Monday 12 March 2012

Best Not In Show

When I was a tiny wee pup, it was determined that I would not be a show dog. Something to do with the set of my tail or the shape of my head being wrong, I believe.

Now we are not in this household virulently anti-dog show or anything.  I can promise you, Gail spent many hours in front of the telly this weekend transfixed by Crufts, trying to figure out what on earth the judges are looking for, and muttering things like "but surely that labrador that came
second was a bit fat", and "I just can't imagine why the gorgeous Samoyed didn't get placed....."

But I do know I am more than happy to be able to spend my sunny spring Sunday afternoons gallivanting by the River Dee with sound of salmon plopping away in the background, and not a care in the world.

PS Gail is ridiculously pleased that she 'caught' a salmon leaping in the final photo (top left). You're right, it is not very impressive but, to keep the peace, I decided to humour her and show you anyway.

Toodle pip!
Bertie the Diplomat.

21 comments:

  1. That looks excellent Bertie. Mum says she used to live very close to the River Test in Hampshire and loved watching the Trout leaping and frightening the ducks! Deccy x

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  2. Great pictures, Bertie! Looks like you had lots of fun! I agree with your take on dog shows, and Mom agrees with Gail's :)

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  3. glad you had fun bertie, who needs dog shows eh when there are adventures to be had xxx

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  4. Walk, river and salmon get our votes. We're glad we're not show scotties...actually we don't think we'd even be allowed to watch.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Bella &roxy

    SHE is very impressed with the jumping salmon...usually you miss those moments. (It really is a salmon, isn't it?)

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  5. The salmon is pretty cool.

    I agree the life of a stuffy show dog is not for you

    Show dog drop outs are often the best

    Urban hounds

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  6. Bertie - A wee secret. If you were to enter Crufts you'd definitely be start of the show !

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  7. Bertie, you are such the diplomat and we are glad you pointed out the salmon so we didn't miss it (don't tell Gail).

    XOXO
    Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ivy

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  8. That looks like a lovely walk. That house with the green doors you posed in front of is very interesting looking. Is the short door on the left for the seven dwarfs?

    Cindy

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  9. Hey Bertie!
    Wow, I think dog shows are okay, but I'm with you...a good walkie is MUCH MORE FUN! What a pretty territory you have. Love that water action. I'm totally excited about that fish flop! My peeps are going all squeeeeee for it too! BOL about Cindy's comment on that little green door...doggy door maybe?
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, COP

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  10. I am giving Gail VERY HIGH Marks fur her catchin that floppin sammin. I LOVE sammin. You should try to catch one fur your supper.

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  11. Bertie, I LOVE seeing where you live, it looks so peaceful!

    Rooooo!
    Douglas

    PeeS...I gave you an award too!

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  12. Have you ever watched what some of those judges DO to dogs? They stick their fingers in your mouth,
    feel you all over and I mean ALL OVER, and then if you pass that, you get to run around for them. I'll take the walk too, Bertie, and just leave the judges and their fingers to some other dog!

    Kisses,
    Stella

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  13. Hey Bertie,
    That picture of the Salmon is awesome! Truly awesome! TobyMom saw it straight away.
    As they say....every dog has its day: Show dogs, field dogs, shelter dogs, rescues, housedogs, lapdogs, waterdogs, gardendogs, carpetdogs, agility dogs...OMD I could go on forever.
    But you? You're one in a million!
    A true 'Buddy-dog', BOL!
    Lotsalicks
    TOBY IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  14. I completely agree, Bertie, the river and outdoors are much more fun than a dog show. I have never heard salmon flopping around, but I bet it is a wonderful sound.

    Your pal, Pip

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  15. Bertie, seriously who wants to be in a stupid dog show, peeps watching you, making rude comments about your butt. I would rather be a free spirit, run, get dirty, roll in mud, thats the life for me. Those pictures are pretty amazing, especially the last one. I bet those dog show snobs have never heard a salmon slapping.

    Loveys Sasha

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  16. You've got the right attitude. Those poor pups at crufts were groomed within an inch of their lives! We were aghast not to see the fox terriers in the final. Horatio much preferred his day too.
    Ps. The old leg cocking is going well! Think we might get there!!

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  17. We are with you, Bertie! Dog shows are fun to watch, but it's more fun to get dirty and be a real terrier!

    Wyatt

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  18. Hi Bertie, I think that we - those that don't make the stringent expectations of a show dog - are the lucky ones!!!! Our people don't spend hours and hours grooming, washing, floofing, poofing our furs, then trim trim clip - get the ruler out - trim trim. I for one WOULD H-A-T-E all this....... sitting patiently being mucked about is not a strong point - it just would not be good!! So glad I grew too tall (thanks to my tall fur mum) so now I get to muck about, run, dig and woof instead of standing on a grooming table!! WIN!!!!

    PeeS: We were very impressed with the jumpin' fish ...it's like the time mum took my pic on the edge of a pond... then on looking at the pic there was a swimming frog looking at me!

    Tail Wuggles, Rubie

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  19. What an amazingly beautiful walk. Wow.

    -Bart and Ruby

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  20. Bertie, we do believe most of those show dogs would change place with you in a second. We think you are perfect in every way (just like Mary Poppins hehehe). Love the salmon photo but we're glad you told us what it was cause otherwise we wouldn't have known (sorry Gail). No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

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  21. Wonderful salmon shot Bertie. i will join you in the failed show dog stakes, I is too tall. Who'd want some stranger feeling you up anyway when you can be out splashing in water and barking.
    ~Lickies, Ludo
    mum wanted the borzoi to win.

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