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SPONSORED WALK (09/00)
Our Dog Walk was held at the end of May in the beautiful grounds of Culzean Castle.
The weather was glorious and all participants had a lovely day. We raised £1,100.00 which we donated to Dogs for the Disabled.
Representatives from the Charity collected the cheque at our Open Show in June. Well done to all who either took part or donated money to this excellent charity.
Many thanks,
Doreen.
Report on Rescue (09/00)
Crossing all fingers while I say it, the rescue dogs are coming in at a
manageable pace at the moment. There was one hectic period in the very early
summer when we had ten at once, four of which came from the same owner on a
western isle. Instead of my usual ramblings, I thought I would enclose a couple
of excerpts from recent letters:
“Thank you once again for choosing us to re-home Lottie. We are all happy
together.”
and
“When we got him at first we wondered if we had done the right thing - he used
to growl and bare his teeth at everyone who called at the house, and on one
occasion bit a friend. it has been hard work training him but it has paid off.
He is a lovely friendly dog - You would not believe he was the same dog we got
1] months ago.
He loves his new life with us - from being closed in a kitchen for 2 years and
unable to walk very far without having to sit down to rest. He is full of life
now. He is walked 3 times a day and loves every minute of it. He is looking much
better now too with the correct feeding his coat has grown and has a shine now.
When we got him he would not go in the car - now he can’t wait to jump in the
car when we are going somewhere. It really is remarkable.”
Although it was almost a year earlier, I remember the second of those dogs very
well. These splendid new owners were chosen really because they only lived about
10 minutes away by car and this dog wouldn’t go into a car at all so
travelling to a new home was a major problem. Also, as you will gather from the
lady’s letter, he had never been trained or socialised and was just a general
mess that most sane people wouldn’t want to give house room. What a rewarding
tale of real rescue and how indebted we are to the kind of people who will
actually persevere with these dogs who are essentially typical Goldens but
deprived of the understanding and care and discipline needed as tiny puppies to
turn them into acceptable dogs who are fit companions for any family.
If any of you know of just such another saint, it so happens that we have a one
year old bitch at present who is utterly ‘untamed’ an awful word, I know,
but that is the word I would choose. She really would need one-to-one
socialising from a pretty firm but understanding person. If you think you know
someone, please contact us first so that we can discuss it.
Edna Fogg
Allgold Honey of Crossview (Honeybun) 25.7.86 - 29.6.00 (09/00)
Whenever I was lonely
Whenever I was sad,
You were there to cheer me up
To take away the bad.
Then when there was happiness
Fun times to be shared,
There you were once again
To show how much you cared
You were like a shadow
Always one step behind
You were my guardian angel
Of a very special kind.
Although you’ve gone away now
And we have to be apart,
You’ll always be in my memories
Forever in my heart.
From Mum
Barnaby ‘Our’ Hearing Dog (09/00)
For newer members perhaps I should explain who this Barnaby is who keeps getting
a mention in our newsletters. Many of you met him along with Kai, another Golden
Rescue who successfully qualified as a hearing dog, when they came along to our
Championship Show in April and did sterling work promoting both Hearing Dogs for
Deaf People and our lovely breed in particular.
Back in 1996, when the club was celebrating its Golden Jubilee, we donated two
dogs to this charity, one Golden and one little mongrel. Sadly the Golden has
had almost all the problems we have come to associate with the dealer -purchased
Golden. While still only young, (he’s only six now) he had to have a hip
replacement, and when just newly recovering from that, he was discovered to be
going blind. Because of the enormous amount of money already invested in this
dog, and not least because of his talent as a working hearing dog, it was
decided to operate. All who stopped to speak to him in Perth last April would
see the scars from the eye operation. Marjorie Houseman, his devoted owner,
tells the rest of his amazing story below.
In January 2000 we travelled to Edinburgh to attend an appointment with Mr
Davidson of the Bachelor, Davidson & Watson veterinary practice to find out
if something could be done to restore Barnaby’s sight. It was decided that he
should have an operation to remove the cataract on his right eye which would
hopefully improve his ability to see. The operation and the after care went
extremely well and we had high hopes that the operation would improve his
quality of life and make his work easier. Sadly as the weeks went by it appeared
that the sight which he had regained was becoming dim. On a return visit to Mr
Davidson he confirmed that Barnaby was again almost blind. It appeared that a
scar tissue had formed which prevented him from seeing. This was a great
disappointment both to Mr Davidson and my own vets at the Moray Coast Veterinary
practice in Forres as the operation has a high success rate of 80% to 90%. We
were in the small percentage that failed.
