Late Breaking News

In the early hours of Tuesday Morning 6th May 2008, Katie did us proud. Girls always seem to be hard to come by and she produced four beautiful little pups. First at 2.30am was Annie (260gms). She was followed by Beatrice (285gms) at 3.50am. Cleo (305gms) arrived at 4.50am and finally at about7.00am, Debbie (225gms) arrived. Mother and daughters are doing fine and eating well.

This is probably Ziva's best result yet for she was awarded Third Place in Yearling Bitch by Glenis Peach who had 14 other dogs to judge in the class!

Ziva continues to gain good results in the Open Shows when she impressed Sue Phillips, the Deerhound Judge, who went on to award her Third Place in Post Graduate Bitch.

Our classes this year were judged by Fred Randle, who himself is an exhibitor of Pyrenean Sheepdogs and so we had high hopes of doing well. We had four dogs entered, Mimi, Katie, Amie and Micou. Unfortunately only Micou and Amie were able to go as we had just mated Katie to Taz (Nidasha Rising Star) the day before and Mimi couldn't go because she had an upset stomach caused by stealing a couple of extra dinners! We were not disappointed with our results as Micou gained Second Place in Post Graduate Dog and Amie was awarded First Place in Post Graduate Bitch. Both, therefore, gained their qualifiers for Crufts 2009.

This was Ziva's first trip to Crufts and she was awarded Reserve in Special Junior Bitch by Mrs D A Kenis-Pordham. Bearing in mind the noise, the number of people and the large class, we were thrilled by the result. Let's hope that next year she will do even better.

Ziva's preparation for Crufts continues with another good result. Mr M. Cannon was the judge and awarded her second place in Junior Dog or Bitch.

On this occasion, Mr B Henry was the judge for the Deerhound classes at Leigh Canine Society's Open Show. Not only did he give Ziva first place in the Post Graduate Class but he then went on to award her Best of Breed! Many thanks must go to Mr Henry for thinking so highly of her.

Miss W. Blatchford was the judge for the Deerhound classes and we were really pleased when Ziva was placed second in a very strong Postgraduate Dog or Bitch Class.

Quite out of the blue, we were approached by an elderly lady whos Border Collie had recently died and she was looking for another dog to fill the gap. She had always had rescue dogs and wondered if we had anything to offer. As Scoffa was now trying to become 'Top Dog' we wondered whether he would fill the bill and we decided to let him go on a trial basis for a couple of weeks. He immediately settled into his new home and when we went to visit him in his new home in Congleton, he didn't immediately rush up to us, but, went and sat on his new mum's lap! He has settled really well and is spoilt to bits!

Felicity took Ziva to the show to get some practice and was judged in AVNSC Hound by Mrs S. Parker. Much to her delight Ziva was awarded 1st place in Junior.

Hopefully, the New Year will bring success to all Merrywood exhibitor's especially the new puppies from Glory and Scoffa.

All have now gone to their new homes except for Shana whose photos can be seen by clicking on Glory's pups photo below. Shana will, we hope, be going to her new home early next month.

The vet came yesterday and listened to their hearts and declared there was nothing to worry about. He did say that Annette had the quietest of murmours which he expected to disappear before she is 12 weeks old. We have spoken to the person who would like her and explained the situation to her and she is quite happy with the Vet's report. While the vet was here, he gave them their first vaccination so that they would have a degree of protection when they go to their new homes. Their second vaccination will be due at 10 weeks old and they will be fully protected by 12 weeks.

They continue to put on weightat an amazing rate andAnnette is now 1620gms, Beryl & Cheryl (the twins) are 1540gms Denis a whopping 2030gms and trailing behind is Eddie at 1390gms. However if you look at their weight increases as a percentage, they are all virtually equal.

30th September - New photos added and temporary pet names given.

Click on Glory's pups photo below to see the new photos & names.

We had Pyrenean Sheepdog classes and were judged by Mr Kevin Young. We were rather disappointed with the results as Micou and Katie were on top form. Micou only managed Reserve in his Open Dog class and Katie only scraped VHC in the Open Bitch class. Never mind, there is always tomorrow.

Like last year we had classes for the Pyrenean Sheepdog these were judged by Jeff Horswell (Drakesleat).

