TAN success in France

Novaforesta Janis Joplin aka Nell

Nell who swam out to the yellow buoy in her keenness to prove she is a waterdog 

A group photo of the dogs that passed the TAN with Monsieur Goubie

Two British Barbets passed the Tan in France in June 2015, Novaforesta Janis Joplin (Nell)and Netis Jitterbug (Pi), this is a basic test to show that the dogs are able to swim at least 5 metres and retrieve a dummy or toy, the dogs must show they are sociable amongst other dogs of the same sex and they must not be startled by gunfire. The lake was very near the dog show, and as it was a hot day the dogs were very keen to get swimming. The only downside was that Pi missed her chance to go in the big ring to compete against the other breeds being represented as 'Best Junior'. I might add, not because she might have won, but as so few Barbets are shown in France it is an opportunity for people to see the breed in the spotlight even if it is for only a few minutes. 

Naughty Hallie

Now this settee was bought for us (Humans) to be able to sit in the evenings and  have some quality time in the kitchen with the dogs. Hallie has different ideas about the settee, it is certainly her launch pad for attacking Bobby as he walks past, if she stands on the arms of the settee she has a great view of the entire kitchen and as she is now a qualified counter-surfer she can see any food left out from her increased height! We have a few times managed to quietly sit on the settee without her knowledge as if she spots you, her manners disappear and within seconds she will land on your lap, throw herself backwards for the ultimate tummy rub. It is rather sweet, but I do wonder what would happen if someone ever came to our house that didn't like dogs.
Hallie is growing up rather nicely, she has a brilliant coat still and a lovely brown hue to her curls, so some days she looks completely brown and other days she looks black, its a bit like owning 2 dogs.The best news of all is that Bobby has learnt to share his toys with Hallie, they spend most of their time together and the best game is a piece of cardboard that measures an inch square, they must both hold it with just one tooth, and their heads look like one, but hey it keeps them quiet and they seem to enjoy the challenge!

Barbets from Finland

It is not often you get the chance to see other Barbets that are not related to either Betsy or Bepop. On Sunday we had a lovely visit with the owner of these two beauties, they have driven all the way from Finland.
Not many barbets naturally cord like this female, so quite amazing to see her in the flesh so to speak. They were both lovely dogs, very well behaved.
There is so much happening at the moment, I am struggling to keep up with the news, so I will refrain from writing too much, other than Sunday was great, lunch was a pleasure and good company present.