It was unfortunate that my own ability to hear using a hearing aid was damaged
following a bout of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome which coincided with Barnaby’s
operation. At least between us we had one good pair of eyes and ears and I have
to say that Barnaby coped better than I did. Initially our working bond did
suffer a bit but as time passed we got things sorted out. We introduced a new
game at home called “hidden treats” so that Barnaby could work his way
around the furniture and outside he is allowed to do his favourite digging game.
He never goes far from my
side and I reassure him by calling his name so that he always knows where I am.
By making these adjustments for Barnaby our bond has become even closer. Because
he accompanies me everywhere I was never aware of how much he does for me
besides listening for sounds that I miss. On recent visits to the shops I have
left him at home so that he did not have to be in busy places without being able
to see. To me it was a nightmare without him. I became quite disorientated and
found the background noise unbearable. When Barnaby is with me he seems to
encourage me by looking straight at me as if to say “Come on Mum you CAN do
it”.
There is no question of Barnaby retiring as he still takes a great pride in his
work. I would go as far as to say that he works even better than before as if he
wants to prove a point. Despite all his health problems he never gives in and is
really an inspiration to us all.
Marjorie Houseman
Is that not a truly wonderful story of the perfect oneness of a dog and his
owner? Having been in this breed for nearly forty years I feel so ashamed of the
health problems this rescue pup has suffered but so very proud of his wonderful
nature. That is what attracted me to Goldens long before anyone had thought of a
hereditary disease
35 Goldens Return to their roots.
Most of us who have had Goldens for some years will be aware that the origin of the Breed is well recognised as being introduced in the late 1860's by Lord Tweedmouth on the Guisachan Estate near the pretty conservation village of Tomich in the North West Highlands.
Having said that, very few of us have ever visited the unspoiled estate just 45 minutes' drive from Inverness.
As part of the GRCS's celebrations for 2000, it was decided that arrangements should be made for Members to visit the remains of Guisachan House as a one-off event on Saturday, 29th July 2000.
In order to combine the visit north with a show, the Club supported the Golden Retriever entry at the Highland Canine Association Open event in Inverness the same day. The judge, Graham Scott (Gunmarsh) drew an entry of 69 dogs for the 10 classes. Best Dog and Best of Breed was Eunice Brown's and Michelle Pollard's "Kingsburgh Barleycorn". This award was a huge bonus for Michelle who had travelled up from Northumbria with Jill Weedy and was spending two nights near Tomich. Best Bitch was Audrey Richardson's "Giogan Cracklin Rosie of Darrachonna" who, at 21 months was making her debut in the show ring. Best Puppy was Val Keill's "Giogan Miss Millie".
After judging had finished at 13:30, the 14-car convoy left Inverness to make the 45 minute journey to Tomich. The Loch Ness Monster must have been having a half-day as she was conspicuous by her absence. According to an elderly female resident, the convoy caused one of the very few traffic jams ever in the history of the tiny village of Tomich, which consists of a handful of cottages, a hotel, post office and red phone box. The iron lamp-posts located along the road through the village are particularly attractive. The convoy came to a halt at the large drinking trough, which is a monument to Lord and Lady Tweedmouth, erected by the estate workers in recognition of the respect they had commanded. Many photo's were taken with dogs (and some owners) sitting in the fountain-type monument.
Another two miles up the road, part of which is a non-tarmacadam surface, the party arrived at Guisachan House. At this time certain members were seen leaving cars wearing wellie boots and shower caps (and that was just the men!). This must have done the trick as the rain stopped and it turned out to be a fine afternoon with not a midgie in sight.
Out came more video cameras and some great footage was acquired with 35 Goldens and owners lining up to pose in front of the remains of the great old house. This sight was quite breath-taking and awesome to think that we were standing on ground which on days gone by had been stood on by such notable guests as Gladstone and Churchill.
It is hoped that some worth-while photo's will come out of this, some of which could be re-produced in the Club's Handbook/Newsletters. Any offer to edit the video coverage by someone with some experience in this field would be appreciated.
Following the picnic a scurry was held, complete with starting pistol and with dummies being launched into a bed of long rushes. Winner of the scurry in 10.6 seconds was 7 year-old Darrachonna Sullivan.
Winners of the 11-legged race (8 canine and 3 human) was the in-form Scott and Donna Williamson. They were, however, given a run for their money in the last furlong by Brian and Carol Wilkinson, who fell at Beechers Brook (the sound effects on the video at this point is something not to be missed with hysterical laughter). Fortunately, neither human nor canine had any ill-effects following the race. Eileen McGuire's young handlers who lined up as favourites could only manage 6th. The male winner of the "fling the wellie" competition was Brian Wilkinson who had a very casual technique. Louise Graham who, we understand, was the school discus champion in 19 something won the ladies event.