Then on Saturday 1st September in the AVNSC Classes under Ken Sinclair, we had another good day with Mimi winning Veteran Bitch and then being awarded Best Veteran. Katie in a very strong Open Bitch Class was placed Second.

Brenda's health is not improving and she would like us to give homes to Glory (Carabrae Gloriana) and Scoffa (Carabrae Escofier) and so we went down to Sussex today and brought them both home. Glory is in good health and should be in whelp. Let's hope that the journey and change of routine doesn't upset her too much. It was good to see Brenda again and also her son Robert who was doing one or two odd jobs for her.

This year we had Pyrenean Sheepdog classes and were judged by V Salt. Again we had a good day with Alfie (Merrywood Bright Star) being awarded second place in Junior Dog. Amie then went on to win Postgraduate Bitch and finally Katie gained second place in Open Bitch and also Reserve Best Bitch.

Immediately after the show, Alfie went to his new home with Gynneth Williams a top Obedience handler. We wish him well in his new career and will watch his progress with interest.

Pyrenean Sheepdog were judged by Brenda Banbury and the Merrywood contingent did very well. Amie won Postgraduate Dog / Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch and Katie was second in Open Dog / Bitch and also was awarded Best Bitch.

Due to the terrible weather recently, this show as held in the Newbury Show Ground. I was running the Breed Stall at the PSD Fun Day at Lewknor Village Hall and so Felicity took Amie and Katie to the show. Frank Kane judged the AVNSC Classes and awarded Amie first in Post Graduate Bitch and Katie Second in Open Bitch and then Reserve Best Bitch.

At the Fun Day I took Micou and Mimi and they had a terrific time. We were joined later by Felicity straight from the South Wakes K.A. show. Micou really opened up and played with all the other dogs and especially the bitches and was selected as the Dog the Judge would like to take home in the fun competition. We were thrilled that he settled in so well! As usual Mimi disgraced herself by stealing a plate of cakes!

Sue Hewart-Chambers judged the Pyrenean Sheepdog classes. Unfortunately, the classification wasn't very good as we had to have Katie and Amie in the same class. As last year Birmingham National wasn't a good show for us as Katy was reserve and Amie VHC in the Open Bitch Class.

Mr R P Oldham judged Pyrenean Sheepdogs. Amie came second in Postgraduate Dog / Bitch and Katie was Reserve in th Open Dog / Bitch class.

Brenda isn't very well at the moment and we told her that we would be prepared to take Carabrae Gloriana and Carabrae Escofier and give them permanent homes should the people who are coming to see them, decide that they would prefer younger dogs.

At W.E.L.K.S, we had no classes, so A.V.N.S.C. was the order of the day. These classes were judged by Albert Easdon. This was our first show since Crufts and Mr Easdon awarded First place in Limit Bitch to Amie. And in Open Bitch, he placed Katie first. In the challenge, Katie was awarded Best Bitch and Amie Reserve Best Bitch. This was a super result after our good day at Crufts, thank you Mr Easdon.

Brenda told us today that she had been approached by a couple who were looking for older dogs and she had suggested that they come and look at Carabrae Gloriana and Carabrae Escofier to see if they would be suitable.

Mr J Sanchez came from Spain to judge the Pyrenean Sheepdog classes and we had a really good entry for him as it was the first year that Pyrenean Sheepdogs were allowed to compete. Everyone was in tip top condition and we're pleased to say that all Merrywood's did well with Amie coming second in Postgraduate Bitch, Katie then won Open Bitch as did Mimi in Good Citizen Bitch. In the Challenge, Mr Sanchez awarded Best Bitch to Katie, but, unfortunately she didn't manage to get Best of Breed. What a way to start the year after all our troubles of the previous year. We were thrilled with the result. Not everyone who goes to Crufts returns hole with BB, two First place Rosettes and a Second plase as well. Thanks very much!

Brillo, our home bred Wire Haired Viszla, had to be put to sleep when we found that he had a tumour. He was only 18 months old and will be sadly missed. He was a terrific companion for Felicity and she enjoyed taking him to the shows where he had shown some promise.

