Retired Robbie

Over the last twelve months the welfare of the dogs has become of an issue to me. We have always turned over stone possible to find the best home possible for all our dogs in retirement. As well as my own I’ve also managed to home a number of others from Martins kennels through writing small articles and taking some nice photos of the dogs. The local paper has always been supportive in publishing the articles which helps greatly as soon as the article/photo appears the phone does always ring. Sadly the last time I tried the article did not appear despite my previous notes of gratitude.

I would love a dog at home but my eldest sons continues to struggle with his asthma and despite times where it looks to be getting better he can’t walk the dogs for very long on a Sunday before he starts to wheeze. Hence it’s difficult to ask other people to take a dog when you don’t have one yourself.

Me and Pleaty visited our old super star Comical “Robbie” Raffles before Christmas. He suffered a terrible muscle injury in October whilst on holiday. If it was not for the efforts of his owners the dog would have surely lost his life. Whilst the injury is still not great he can now walk for about 10 minutes twice a day. The injury still has to dressed three times per week even after this length of time of recovery.

He is still very much himself and recognised us before the door was even open.

We stayed for about an hour before leaving him and his loyal owners a Christmas present to help with the dogs morale and their own expenses with the dog.

Racing Update

Faraday came off with a slight sand burn from her run at Coventry and will now be heading to Nottingham for the Futurity Puppy Cup Trial Stakes in the New Year.

Avenue Guide was second yesterday whilst Lisa's Invader has been withdrawn tonight as he has picked up a slight knock.

Pups on Xmas Day

Paul kindly sent myself and Dave a few snaps of Belle growing litter. They are now 10 weeks old and Paul reports they are all thriving. It looks like it will be difficult to pick just one out!!The two dogs have been provisionally named Arthur and Socks. I best get that flight booked ASAP.

YPOM Xmas Holiday

YPOM continues to enjoy her seasonal break out with Paul at Drumscraw Kennels in Nothern Ireland.

She is pictured here among Pauls other future stars.

She will be hopefully heading home in the second week of January. Many thanks Paul for all your help.

Friday Action

All the early pace to burn in the world but sadly no timing tonight on her debut at Covenrt tonight. She showed great pace and courage but after missing the kick had a bump on the corner before showing some tidy pace down the back straight.

She will benefit from the run and experience. Roll on next time.

Fun Friday

I made a mistake over Faradays debut, its actually Friday at Coventry, 3 days away!

The runners are as follows :-
Trap 1 - Romeo Abramovich Trap 2 - Faraday Trap 3 - Icemaid Lilley Trap 4 - Mere Myriad Trap 5 - Great Event Trap 6 - Gemtastic Jolie

Lets hope she can come away like we know she can and see whether thay can catch her. The main objective is to get some experience in to her and hope she comes off sound. Kennel mate Lilley must start favourite.

Sunday Morning

As I have said before you can't beat a brisk walk on a weekend morning with the dogs. On Saturday I did about 3 miles with Faraday at Lances and on Sunday we all went to Martins to walk our old friends Prince (Lisa's Invader) and Sammy ( Avenue Guide). Following last Mondays win the Prince will trial back over 6 bends tomorrow.

Eight Days and Counting

Faraday is making great progress under the care of Pam and Lance Burford. She looks in peak condition and was simply bouncing this morning then I took her for out for about 3 miles around Bratch Locks.

All her paper work and trials have now been completed.

She will make her debut in a small competition at Coventry on the 23rd December. We are still unsure what will be her exact trip at this stage so its a case of keeping our fingers crossed.

What we are sure about is her early pace, whilst she doesn't hit the boxes her early pace is exceptional. Only one dog are recorded a quicker split at Coventry this year.......................Barnfield on Air. Can't Wait...............................

Closing in on Record

Lisa's Invader (The Prince) landed his 11th career win on Monday at Monmore and has now only 2 wins from equalling Comical Raffles record of 13.

The Prince may have a limitation of ability but he has given both me and Ray and great deal of fun.

When the time is right I'll be hopefully bringing him home.

We are all up at kennels in the morning where no dobt he will be waiting for the kids to give him his favourite chocolate buttons.

Homeward Bound

YPOM left Martin kennels yesterday afternoon in the back of my car as I drove her to meet the transporter. As there was no transporter going back to Kerry she has gone to Northern Ireland to spend a couple of weeks with Paul McCusker.

Paul called this morning to report she has arrived in great shame.

She will do the final part of her journey home on 7th or 8th January.