwin and Nancy had qualified with their BOB at National Terrier 2019, and they deservedly made the cut for the final six. On the Friday Gill and Clive Knight had qualified their Talanors affix for the Breeders competition where 4 dogs from the same Kennel show as a team. On this occasion the team comprised of Gill handling Frank Warner’s Troy, Clive with Trick, Christie Straughan with Faith and Laurence Spain with Chester. On the Sunday the breed showing took place. Judge Bev O’Neill awarded Best of Breed to Jane Ferguson’s Finn. This was Finn’s final appearance at Crufts and what a high he left on. Over the years he has won no less than 7 Best in Show and 7 Reserve Best in Show awards at Open Show level. It was lovely that our Club President Ella Eva was there to witness this. Ella also visited the Breed Stand at Discover Dogs where over the four days 27 long suffering four legged souls and their enthusiastic owners and handlers showed the visitors just what a fabulous breed we have. Finally, one sport takes place over the full duration of Crufts, Flyball. Garry and Rachael Minnikin have produced their Onyx to be a part of ‘Focus’ the team that became The Crufts Flyball Champions. It is wonderful to see dreams come true and watching Onyx run is an inspiration to all who know how much training and effort goes into that brief flash of controlled energy that counts so much. They gave their winners rosette to Onyx’s breeder, Estella Saxton, a lovely gesture. Special mention should go to Rachael whose level of concentration when setting those balls into the target for the dogs to grab beggar’s belief!
Finally, huge congratulations to Gill and Clive Knight for their Travis (Westbank Blue Diamond for Talanors bred by Mr & Mrs P Renshaw) on becoming Top Stud Dog All Breeds for 2019. We don’t usually give the KC name of dogs in the newsletter as we like to be on first name terms, but this feat is deserving of special recognition, and many of you have him in your dog’s pedigree so it is right that you should know who he is. Travis is of course a much-loved part of the Knight family and you may have met him out and about not only at shows but on a Breed Stand or at a Fun Weekend.
With training classes and outings suspended, there is lots online and on social media to give you ideas to keep you and your dog entertained. For anyone who does not have access to this here are a few suggestions, although every dog is different, and you must follow your Vet’s advice if your dog has any special issues:
Unless you are self-isolating you can currently still take your dog for a walk once a day, although this is subject to Government recommendations. Remember to try to keep your dog’s exercise levels to their normal level. Try not to dramatically reduce or increase the intensity or duration of your dog’s exercise as this could lead to orthopaedic problems and pain or a weight gain or loss. When out walking it is good practise to occasionally make your dog walk slowly (this makes it harder) and make some changes of direction and walk in small circles in both directions. This will help with strength and suppleness. When walking your dog on the lead try to walk from both sides to help them stay more symmetrical. Get your Manchester to use the little grey cells, mental exercise keeps them settled and content – teach a new trick or have a treasure hunt – hide some of your dog’s favourite treats in different rooms around the house and see how quickly they manage to locate them. Grooming your dog is a good way to bond but it also creates a form of massage as you will increase the superficial circulation which helps promote healthy skin and muscles.
We look forwards to the end of these strange times and sincerely hope you and your Manchesters stay safe and keep well.
2020 Dates for your Diary:
Fun Weekend – Hailey Rugby Club, Witney. OX29 9UH – Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July
BMTC Champ Show – Tomlinsons Canine Centre LE67 9RJ – Saturday 10th October. Judge: Mr P. Eardley
Breed Appreciation Day – Ryton On Dunsmore Village Hall, CV8 3EY. Sunday 4th November.
Breed Stands – Please keep an eye on the Website and Social Media for Events resuming in 2020.