Where's Our Snow?

Last week, when my humans were watching the news as they always do, my ears twitched when I heard a certain word: 'snow'.

According to BBC Weather, Britain was going to be inundated with mountains of snow, causing train companies to take precautions and Heathrow Airport cancelling more than 80 flights.

Whilst half the country hates snow, as you can probably tell from that big picture at the top of the blog, I absolutely adore it. It's been four years since we had had enough snow for me to play in here in London so I could not wait.
Monday went by- no snow.
Tuesday went by- no snow.
Wednesday went by- no snow. But it was Thursday that the snow was going to fall, Thursday the weather people said.
Thursday came and- sleet.
SLEET.
I was fuming. Snow was what we'd been promised; snow was what I had expected.
But Thursday had let us down.
However, I kept my hopes up. The North was promised snow on Friday so perhaps London was due it then too?
Perhaps, the snow wanted to have the surprise factor and we were going to be able to build CASTLES in this belated snow.
Friday came.
Did it snow?
Yes.
But for how long?

About 10 minutes.

What a disaster. Nothing set in the garden, nothing set on the front lawn... There was absolutely no snow to play in.

My humans were disappointed and, more importantly, I was disappointed.

If any of you received the gift that is snow, I very much hope you threw endless snowballs for your beloved canine to (try to) catch.

Of course, I won't be giving up hope for more snow just yet- my paws are crossed.

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

Back in the good ol' snow days...

What to Expect at Discover Dogs 2016!

This weekend, 3000 dogs will be trotting through the doors of ExCeL London as the city's biggest dog show takes place. I. Am. So. Excited.
One of my humans has had her coach ticket down from Yorkshire booked for weeks just to make sure that she's here for Eukanuba Discover Dogs. It'll certainly be worth the journey.
Last year, Discover Dogs moved from Earls Court to ExCeL and it was a truly special weekend. This year, it promises to be even better. Whether you visited last year or this year is your first at the show, this is what to expect at London's top dog show...

Doggie dancing...

Agility competitions...

Obedience training displays and grading...

                                       

The opportunity to discover over 200+ breeds of dog...

And loads and loads of shopping (there's over 100 trade stalls), just in time for Christmas.

There is also the opportunity to meet Crufts Best in Show winner 2016 Devon, the West Highland Terrier at the show! Have a picture with her and the Best in Show trophy at the Kennel Club stand between 11-12pm and 3-4pm on both Saturday and Sunday!

Discover Dogs. Undoubtedly, the best dog show in the capital.

Have a brilliant time!

Talk soon, Jasper x

If Discover Dogs looks like your idea of heaven, you can purchase tickets here

For more information on the dog show, visit http://discoverdogs.org.uk/

Have a fantastic time at the show!

Discover Dogs 2016: the must-sees of the Training & Display Ring!

It’s almost here- the biggest dog show in London will be taking place at this time next week. Last week, I focused on all that’s going on in the Main Ring at Eukanuba Discover Dogs so it’s time to put the spotlight on the second biggest arena at the dog show, the Training & Display Ring.

Whilst the Main Ring often centres around displays and competitions, the Training & Display Ring is more focused on the preparation that goes into participating in these doggie activities.

Across the weekend of 22^nd and 23^rd October at ExCeL London, I would definitely recommend catching the king of heelwork to music, Richard Curtis, in the Training & Display Ring, as, if anyone is going to be able to show how it's done, it's him (and Mary Ray, of course). Richard Curtis has won many Crufts finals so to see him perform on as intimate a ring as the Training & Display Ring is an extra-special treat! On the Saturday of the show, Richard Curtis will be taking to the ring at 10am and 4:05pm so, if you're visiting on the first day, make sure you don't miss him. 

On the second day of Discover Dogs, a team of adorable Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are taking to the Training Ring for a display of Gundog work at 2:40pm, which promises to be very impressive. I always make an effort to see the dog activities that are slightly different at shows like Crufts and Discover Dogs as there are few occasions that offer the array of displays that these shows do!