Basil, our oldest Pyrenean Sheepdog, became more and more infirm and we decided that at 14 years old, he probably would not recover from his latest illness and so we asked our vet to release him from his problems. Right to the end he would jump onto our laps if we sat down for a moment. We miss you.

Finally, we had to have Lizzie, our last remaining Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois), put to sleep after managing to get out of the garden and then being hit by a car. She was a character and again will be missed.

Mike left at the crack of dawn today to collect Micou, Sautrelle and Smokey and they seemed to take the journey in their stride and are settling in with us. Brenda said she will have Sautrell and Smokey back once the treatment is over, but asked us to give Micou a permanent home as it would be easier for anyone north of London to use him at stud. We of course agreed.

Brenda told us that she wasn't very well and that she would be needing six weeks of Radio Therapy. She asked us if we could possibly help over this period by having Micou, Sautrelle and Smokey while she was receiving her daily treatment. We of course agreed and have made arrangements to pick them up on 23rd January.

It's now 12 months since my accident and it seems unlikely that I will be able to fully update the website with the news over the past eight months. So I hope that everyone will forgive me and I will try to get back to normal during 2007.

This was Flynn's (Foxbriar Fantastique for Merrywood) first show. There were no puppy classes and he had to be entered in Junior Dog/Bitch under Debbie Stansbury, however, in spite being a mixed class, he was awarded Second Place, beating his Sister Ruby (Foxbriar Joie de Vivre) into Third Place. They don't qualify for Crufts 2007 at this show because no tickets were on offer for Malinois. Hopefully, they will have more success in Scotland.

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) had her first outing with me since my car accident and we were placed Second in AVNSC (Pastoral) Open Bitch and she was then awarded Reserve Best Bitch by Mr E. Patterson. A comment heard from the ring side was "Katie moves better than her handler"! At least she is now qualified for Crufts 2007.

Felicity with Merrywood Dark Image (Katie) did well to gain Reserve in Open AVNSC Bitch under Mr G. Horswell and only just missed her Crufts qualifier. I was still recovering from a broken pelvis sustained in a car accident on 30th December 2005.

Megan, handled by Felicity and Amie, handled by Mike gained their Kennel Club Good Citizen Gold award this evening. The test was conducted by Alison Bartlett of the Danesford Obedience Dog Training Club. Both Megan and Amie made a couple of mistakes when Alision conducted the "Recall" test immediately after the "Stop the dog" test. This was something which they hadn't done in their training.

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was awarded Best Bitch, but failed to retain Best Import this year.

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) came third in her Open Class. Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Limit Class and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch. It was Katies first show since giving birth to her second litter in June. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) also won her Post Graduate class. She should realy have joined her sister Jenny in the Yearling Class, but, unfortunately her dad entered her in the wrong class!!

Megan (Silvanus Merry Megan) had a rare outing to a show and seeing that she doesn't have much practice, she didn't disgrace herself being award Very Highly Commended. It is hoped that her son Brillo will do well in the New Year.

Jonathan Moffat and family having only just arrived back from France came to collect Danny (Merrywood Gimme Gimme Gimme) this morning. We wish him well with his new family.

The Fothergill family came to collect Billy (Merrywood I Have A Dream) today. He should enjoy himself in Wiltshire as his new Mum and Dad have just moved into The Old Wagon and Horses a former Public House. We are sure he will settle quickly.

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) won her Open Class. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) won her Junior class and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch (her first).

Bramble (Merrywood First Lady in Red) accompanied Amie, Mimi and Brillo to Bournemouth Championship show to be introduced to her new owner San Barto. They have decided to call her Charlie! We have heard that she has settled well into her new home in Hampshire.

We have a Wirehaired Vizslas bitch who is looking for a new home. She was born on 24th May, KC Registered, Insured & Vaccinated. All enquires welcome.

Joe Priest and his family came today to collect one of Megan's babies. We are sure that Dylan will settle quickly into his new home in Wolverhampton. When a puppy leaves for it's new home it's always a bit of a wrench, on the other hand, it is important that a puppy should settle into it's new home and family as early as possible so that a lasting bond forms.