It had been hoped to carry out some water retrieves, but, due to the long dry spell, the burns were pretty dry. However, Ewan Ramsay whose 16th birthday it was, managed to find a deep pool nearby which meant that the day finished with several dogs plus Elaine Brady cooling off. It was good to see so many dogs in a confined area of water having a good time with no sign of aggression. Even Elaine was good tempered, although she wasn't keen on retrieving the sticks. There was a good atmosphere amongst those present (perhaps the odd glass of wine had something to do with this). Sheila Cassidy had a special way of saying to the sheep "would you mind disappearing for a couple of hours?". It was also noticed that Show Secretary, Doreen McGugan and Treasurer husband Ian went missing for some 30 minutes in the beautiful surroundings - who said that romance was dead!?
Considering that, apart from a few Members of the Golden Retriever Club of America who visited the site in 1996 (obviously with no dogs), no other visitation of Golden enthusiasts of this magnitude has ever taken place.
All present seemed to enjoy the day and, by the end of it, there were suggestions that we should do it again sometime. The event was meant as a one-off, but who knows?
If you wish to find out what the Tomich Hotel has to offer (and I understand excellent food and cuisine), speak to the Ramsay family who stayed there. Also see the advert. for the hotel on page 112 of the GRCS Handbook 2000.
The Committee of the GRCS acknowledge and thank Mr. Alexander Greg, the present owner of Guisachan House and surrounding area, for allowing Members access to the estate.
Jim Richardson.
The Sportsman’s Distress (09/00)
I’ve lost my friend, my dog, and wife,
Saved only horse and purse;
Yet when I think on human life,
Thank heaven it is no worse.
My friend was sickly, poor, and old,
Was peevish, blind, and crippled;
My wife was ugly and a scold. -
I rather think she tippled.
My dog was faithful, fond, and true,
In sporting gave me pleasure;
I shouldn’t care for t’other two,
if I had §saved this treasure.
Anon
Heavens Above (09/00)
One day in Heaven, St. Peter, St. Paul and St.John were standing around near the
kennels watching the dogs lie around. The three of them were bored and decided
to have a dog show. They thought the idea was great except for one small detail
- who to compete against. The trio pondered for a moment when Peter realised the
answer. “We’ll call up Satan and invite him to the dog show. We have all the
finest dogs here in Heaven, all the World and National Champions are here. His
kennels are filled up with all the spoiled, difficult and mean dogs. We are
certain to win at the show.”
So the trio called up Satan and invited him to their dog show.
Satan laughed and asked them why they would want to be humiliated like that,
because he would certainly beat them.
Peter, Paul and John did not understand. “What do you mean, Satan?. We have
all the Champion dogs in our kennels in Heaven. How could you possibly beat
us?”
Satan paused a moment and then laughed. “Have you forgotten so soon,
gentlemen? - I have all the Judges!”
(I got that story from Lesley Wilson and the club’s apologies go to all Judges
past and future. If Lesley Dickson thought she had trouble with the judges’
lists before )
A True Story! (09/00)
And Now, A True Story. Or so L.W. says again.
(Does that mean the previous one
wasn’t?)
A dog who won first prize at a pet show in Japan for his ‘keen intelligence and unquestionable obedience’ turned out to be stuffed.
“Of course the dog’s obedient - it’s dead!!!” complained one of the runners-up.
But the dog’s
owner refused to return the £1,000 prize, insisting “Nobody said the dogs had
to be alive”.
The Retired Show Dog (09/00)
Author Unknown
He sits to the side, out of the way,
While others beg head rubs, or force you to play
His dark liquid eyes watch your every move
Hoping and waiting, his love to prove.
He was shown many times, a promising pup
And he just got better as he grew up.
A picture of health, robust and strong,
His gait and topline, never went wrong.
But his prime has passed, and he seems to know,
That he’ll never again be put in a show.
He eats, sleeps, not much more than that,
And maybe he’s getting a little too fat.
He loves to be brushed, when you have the time
He waits his turn at the end of the line.
You think of him, sure, but not nearly as much
As those promising pups, that new special and such.
So he sits and he waits, til you have the time,
To make the same fuss as you did in his prime.
A scrap of affection, or playful shove,
To him it means everything, to him it means LOVE
Contact our Newsletter editor
This newsletter has been compiled by Edna Fogg . Please send all information, news and articles to:
7 Pitcullen Terrace, Perth PH2 7EQ
Tel: 01738 624751.
