Crieff Dog Club

It’s hard to believe that it is now January 2013 and it doesn’t seem like six months since our July 2012 Newsletter. At least we weren’t hampered in December with the amount of snow that fell last year but there has been horrendously strong gale force winds and heavy rain which has turned footpaths into quagmires. All part of the good fun that goes with having a dog.

During the summer of 2012 the Display Team continued working under the guidance of Liam every second Tuesday evening at his field in Comrie. As well as doing disciplined heel work and sit-stays, diagonal drop, etc. half the time was spent on the agility equipment that included jumps and tunnels.

There were no official engagements for the Team this year, but perhaps next year.

Alternate Tuesday evenings are spent with Working Trial Training giving the dogs and handlers a good work out for both body and brain.

If you are interested in joining either of the groups then please speak to Pearl.

Pearl’s Strawberry Tea

At extremely short notice, due to the unpredictable “summer” weather a few members from the Display Team put together an excellent show at the Strawberry Tea that was very much appreciated by everyone who attended. Over £500 was raised in aid of the Maggie’s Centre in Glasgow.

Barney, Meg, Rowan and Corrie doing What is this object behind the

an excellent “STAY” although not exactly tree??

in a straight line.

CRIEFF DOG CLUB FUN DAY

Due to the horrendously bad summer weather the venue for this event was changed from Comrie to Braco where we had the use of the church hall if necessary but in fact the weather was fairly kind to us and stayed dry with only a very light shower of rain.

Everyone enjoyed being able to try out the Agility Course, the Rally-O Course and to participate in the team games. A big thank you to Liam who prepared and served the BBQ. The whole afternoon just flew past and was voted a real success by everyone.

Club Trials

Once again the weather was fairly kind to us although a bit cold but it was after all the end of September.

We were indebted to Harry who presided over this event assisted by Joyce and Amanda. Also to Liam for the use of his field at Comrie.

All the handlers and dogs performed extremely well especially those who were persuaded to enter at the very last minute and weren’t too sure as to what was involved. It was a most relaxed and enjoyable day for everyone.

First – Richard with Barney, 2nd John with Corrie Participants receiving their instructions.

3rd Joan with Saba (small dog) 4th Pearl with Meg.

Crieff Dog Club Lunch

Twenty three members attended an excellent lunch in the Avanti Italian Restaurant in Crieff on Saturday,

5th January 2013. A big thank you must go to Lilias and Bill for providing a comfortable setting and excellent food. Unfortunately, our Honorary Vice President, Jim Fleming and his wife weren’t with us due to illness.

Harry, Honorary President presented the club awards.

The trophy for the “Handler of the Year” which is for the most improved dog/handler combination was awarded jointly to Ruth Marchbank with Minnie and Bev Bowker with Callie. Unfortunately neither were able to attend. Third place went to Joan Vannan-Hyland with Jasper.

This award is open to all members of the club and it was impossible to split our two winners this year, so let’s see some hard work by all the handlers and dogs during 2013 and perhaps we will have an outright winner. Could this be YOU in 2013??

The Severin Shield for the “Member of the Year” (for the club member who has put most into training and/or to the club) was awarded to Pearl Meldrum.

Richard who as the winner of the Club Trials was presented with his cup.

Richard receiving his trophy from Harry Joan receiving her third place award for the

most improved handler of the year

Pearl receiving the Severin Shield from Harry

Our Annual Basic Obedience Class, all being well, will take place in May and June 2013 and will run for 8 consecutive weeks. This is a one hour training class, mainly for young dogs, and the dates and venue will be decided at the end of February, so check out the website if you know of anyone who may be interested in attending.

Club Membership runs from Jan to Dec, so is now due for renewal.

A joining form and a health & safety sheet have already been sent to all members by email. Please complete both forms and bring them with your subscription to club training, or send to Kay Jarvie (treasurer). The cost for 2013, remains the same at £40 (£20 for juniors).

Please bring your dog’s vaccination certificates at the same time, so that they can be checked.

Crieff Dog Club Polo shirts (£11) and Green Fleeces (£18.50) are available. These are embroidered with our logo, and “Donald” the dog. Contact Pearl to order.

Comments, pictures or articles for future Newsletters should be sent to

Please feel free to contribute!

Check out the Crieff Dog Club website for information, events and some impressive pictures. www.crieffdogclub.org.uk