Where has the past year gone! On entering the NEC Complex, seeing and greeting familiar faces
of the Officials, it’s like home from home. Kim had worked hard on re-vamping our Stand display which certainly proved worthwhile in time saving for setting up, with impressive comments received on presentation. The up-dated leaflets are always very popular with visitors and give a widespread number of useful contact details.
Crufts is a unique experience with an atmosphere like no other show. The anticipation and excitement builds as the four days draw closer; even though the dogs may not be in the show ring – our whippets are not only on display at Discover Dogs they are ambassadors of the breed.
The aim of The Kennel Club, in staging Discover Dogs, is to be able to show as many Breeds as possible to the Public. We are there to answer any questions and to give people the opportunity of ‘hands on’ with our Whippets.
The aim of The Kennel Club, in staging Discover Dogs, is to be able to show as many Breeds as possible to the Public. We are there to answer any questions and to give people the opportunity of ‘hands on’ with our Whippets.
Our own dogs made us so proud of how they coped with being thrust into the limelight and mass attention, and the youngest new Member of the Team, Adam’s 7-month old Sorrell, was a natural. It can be quite daunting for any dog to experience what can be overwhelming – Dellen and Izzie were also first timers – their expression and kindness capturing the hearts of the people. Yet, sometimes our dogs can overdose on too many kisses and cuddles!
Our Stand was on the small size but we are certainly one of the most popular, attracting people
from all over the World, some returning from previous years to say ‘hello’. If they had acquired a new puppy, or re-homed a Whippet through JR Whippet Rescue, they like to share photos and stories with us. It was also good to see some familiar faces and fellow whippet owners from show, racing, lure coursing and obedience, who took time out to visit the stand and show their support for the breed.
We also find that we are there to listen, on a more personal level, with peoples’ stories of loss of their beloved dogs, or, for various reasons, they are not able to have a dog any more. For these individuals it gives them the chance of a quiet ‘one to one’ cuddle with our dogs and it can be quite an emotional time for all of us – it certainly enriches their lives, even for a short while.