One of the most often asked questions I am asked is how long can one expect a Chesapeake to live for. Some will say 10-12 years, but in my 50 years’ experience I have found this to be very more between 13-15, with many living longer. However, what I also add if this is providing a they don’t die from an accident or cancer or something unexpected.
I was saddened to hear from Gaynor Bush-Allsop that her much love dog Griff Penrose Fly Half, by CH Penrose Wise Guy WD x Penrose Trade Secret has died after a short and sudden illness aged 10 years old. Heartbroken Gaynor would tell of his qualities. Even though she never competed at any shows or working competitions, where ever they went Griff was admired and was every bit a Chesapeake. Full of life, loved everyone, stubborn at times but was everything she said she could have asked for.
Sadly another lovely Chesapeake to pass away is Sharon Baxandall’s Sky – Sharbrae Prettiest Star, by SH CH Petsalls Pride Cedar x Deguildy Rambling Rose at 9 years old. A constant winner in the show ring, bringing much joy and success.
I am delighted to hear from those who have formed or joined more training groups. In such a numerically small breed having Club training days usually means a lot of travelling. When I was active in competition I would travel the country and think nothing of it, but I would also run training days, which I did for many years, in South East Wales. I also organised the WD, X & Q program, again in and around the South East area of Wales. I am sure there are many members who will remember coming to the fruit farms near Ross-On-Wye or maybe at Glanusk Park or on my husband’s shoot alongside the river Usk just outside Abergavenny. These were all great days. Running the WD the day before Welsh Kennel Club gave many the opportunity to make a weekend of it. Of course my home would be filled to overflowing with sofa surfers, campers and caravans, the grand old days!
Very few Club members in The Club today will have known or remember Brian Campling. Brian was the keenest of shooting men and even keener on training his dogs to compete in Club and AV competitions. He took to the breed very quickly, owning several and importing two from America, including AM CH Pondhollow Shotgun Rider. A member of the CBRC for a short time he spent ages mapping out where the populous of Chesapeakes resided in the UK. He then split the UK up into areas, some big some small, with the aim of creating more convenient areas to group train. He also thought it was a good idea for each area to take it in turn to run The Club working tests. Breaking the country up into areas works well for the working side of the United Retriever Club who run their area working test finals in a rotation of areas. Again, if you wanted to contact the secretary of URC, better still join the club who train and run working tests in an area that might be more suitable to you. Brian’s ideas were not taken up by The Club.
Continuing on the working theme, while I do not think for one instant that sadly a Chesapeake will not be running in the next IGL Retriever Championship. If however, you are interested in training your dog why not go and watch the best of the best. This year’s Championship will be returning to Lauder, The Scottish Borders, by kind invitation of Mr Wilson Young and his son Mr Wilson Young on Monday the 24th to Wednesday the 26th of November. The judges are to be Mike Tallamy, Mark Demaine, Terry Prentice & John Williamson. Viewing at this venue is quite good, but I would recommend a small pair of binoculars, I would also recommend really warm weatherproof clothing as the weather there can be quite bitter. If you do go to spectate and maybe learn something be prepared to move around as several different areas may be used.
At Selkirk on Sunday 20th April under judge Donna Clubb BOB went to Tracey Boyles’ Pixierock Mr Tumnus by Bleyos JW, who also went G2; RBOB Lorna Murray’s Muireatai Miracle of Dreams. Lorna’s Takoda Nathan was 2nd in AV Veteran
My apologies for missing breed notes. These past few weeks have brought in much sad news, two long time friends have been diagnosed with cancer. Four more friends are receiving chemo and there has been 1 funeral. These friends and family are in 3 countries 0n 2 continents, one feels so useless when battling cancer.
My own elderly bitch Tinker CH Penrose Away With A Fairy has undergone a two hour operation moving two very big hard cancerous growths. At age 12 she has taken quite a while to recover, I am glad to say she is improving every day. With not a grey hair in sight Tinker is one of the best working dogs I have ever had. Even with this cancer she refused to be left at home coming out for the whole of the shooting season, showing to me the power and determination of this breed.
Janet Morris
01873 880271
penrosechesapeakes@gmail.com