A scheme that has become increasingly renowned in the past few years is the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. From puppy-age, canines are taught obedience skills such as walking to heel and 'stay' to grow up into the very best behaved of dogs. The awards give progressions to the skills dogs must learn and they must perform these skills to a high standard to earn the next award. At Discover Dogs in the Display & Training Ring, you can see first-hand the dogs who want to prove that they have got the perfect nature to be a Good Citizen Dog as different levels perform their skills to a judge at various times throughout the weekend. It's always so lovely to see the proud dogs and handlers receive their awards at these shows, displaying what good training can do. There are displays as well as the presentations and semi-finals on both days of the show.

There are also teaching displays in the ring, with 'Teaching Agility' displays by Fetcham Training Club at 1:25pm and 3:45pm on Saturday and obedience being taught by Click 2 Heel Display Team at 2:25pm and 4:40pm on Sunday. Definitely worth a watch if you're looking to get involved in the sports or are simply interested in how they're done. Obedience displays are always inspiring!

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

Congratulations to the two winners of my Discover Dogs competition- I hope you both have a brilliant day!
Do not worry if you lucked out this time round however: you can purchase tickets to the dog show here and, remember, under 12s get FREE entry!
For more information on the dog show, visit http://discoverdogs.org.uk/

My Eleventh Birthday Weekend!

Last weekend, on Saturday 8^th October, I turned eleven years old (or 77, depending on how you look at it). Eleven years old… Man, I truly am an old puppy. As a special treat for the weekend, one of my humans travelled four hours south to be with me on my special day, which caused all the more partying. It just so happens that I share my birthday with one of my humans too, so you can imagine how big a birthday weekend this one was.

First of all, I was treated to a portion of meaty loveliness to accompany my dry food breakfast. Delicious. This truly got me in the birthday spirit, so I then got ready to bark ‘Happy Birthday to You’ to my other human. We soon went on my first walk as an eleven year old and, despite my slightly arthritic ligaments, I proved that I truly am a puppy at heart as I jumped (much to my human’s horror) over a metal fence on the way back from the park. Birthdays are great.

After our wonderful time at the park sniffing through the acres of bracken that is currently found there, my humans left me to chill for a bit at home while they went out for a breakfast brunch for my other birthday human. Usually, I would find being left a tad disappointing as, frankly, there ain’t no party like a Jasper party, but, given the exhaustive start to the day I had had, the break was much appreciated. On return, the humans found me snuggled up in a ball on my bed.

As a treat, my humans took me to the garden centre. Yes, a birthday party at a garden centre may sound a tad mundane but this garden centre is home to a haven of dog toys and treats. As it’s dog friendly, I was free to wander around, sniff out the greatest toys on offer and then pick out a treat and a toy as my birthday presents. Oh my paws, it was so much fun.

I even made friends with a few rabbits whilst I was there.

The rest of the day was spent having hours of snuggles with the humans, playing with my gifts and having another portion of meat with my dinner. My eleventh birthday certainly did not disappoint and it was lovely to share it with one of my humans. Now, the countdown is on to Discover Dogs and then Christmas!

Talk soon, Jasper x

The Main Ring- Discover Dogs 2016!

On 22nd and 23rd October 2016, over 3,000 dogs will be taking to the halls of ExCeL London for the city's largest dog show, Discover Dogs. With over 100 stalls to shop from and a 'Discover Dogs' section to meet some of the 200+ Kennel Club accredited dog breeds in, there is just so much to do at the show.
My humans' favourite part of Discover Dogs is the Main Ring, where displays from top dog handlers and doggies and competitions take place. This year, the Main Ring programme is possibly the best its ever been, with no less than FIVE agility competitions taking place in one day and a wealth of glorious displays to watch.
As you could easily spend hours and hours at the show, I have chosen my five top things in the Main Ring for you to witness...


1) As I go on and on about them every single year, my #1 must-see display is, of course, the Southern Golden Retrievers. Performing in the Main Ring at 14:20 on Saturday and 16:25 on Sunday, there is no way that you can miss the group. Consisting of sixteen golden retrievers and their humums and dads, the group choreograph obedience skills to music. So, so adorable.