Katie's fawn little boy, Alfie joined the McCaffrey family in the Wirral this afternoon and we wish all of them well in the future. He is the first of Katie's second litter to leave home, Rosie, the other fawn, will follow shortly. Billy and Dan will be staying for another month or so as their new Mums & Dads are away on holiday till late August.

As both families are so close we should be able to keep in touch and watch their progress with interest.

21st July - East of England

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed second her Open Class. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed second in Junior behind her sister Jenny (Merrywood Gold Dust) who went on to gain Reserve Best Bitch. Congratulations to her. Chris Bexon had this to say about the three of them:-

JB 1) Milne' Merrywood Gold Dust Pyrenean Sheepdog, two litter sisters here & very little to chose between them both, I am sure they will chance places regularly throughout their careers. Sweet head & expression, looks a dream on the move, head nicely balanced, moderate length of neck, could be a little longer, correct topline, & tailset, good tail carriage, nice hind angulation, moving extremely well, coat pleasing length & good texture. RB
2) Cafferata't Merrwood Gofa Gold, found this sister a little more shapely & perhaps a shade more mature. Slightly more coat covering but not the soundness in movement of 1.

OB 2) Cafferata's Carabrae Madame Butterfly, Pyrenean Sheepdog, 8 years, in first rate condition, compact & workmanlike in her build, very good body & ribs, strong loin, good hindquarters

We have also learned that Jenny went Best Bitch at Border Union and National Working Breeds. Lets hope the Judges continue to like her in the coming years in Rare Breeds.

14th July - Amie goes Silver :-)

Amie gained her Kennel Club Good Citizen Silver award this evening. We were very pleased, as the ten week course was effectivly cut to six weeks due to her being in season for part of the time.This confirms my belief that these little dogs are very bright and quick to learn.

10th July - Grace leaves home :-(

Grace (Merrywood First Out to Play) is the first on Megan's pups to join her new family, whose names are Alistair and Claire Rhys-Williams. It isn't a final departure as she is coming back on her holidays from 7th to 18th August.

1st July - Registration papers arrive from the Kennel Club

The registration papers for Katie's second litter arrived today and we were pleased to see, that the names we asked for, have been approved. You can expect to see in the coming months Merrywood Dancing Queen, Merrywood I've Got A Dream, Merrywood Gimme Gimme Gimme and Merrywood Super Trouper at Breed and Agility shows.

26th June - Latest photos of Megan's & Katie's pups

Click this link to see the latest photos of Megan's pups

Click this link to see the latest photos of Katie's second litter

26th June - Blackpool

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed second her Veteran Class. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) did not attend even though she was entered as she was in season and she did not wish to distract the opposition.

13th June - Three Counties

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed Third in a very strong Open Bitch Class and Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) won her Junior Bitch Class and went on to be awarded Reserve Best Bitch by Mr D. G. Kitchener. It was good to see the five Pyrenean Sheepdogs who attended get placed.

1st June - Another happy event

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) gave birth to her second litter this morning and had three boys and a girl starting at 4.50am and finishing at 8.05am. All are doing well. They have been given temporary names. The first was Alice weighing 315gms! She was followed by Billy at 255gms then Cyril, 275gms and finally Danny at 265gms. We had a bit of a scare last night as Katie started pushing about 9.00pm and so at 4.00am this morning we contacted our vet who suggested a magic injection. This, we are pleased to say, had the desired result and Alice arrived. We were very surprised at her size (larger than some of Megan's pups). No wonder Katie had a tough time.

31st May - Megan's pups one week on

Mother and babies are doing fine. Able now weighs 610gms, Barney weighs 750gms, Cynthia weighs 720gms, Delila weighs 590gms, Eddie weighs 835gms, Fiona weighs 570gms and finally Gerry weighs 750gms.

24th May - A happy event

Megan (Silvanus Merry Megan) gave birth to three girls and four boys starting at 04.40 and finishing at about 09.00 this morning. All are doing fine. They have been given temporary names. The first was Able weighing 355gms followed by Barney, 375gms then Cynthia 400gms, Delila 300gms, Eddie 430gms, Fiona 300gms and finally Gerry 370gms.

