Finnish and Nordic Winner shows -09, 13.12.2009
We went for a spin to Helsinki and both the winner shows. Jalo and Luka were along as road crew, Sulo got to take a spin in the show ring on both days (good and very good). If his lack of coat was apparent in Valkeala, it certainly was now too. Should we make him an outside dog so he’d start growing some more coat? Even though his success was limited, the trip was fun and we really enjoyed seeing friends ringside and having some time to chat.
Sulo’s evaluations: Finnish Winner -09, Nordic Winner -09
Valkeala, 08.11.2009
A quick spurt down to Valkeala brought Sulo another good in his show results. His lack of coat – especially feathering – is now quite apparent in his evaluations…
A new star is twinkling in the sky, 21.10.2009
Flippe’s hip dysplasia started bothering him three years ago. In January he was also diagnosed with spondylosis in several of his vertebrae in the lumbar region. Even though he was on daily pain killers for some time, his quality of life slowly deteriorated. Occasional cries of pain when getting up, loosing strength in his hind legs and dragging them, stumbling in the stairs… The last time he cried out in pain when getting up tore our hearts so much that we made the hardest of decisions – we let Flippe cross the rainbow bridge to a place where he can finally swim pain free and retrieve his frisbee. It was the hardest decision of our lives, but we now know that he is feeling better. During the last year Flippe’s character has also changed significantly. The former enthusiastic Officer in Blue had become timid and searched for safe havens. And we couldn’t even get him to play with us.
Flippe, thank you for seven years of unconditional friendship. You taught us so much and left a gaping hole in our life. You were a unique personality and there shall never be another one like you. Sleep well dear friend. We miss you so very much.
Jalo and Luka in Pomarkku, 04.10.2009
We entered both dogs to the test and Ramin hit the road with both dogs even though only Luka’s entry was confirmed. Luckily one dog hadn’t showed up so Jalo got to start in the test as well.
The test started with a single 20m mark in the forest followed by a 20m guided retrieve slanting up a hill. After that there was a double mark in the water with the boat moving between the throws. And then back up the hill a bit for the free search with three seagulls in the rushes, two crows and a rabbit in the forest.
Luka completed all of these tasks extremely well and got to progress to the 200m rabbit trail. Unfortunately it started to rain (it was pouring) and for some reason Luka just didn’t progress far enough to find the rabbit. So he didn’t get a first prize… However, we are very satisfied with his test. Read his full test report.
Jalo did well considering his long break from training. He didn’t really succeed in any task, but his general appearance was much better and calmer than before. Read his full test report.
Virrat, Flatcoated retriever championship, 12.09.2009
Our first visit to the flatcoated retriever championship was undertaken by entering a yellow. Luka participated in the Flätti-kisälli (flatcoat-apprentice), which is a beginner’s class hunt test and unofficial dog show. The show judge was Kirsi Nieminen, who is also a flatcoat breeder so her evaluation of Luka was much anticipated. Unfortunately Luka’s color caused him to be disqualified. On the other hand, he also failed to get a prize in the hunt test so he wouldn’t have had a chance in any case. The trip was very enjoyable and we will certainly go to next year’s championship. Hopefully then we’ll also enter a black dog as well. This time Jalo was along for the ride to keep Luka company.
Thanks a lot to Vikke and Eeva for a place to stay!
Our pictures from the championship are in our gallery.
Kaatamo hunt test, 06.09.2009
Sulo’s over-enthusiasm had somewhat settled, but for some reason he couldn’t concentrate enough on his returns to complete returning the game to hand without encouragement. So he failed to get a prize, yet again. Luka clearly improved his performance from yesterday and got his first second prize with definitely the best guided retrieve so far. His faults were so small that another judge may have let him progress to the final portion of the test.
Meanwhile Jalo was in a Finnish Kennel club character test. We got called in to the test a couple of hours earlier. The result was a bit of a surprise to us. The result can be found on Jalo’s page.
Kaatamo hunt test, 05.09.2009
Luka and Sulo both failed to get a prize. Luka was giving an excellent performance until he thought that the mark thrower in the forest was a monster :) Sulo’s youthful enthusiasm and excess energy caused lack on concentration.
Pieksämäki group show, 30.08.2009
Jalo Working class Good.
Sulo Working class EXC and placed first! Sulo was the last one to not be placed in Best Dog ring. The judge for goldens and flatcoats was Kirsi Nieminen.
Jalo’s evaluation, Sulo’s evaluation
Suonenjoki group show, 10.08.2009
Jalo Working class Good.
Sulo Working class Very Good-1. Both had the same judge, Agneta Cardell, Sweden.
Jalo’s evaluation, Sulo’s evaluation, Pictures from the show
Iisalmi INT, 02.08.2009
Jalo working class EXL-2. Judge Blaz Kavcic, Slovenia. Jalo’s evaluation, pictures from the show.