2) Certainly not for those with sensitive ears, Flyball is undoubtedly the most exhilarating of dog sports. Teams of four dog and handlers (and substitutes)  compete against one another in a relay-based race. Dogs of all breeds and sizes pound down a row of jumps to get a tennis ball and must successfully return back down the course for the next dog to be sent on his way. Warning: there will be lots of barking. 15:15 on Saturday and 13:00 on Sunday- be there!

3) The queen of heelwork to music is taking to Discover Dogs 2016... Mary Ray is back. Having introduced doggie dancing to the UK 27 years ago, Mary Ray and her gorgeous dogs are performing in the Main Ring on Saturday at 15:10 and 11:30 on Sunday. With costumes and tricks executed to perfection, if you want to see how dancing is really done, make sure you head to see Mary Ray. The handler is also doing a demonstration in the Main Ring on how to train your dog obedience skills is at 12:35 on Saturday and 13:50 on Sunday so if her display inspires you to get involved, do not miss it.

4) My favourite sport of all doggie activities is arguably canine's most famous: agility. Hurdling over jumps, climbing up ramps and crawling through tunnels, this fast-paced sport really does entertain everyone, whether they're human or dog. I used to train in this sport myself and even now, at nearly 11 years old, do I jump over poles or fences at every opportunity (even when my humans tell me not to). There are loads of agility competitions taking place across the weekend but the Crufts ABC (All But Collies) semi-finals are at 15:35 on Saturday and 14:40 on Sunday. You could be watching a future Crufts champion!

5) There are not many occasions where you get to see for yourself the training that police dogs undertake prior to getting out in the field but at Discover Dogs the Metropolitan Police are in the Main Ring showing exactly what it takes. The display team put dogs through their paces in a number of tasks, which all prepare them for life as a police dog. There are likely be dogs of all different levels and breeds in the Ring, from puppies that have just begun training to police dogs with years of experience. An intense display but always incredible to see.

Discover Dogs is now 19 days away and I simply cannot wait.

I hope to see you there!

Talk soon, Jasper x

REMEMBER: You could WIN your way into Discover Dogs by entering into my competition here

Deadline: this Friday 7th October

For more information on Eukanuba Discover Dogs, visit http://discoverdogs.org.uk/

To purchase tickets to the show (and remember under 12s get FREE entry), click here

DISCOVER DOGS IS BACK!

One of the best weekends of the canine calendar is approaching...

Discover Dogs is back!

Mary Ray at Discover Dogs 2015

In its 21st year, London's biggest dog show is taking to ExCeL London on 22nd and 23rd October 2016 for two days of doggie madness. More than 3,000 dogs will be entering the halls to compete in a variety of competitions, participate in displays or to represent their breed as one of the 200 certified by the Kennel Club in the 'Discover Dogs' section. Make sure you visit the English Springers!

The show offers a number of spectacles across the weekend. On Saturday 22nd alone, there are three whole hours of glorious doggie display teams, from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier team to my ultimate favourites the gorgeous Southern Golden Retrievers and even the queen of Heelwork to Music, Mary Ray, shows exactly how dog dancing is done.

Fast-paced agility and flyball competitions are also taking place on both days of the dog show in the Main Ring, alongside many other exhilarating sports. The Kennel Club's youth organisation, the Young Kennel Club, will also have its own zone, with competitions for the next top dog handlers!

Additionally, there are shops everywhere for getting Christmas gifts for both dogs and humans-  though, of course, you could always just treat yourself (like my humans do every year!).

My humans and I simply cannot wait for Eukanuba Discover Dogs; one of my humans is even travelling four hours south for the show! We look forward to seeing you there!

To read about my trip to last year's Discover Dogs, click here

Talk soon, Jasper x

To purchase tickets to the show, click here and, remember, under 12s get free entry!

For more details about Discover Dogs, visit http://discoverdogs.org.uk/

EXCITING NEWS: I will be running a competition for a pair of tickets to Eukanuba Discover Dogs very soon... Keep checking the blog to find out more!

Uh Oh, Not There Again...