19th May - Great News

We have just heard from the Kennel Club that the Pyrenean Sheepdogs will be moved from the Import Register to the Rare Breeds Register with effect from 1st January 2006. We will then be able to compete for "Best in Show" enter the Stakes Classes and most of all be able to compete at Crufts (provided they schedule classes for us).

5th May - Birmingham National Championship Show

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was awarded V.H.C in her Open Bitch class. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed second in Junior Bitch behind her sister Jenny (Merrywood Gold Dust).

29th April - W.E.L.K.S. Championship Show

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) won her Open Bitch class was awarded Best Bitch and Reserve Best Import. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed second in Junior Bitch behind her sister Jenny (Merrywood Gold Dust). Ferelith Somerfield had this to say:-

JB(3) 1 Milnes' Merrywood Gold Dust; 2 Cafferata's Merrywood Gofa Gold, Pyrenean Sheepdogs, two very typical litter sisters, 1 just scored on the move though 2 was a little better filled in in front. Both had good outlines, nice typical coats & lovely temperaments.

OB (6) 1 Cafferata's Carabrae Madam Butterfly, lovely Pyrenean Sheepdog, good head, is nearly 8 & has had some teeth out but one can't get away from that super breed temperament & mischievous look, good neck & shoulders, great outline & balance, moved well. BB.

Easter 2005 - Happy events expected

Megan (Silvanus Merry Megan) and Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) both went on their honeymoon and stayed away for a few days.

Megan met and fell in love with a gentleman called Janosch (Starshot First Knight) from Egham and a happy event is expected at the end of May.

Katie went down to Sussex and met a Swedish gentleman called Micou (Hobnobs Baptiste) another happy event is expected in the first week of June.

20th January - Manchester Championship Show

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Limit Bitch class was awarded Best Bitch and Best Import. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed third in Puppy Bitch.

2004

6th November - Working & Pastoral Breeds Association of Scotland

Import Register

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed first in Open Bitch, was awarded Best Bitch and Best Import. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) won Junior Bitch and was awarded Best Puppy and Reserve Best of Sex.

14th October - Driffield

Import Register

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed first in Limit Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed third in Puppy Bitch.

18th September - Darlington

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed 1st in Veteran Bitch and was awarded Best Veteran. Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) gained Reserve in Open Bitch. Amie (Merrywood Gofa Gold) was placed third in Puppy Bitch.

4th September - Birmingham City

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed 2nd in Veteran Bitch. Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed First in Limit Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch.

21st August - Welsh Kennel Club

Import Register

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed Second in Open Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch.

22nd July - East of England

Import Register

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed First in Limit Bitch.

14th July - Paington

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed 3rd in Open Bitch. Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed 1st in Open Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch.

20th June - Brenda Judson's Fun day

About 24 Bergers (Pyrenean Sheepdogs) together with their owners and friends attended the fun day held at Horam Village Hall in Sussex. A good time was had by everyone and the refreshments were terrific. Thanks very much to every one who helped to make the day a great success. We started by having a walk round the local nature reserve and although the dogs were on lead, at least two managed to have a swim in the fish ponds! After a picnic lunch there was a quiz and this was followed by a group photo. The weather had been kind till now but as it started to rain, the games (organised by Sheila and Dianne) had to be held inside. The day was finished with an excellent tea and raffle. All went home tired but happy.

6th June - More photos added

Including new views of the property and Kizzie & Amie

1st - June - New music & major changes to Photo Album

23rd May - New photos

Two photos of Gofa, the puppies Dad have been added to the puppies page together with recent photos of Kizzie & Aimie.

9th May - Birmingham National

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed Third in the Open Bitch Class by Mrs Marianne R. Nixon.

25th April - Welks

Import Register

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed Reserve in the Open Bitch Class by Mr E.M. Patterson and was the only representative from Merrywood. Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) is still on maternity leave. She hopes to resume her show career in July (coat permitting).

Malinois

Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) was awarded Reserve by Trish Robinson.

20th April - a sad day!

Three of Katie's girls went to their new homes. Molly (formerly Bella) joined her new mum, Freda, in Chesterfield. Jenny (formerly Cleo) is a little nearer in Northwich with her new mum, Cynthia. She hopes to start her show career in the autumn. Kizzie (formerly Dinah) joined her new mum, Kim, in Stafford. She hasn't decided yet whether to be just a pet or try the show ring. Amie, remains Amie and become a full member of the Merrywood clan. She will be showing her face around the country's Show Rings from early September.

