Ups and Downs

March has brought us some ups and downs. Firstly we are sad to report that we lost Bas (Ch. Farlap Basnicky) at the beginning of the month. The very sudden onset of illness took us by surprise and in a week he went from his usual happy go lucky character to a sad introspective non eater. After numerous tests and investigations he was found to have large tumours on the liver, and with much sadness we had to let him go. Bas was a champion in the showring, but first and foremost he was our family pet, and he was a true gentleman, quietly leading his pack, and always teaching his children Forager, Festive and Baffle, how to behave and be gentle pack members. A huge loss to us. This is one of my favourite pictures of him as a small puppy, and another of him soaking up the sun last summer.

Due to Bas being so ill, I decided not to go to Crufts this year, it was a last minute decision, and it meant that I could be at home with Bas, but also meant that I missed seeing Multi Ch. Farlap Guesswork winning BOB, for his lovely owner Maria Doroshina, who had travelled, by bus, a 4500 mile round trip from Moscow.....now that IS dedication!
Afectionately known as "George", he looed fabulous in the ring and thankyou to all my friends who kept me posted minute by minute by text, on Georges winning in the ring, it helped ease an otherwise terible day.

Photo copyright Ev Burnside.

They say that these things come in threes....well this month they come in fours, as within a few hours of each other, we had the wonderful news that Baffles litter had been born in Belgium. All 11 puppies are doing well and their mum Kashmir is a great mother, we look forward to visiting them very soon. We are also delighted that Isabelle is in pup, and they are due in April.