I woke up, anticipating another day of summer fun. Humum took me out to the big park; I dived in mud everywhere and it was brilliant. Got home, had my paws cleaned and dried and then I was all good for a snuggle on the sofa. Everything was going great.

After having a chill on the couch (walks are tiring, ya know), one of my humans declared that it was time for a trip in the car. Yipppppeeeeee! I love the car. Obviously, I had to show my enthusiasm so ran laps and more laps around the dining table- no backing out now humans. The front door was opened and I bolted it out straight to the car. I hopped into the crate and made sure I was comfy; gave the blanket a good beating and tugging to make sure it was right where I wanted it to be. The engine rumbled and we were off- but where were we off to? Well, we were turning left so not off for another family visit... And left again so not a trip to the river... No no no surely not no no not the groomers no no oh no help no... My human pulled up in front of the groomers.

I hate the groomers.

The human unlocked the crate, put my lead on and haaaa you think I'm getting out the car without a struggle eh? Humans can be so silly sometimes.

Unfortunately, they did manage to lift me out of the car and put me down on the pavement, glaring upwards at the pink sign of the grooming salon. 

As my human started walking the few metres to the entrance, I jumped straight down on to the ground, hiding on the bare pavement. Okay, so that didn't really work, but I did manage to dig my paws into the path, not budging. 

Sadly, the human did manage to get me into the salon. The lady was very friendly but there's just something about getting my hair cut by someone else that gives me the heebie jeebies. Despite saving my best puppy eyes for the last moment, my human bid me farewell and promised she'd be back super soon. 

Two hours later and, boy, was I looking handsome. When my human returned, I trotted out with a rapidly wagging tail- I admit, the groomers wasn't quite as bad as I had expected. I was looking even more gorgeous and feeling a good few kilograms lighter thanks to the clippers.

Of course, no trip to the hairdressers is without a photoshoot to prove it so here's the new me...

Yes, the groomers did keep the mop on the top of my head...

 It is now written in their files to only give it a trim.

Talk soon, Jasper x

A Busy Few Weeks

As always, spring has been a busy one in my household. Of course, we've had many, many walks out amongst the blossom but the past few months have been particularly chaotic.

I've moved back home!

As you may recall, at the beginning of the year, my humans and I packed up the house to move across the town for a few months while our house was torn apart.

We have finally return and, although 

the house we're in now has about 1/16th of the garden in the other one, it truly does feel good to be home. I had certainly missed the park we'd always walked to and the neighbours who I could reply upon giving me lots and lots of snuggles (who can blame them) but apparently my humans had missed something quite different. Or, someone, in fact.

My humans had missed the local cat. My faith in the humans diminished the very second we walked into that house and they ran up to the window to see if Meow Meow was still there.

The first day was all good as, fortunately, Meow Meow was nowhere to be seen.

The second day was also marvellous as, although the neighbour's cat Yasha came prowling, he doesn't claim my land like Meow Meow does.

The third day... Dooms Day.

Halfway through the afternoon, the words I'd dreaded to hear soar through the building as one the humans yelled "MEOW MEOW'S BACK!"

Those three words alone were enough for me to make a run for the human's bed upstairs, which I tend to scratch my back on in revenge for any inattentive behaviour shown by the humans towards me.

Considering the fact that Meow Meow made his return at the beginning of the month, one would assume that there would be cat problems no longer.

Abominably, this is not the case. Meow Meow is still very much an intruder of my territory. Much to my humans' dismay, the cat has decided that sleeping on the cold, wet grass is better than returning home and so today, regardless of the unbelievable level of rain, I've had to put up wth my humans wishing Meow Meow to head indoors. 

The only thing they've done that brought me an inch of pleasure is the fact that Meow Meow continues to be forbidden from MY house. After all, a prince must have at least some restrictions to honour his peace and position.

Nevertheless, I shall continue to fight against these cat intruders and reclaim what is rightfully mine.

What an eventful few months.

Six Year Anniversary- and a Trip to the Vets...

On this day, six years ago, I was picked up by one of the humans from my home at the time to start the next phase of my life... And what a six years it has been!