29th March - 1st Visit to the Vet for Katies babies

Amie, Bella, Cleo & Dinah went to the vet today to make sure everything was well and we are pleased to say they passed with flying colours.

1st March - Katie & Gofa announce a happy event!

Today Katie gave birth to four lovely little girls. Unfortunately, Dad (gofa) was not able to be present at the birth. The first, a fawn, (temporary name Amie) weighed in at 255gms, a grey, (t/n Bella) arrived 45 minutes later and weighed 295gms. A delay of 2 1/4 hours saw the arrival of another fawn, (t/n Cleo) weighing 265gms and 25 minutes later another grey, (t/n Dinah) weighing 225gms. For photos see the photo gallery.

21st January - Katie invited to Contest of Champion Show Dogs 2004

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) has been invited to take part in the Contest of Champion Show Dogs 2004 to take palce at the Thistle Hotel, London Heathrow on Saturday 3rd April. This charity event is limited to the 64 top winning dogs in the country and only these have been sent invitations in the first instance. Unfortunately, as scans show that Katie is expecting three or four babies at the beginning of March, she has had to decline the invitation this year.

16th January - Manchester Championship Show

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Limit Bitch class was awarded Best Bitch and Reserve Best Import and Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) also won her Open Bitch and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch. Meriel Hathaway writes:

Merrywood Dark Image, real sweetie, lovely head, super expression, attractive outline, good reach of neck, firm topline, low well set tail, good bone, pad & feet, coat of harsh texture, good head carriage. Just needing to tighten front movement.

Carabrae Madame butterfly, very happy temperament, lovely bright expression, very alert, good topline, plenty of energy on the move, good coat.

2003

31st December - Katie and Gofa (Carabrae Zegovia) Mated

At the end of December, we took Katie to Brenda Judson to find a 'husband' and she was introduced to a young fella called Ollie, but she didn't think much of him! So she was introduced to Gofa and it was love at first sight. Hopefully, puppies will arrive at the beginning of March.

2nd November - Northwich And District Canine Association -Open Show
Import Register (Any Variety)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed 1st in the Open class under Meg Purnell-Carpenter and then awarded Best Import in Show.

Malinois
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) was paced 3rd in her AV Working/Pastoral Open Class under Malcolm Smith.

1st November - Working and Pastoral Breeds Association of
Scotland Championship Show
Import Register (Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Open Bitch class under Zena Thorn-Andrews and was also awarded Best Import. Zena Thorn-Andrews writes:

Almost triangular head, nice eyes, wide open, good ears nicely fringed, excellent neck & front, correct topline, lean strong body, tail low set butshe carries it too high on the move. Nice mover, not too long a stride & she does have a lovely coat.

Malinois
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) was paced 1st in her AVNSC Limit Bitch Class under Zena Thorn-Andrews and was then awarded Best Bitch. Unfortunately she was beaten by a Finnish Laphund for Best of Breed. Zena Thorn-Andrews writes:

Nice sound Malinois, good head & mask, nice overlay & black tip to tail, sound shoulder, high withers, good bone. Feet a trifle flat, little elongated in body for a square breed, moverd well with a firm gait.

23rd & 25th October - Midland Counties
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslar
Megan (Sylvanus Merry Megan) came third in her Puppy class under

Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was placed second in the Open Bitch class under Mr Hans T. Lehtinen and Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was awarded third place in the same class.

9th & 10th October - Driffield
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Limit Bitch Class under Mr Denys Simpson and Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) also won her Open Class and then went on to be awarded Best Bitch.

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslar
Megan (Sylvanus Merry Megan) gained the Reserve in her Puppy class under Miss Sharon R Pinkerton.

12th - 14th September - Darlington
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed second in her Limit Bitch Class under Mr Ed Simpson and Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) was awarded Reserve in her Open Class.

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslar
Megan (Sylvanus Merry Megan) gained the second place in her Puppy class under Mr Stephen Hollings.

16th/17th August - Welsh Kennel Club
Import Register (Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her last Post Graduate Class and was awarded Reserve Best of Sex by Maureen Micklethwaite.

Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) won her Open Bitch Class and was awarded Best of Sex and then Best Import by Maureen Micklethwaite. This was the first time she beat her daughter, Katie. It was also her first award of Best Import.

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslar
Megan (Sylvanus Merry Megan) was placed third in her Puppy (D/B) class by Mrs L. Townsend.

9th/11th July - Bournemouth Canine Association

Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) came second in her Limit Bitch Class and Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) won her Open Bitch Class and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch under Mr M. Marshall.

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslar
Megan (Sylvanus Merry Megan) came third in her Junior class under Mrs June Minns.

19th July - National Working & Pastoral Breeds

Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Post Graduate Class and went on to be awarded Reserve Best Bitch under Mr D. Smith. Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) was placed second in her Open Bitch Class.

17th July - East of England

Import Register (Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Post Graduate Class and went on to be awarded Best Bitch under Mr J. James. Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) also won her Open Bitch Class and was awarded Reserve Best Bitch.

Dog World and Pedigree Masterfoods Top Dog 2003 competition

At the half way stage in the competition, Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) is the leader and received a prize from Pedigree Masterfoods. There was a special Top Dog feature in Dog World in the 1st August edition in which Katie's most recent photo was published.

PSD Open Days

Over the coming months there are three more PSD Open days. The first is on 27th July in Horam, Sussex, then 10th August in Blyth, Notts and finally 24th August in Llandybie, Carmarthenshire. Click for more details.

29th June - PSD Club of Great Britain Open Day

This was held at Measham, Derbyshire, on a very hot and sunny summer's day. There were a good number of dogs present which included around 15 PSDs of which three were Liz Lewis' puppies. A really good time was had by all and no doubt there will be a full report in the Club Newsletter.

27th June - Paignton

Import Register (Working & Pastoral)

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) won her Post Graduate Class and went on to be awarded Best Import (Day 1) under Zena Thorn Andrews who writes:

"A lovely Pyrenean Sheepdog, good head & pigment, almond shaped sparkling eyes,OK front, excellent body & topline, sound rear, in good coat and condition, very pleasing mover allround, excellent coat, Best Import (Day 1)."

Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) also won her Limit Bitch Class. Zena writes of her:

"Lovely head, needs to be much slimmer & lythe, whereas at present she is rather portly. Sound & free mover, would like a harsher coat."

11th June -Three Counties

Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed second in her Post Graduate Class under Jean Lanning. Jean writes:

"A charming Pyrenean Sheepdog, grand coat, size & quality"

She also placed Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) third in her Open Class.

Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) was placed second in her Post Graduate Bitch class by Mr Trevor Wheeler who said of her:-

A two year old bitch with very nice head of good length. Correct eye shape and placement giving pleasing expression. Slightly tall ears, well set and used. Good neck and shoulders. Little long in loin, correct angulations front and rear. Moved well in side gait, little loose coming towards. Good temperament.

10th May - Birmingham National
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed third in a strong Post Graduate Class under Mr R Vuorinen from Finland. He also placed Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) third in her Open Class. He suggested that she might have done better if we give her "less cake for breakfast". :-)

BSD (Malinois)
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) picked up the Reserve place in a very strong Post Graduate Class judged by Mr J F Thompson.

26th April - West of England Ladies Kennel Society
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was placed second in her Post Graduate Bitch class from a very good entry and Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) was placed third in a strong Open Bitch Class. In each case they were the highest placed Pastoral dog. Mrs M Nixon writes of Katie:

"A Pyrenean, very nice type, feminine head, sweet expression, lengthy neck, good angulation to shoulders, good ribcage, moved steadily & in perfect harmony with handler."

19th April - Welsh Working and Pastoral Breeds Association
Import Register (Pastoral)

Photo C. A. Johnson

Mrs Clare Coxall awarded Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) her fourth Best Import at a Championship Show. Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) also obtained her second Reserve Best of Sex award at a championship show. Many thanks!

Clare Coxall writes:-

Merrywood Dark Image has a pleasing head, good shoulders, good coat and outline. Best Bitch.

Carabrae Madam Butterfly, not quite so good on rear, a bit close. Good shoulder & coat, showed well.