I still see my lovely old humans and really appreciate the wonderful first four-and-a-half years they gave me.

The first day with my current humans was spent playing fetch in the garden for two hours non-stop and then howling during the night. To say my humans were a bit tired would be an understatement... But it was so worth it!

To celebrate my Six Year Anniversary, my humans took me to, er, the vets. Yes, I know, not exactly the party I had been hoping for- but guess who has finally got microchipped..! Yes, it did take the humans 72 months to organise (a fact that they are not proud of)... 

As you may know, on 6th April 2016, all doggies in the UK must be microchipped under a new law. Although it did take us quite a while to get around to doing, this move is one that my humans and I strongly support, as it never nice when a beloved pet goes missing. Between 2009 and 2014, the number of reported cases of dog theft quadrupled in the UK- a truly shocking statistic. So, to all you UK doggies out there- remind your humans to book you in for the chip if you haven't already got one!

So, now, I'm going to have snuggles with the humans. Apparently, I was super well-behaved at the vets so I'm expecting plenty of treats too! 

Talk soon, Jasper x

Happy Easter!

To me and my humans, Easter Sunday is a day to spend time with family and eat lots- and that is exactly what we did.

This morning, one of my humans took me out on a walk to the big park. This was no different from any other day- until the sky clouded over, less than two minutes after leaving our warm home.

It rained.

And rained some more.

And a bit more.

And then thunder and lightning broke out and the rain continued to pour torrentially.

Admittedly, I am a big fan of rain (a shower of rain is pretty much the same as a swim, yes?) but this downpour was unbelievable. 

Despite the rain, in true dog owner-fashion, my human and I strolled on through, finally returning home completely and utterly drenched.

Now, that's my kinda walk!

 

Following a blow dry from the hairdryer, we all set off to visit family for one delicious Sunday lunch. Sadly, no leftovers for me but I did have some human food later on as it wouldn't be a true Easter if us doggies weren't allowed a bit of lunch...!

The rest of the day consisted of snuggles, snuggles and more snuggles, with the odd head scratch in between. 

As I write this, I'm chilling on the sofa, right next to my humum.

Food, snuggles and rainstorms- that is one good Easter if you ask me! And my humans successfully kept their chocolate away from me- result.

I hope you are all enjoying this four-day weekend!

Talk soon, Jasper x

CRUFTS WEEK!

The time is now, the week is here. Crufts is turning 125!

By now, competitors across the globe will be carrying out their final preparations: heelwork to music routines are being practised, obedience skills are being perfected and there's a lot of coat grooming to be done. 

As for us members of the general public, we simply have to empty the cupboards to make sure that there's enough space for future Crufts purchases, writing lists of the things we want to fill those cupboards with and planning what we want to see and do, when we're not relentlessly shopping.

There are HUGE amounts of displays, competitions and talks to be watched; so much, in fact, that things can get a little overwhelming. 

But, don't fret: 

I introduce my day-by-day breakdown of what I think you simply MUST see when you come to the NEC this week...!

Thursday 10th March: Toy & Utility Day

• 11:05- East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team- despite so many campaigns to end the stereotype, Staffies are a breed that continue to get a bad portrayal in the media. This display team show exactly why their image is so, so wrong. Such a happy sight to see.
• 12:15- Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition- never does heelwork to music disappoint. Freestyle has more options for the competitors, which means some very creative ideas come through. Some of the most talented dogs performing effortlessly to music- amazing!
• 17:15- Young Kennel Club Agility Dog of the Year- across the weekend, the next generation of dog experts compete in the YKC Ring at Crufts, which I highly recommend giving a visit. However, for one of the YKC's biggest competitions, the agility finalists take to the Main Arena to give it their all. 