16th February - Northwich Open Show
Import Register (Any Variety)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was awarded another Best Import.

AVNSC
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) picked up the Second place in a very strong Post Graduate Class.

12th February - Enter the Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas

Megan (Silvanus Merry Megan) at 8 weeks old has come to live with us. (For more info see the amended About Us pages.)

7th February - Manchester Championship Dog Show
Import Register (Pastoral Breeds)
Mr D. Kitchener gave Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) another Best Import. This brings her total to three Best Imports at Championship Shows. Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) obtained her first Reserve Best of Sex award at a championship show.

We had a good day !!! :-)

2002

31st October - Working and Pastoral Breeds Association of
Scotland Championship Show
Import Register (Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) was awarded Best Import. This was her second at Championship Show Level.

10th October - Driffield Agricultural Society Championship Show
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)

Mrs Freda Marshall gave Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) the best result of her show career by awarding her 1st place in Special Yearling Bitch, then Best of Sex and finally Best Import! It was exactly a year to the day since she started her show career by winning Best Import Puppy at Driffield Show 2001.

Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) kept up the good work by being placed V.H.C. in the Open Bitch Class.

14th September - Darlington Championship Show
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) kept up the good work by winning Junior Bitch with Mrs June Freeman awarding her Reserve Best of Sex. Mimi (Carabrae Madame Butterfly) came third in Open Bitch.

31st August - City of Birmingham Championship Show
Import Register - Working and Pastoral Breeds
Merrywood Dark Image (Katie) was placed second in Junior bitch and Carabrae Madame Butterfly (Mimi) was reserve in Open Bitch. As a brace Katie & Mimi were second in the class.
Mr B.W. Cadogan had this to say about Katie:-

"Cafferata's Merrywood Dark Image, Pyrenean Sheepdog, well coated, sound with good front & neck"

17th August - Welsh Kennel Club Championship Show
Import Register (Pastoral)
Andrew Brace awarded Merrywood Dark Image (Katie) 1st place in Junior Bitch and in the Challenge was Best of Sex. His critique states:-

"Cafferata's Merrywood Dark Image, nicely balanced young bitch, good type, rugged & racy, well proportioned head, honest construction, quite correct in coat, typical gait. BB."

He also awarded Carabrae Madam Butterfly (Mimi) 1st in Open Bitch and in the challenge Reserve Best of Sex. His critique states:-

"Cafferata's Carabrae Madame Butterfly, nicely balanced Pyrenean Sheepdog, good basic type, felt her daughter's movement was a little more typical & she was better in front. RBB."

8th August - Bakewell Open Show
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) in the Open Class came second again behind Robroyd Broshka at Fernwood (RBT). Mr Boothroyd, the Judge, said "at 16 months she was a bit young for the Open Class".

20th July - National Working Breeds Championship Show
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) in a joint Junior Class won the class and was appointed Reserve Best Bitch. Mrs Betty Flavell (Judge) reports:-

"Cafferata's Merrywood Dark Image, Pyrenean, nice textured coat, lovely head, good lenght of neck, lean strong body, good sound movement, RBB"

Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) was also placed third in Open Bitch between four Russian Black Terriers!!

10th May - Birmingham National Championship Show
Malinois
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) picked up the Reserve place in quite a strong Post Graduate Bitch Class.
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)

Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) in a joint Junior Class only managed third place, but, was the highest placed Pastoral dog.

Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) was also placed third in Open Bitch and was also the highest placed Pastoral dog.

Photo
C A Johnson

5th May - Alfreton & District Canine Society Open Show
Malinois
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) has continued to hold on to her third place ranking in the Graduate Class.
Import Register (Any Variety)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) managed another win in her Junior Class and Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) was second in her Open Class.

26th April - WELKS Championship Show
Malinois
Lizzie (Gwashleas Roxanne) has qualified for Crufts 2003 by coming third in her Post Graduate Class.
Import Register (Working & Pastoral)
Katie (Merrywood Dark Image) continued to do well by winning Junior Bitch in a strong entry. The judge said she would have been Reserve Best Bitch if she had been more mature. Mimi (Carabrae Madam Butterfly) came second in Open Bitch and took the Reserve Best Bitch place.

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