Friday 11th March: Gundog Day

• 13:40- Rescue Dog Agility- what I love about Crufts is that it is an opportunity for all dogs to get their moment under the limelight. Rescue dogs are often unfairly considered as "difficult" dogs but this competition shows how far from the truth this is.
• 15:10- Agility- Large Novice and Medium ABC Final- Collies are known to be the most common breed to partake in agility so the Anything But Collies competitions give other breeds the opportunity to take centre stage. Who knows, the whole competition might be made up of Springers and just imagine how great that would be...!
• 17:55- Gundog Display (Philippa Williams)- well, if you're visiting on Gundog Day at Crufts, you simply have to see Gundogs doing what they do best- sniffing and fetching! Even I, as a very, very intelligent English Springer Spaniel, has to admit that what these Gundogs do is pretty impressive!

Saturday 12th March: Working & Pastoral Day

• 12:10- Dog Activities Display- always an insightful viewing, this display gives short examples of the sort of activities you could get involved in with your dog, from heelwork to music to obedience. 
• 13:00- Heelwork to Music- Freestyle International Competition: as mentioned in the previous post, this competition involves the very best of freestyle doggie dancers from the around the world, with one dog-and-human duo representing the countries involved. The diverse celebration of cultures through dancing dogs is just exceptional so I definitely recommend!
• 16:40- Southern Golden Retriever Display Team- well, if I hadn't made this clear enough already, this group is my ultimate MUST-SEE across the four days. They have displays on other days as well so don't worry if you're not heading to the NEC on Saturday!

Sunday 13th March: Terrier & Hound and Best in Show Day

• 12:20- Flyball Team Finals- thoroughly entertaining, the loudest of all dog sports has its finals on the last day of Crufts, so don't miss out on seeing who is crowned the winning flyball team from across the weekend!
• 12:40- West Midlands Police Dog Display- before watching this display, I had never witnessed the full extent of what is involved in the hound side of policing but the West Midlands team changed this. 
•  From 15:30, only Best in Show ticket holders are permitted to entry the Main Arena so bear this in mind when purchasing tickets to the show. For the lucky ticket holders, at 17:45, the one and only Mary Ray performs what promises to be a magnificent heelwork to music routine and then at 20:30 the biggest competition of the week comes to a close with the Best in Show final! Come on you Spaniels!

Full itineraries for the four days can be found here.

Of course, these are just a few of the hundreds of competitions going on at the NEC on 10-13th March and there is undoubtedly something for everyone at Crufts. Not only are there the shows in the Main Arena but there are many other rings for you to explore, as well as over four hundred stands so that you can shop for your pooches.

I hope everyone, including the competition winners Vaughan and Andrea, has a brilliant time at the show and I can't wait to see all your pictures!

Happy 125th Birthday, Crufts!

Talk soon, Jasper x

For more information on Crufts dog show, visit http://www.crufts.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here or tickets can be bought on the door. Remember, under 12s get in free!

Spotlight On... Heelwork to Music at Crufts!

Possibly the most entertaining competition at Crufts for me (and my humans) is Heelwork to Music. The name gives a good idea of what this doggie activity entails: one dog and one human boogie away to some music. Though, admittedly, it is a tad more involved in that, as I have experienced myself quite a while back...

At Crufts, competitors must perform technically complex, rhythmic and varied choreography to music for up to four minutes in length. Each act is judged on programme content (the difficulty and range of movements), accuracy and execution of movement (how well performed it is) and music interpretation (how it fits with the music).

 There are four competitions centred around Heelwork to Music: Heelwork, Freestyle, International Heelwork and International Freestyle. The main difference between Heelwork and Freestyle is the content that must be put into a dance routine. To be entered into the Heelwork category, a minimum of two-thirds of the performance must include heelwork whereas, for the Freestyle category, a maximum of one-third  of heelwork is permitted. The International categories are the same, but with a competitor representing countries around the world- these in particular get very competitive!

Heelwork to Music was first brought to Crufts by doggie-dancing expert Mary Ray back in 1992, and the sport has grown in popularity ever since. Not just one but TWO dog-and-human duos have won ITV talent contest Britain's Got Talent since the show began; Ashleigh and Pudsey in 2012 and Jules O'Dwyer and Matisse last year. My humans were lucky enough to catch the former pair competing at Crufts before they won the content, taking first place in one of the Young Kennel Club competitions- they truly were brilliant.

From my (humans') many years of attending Crufts, there has been one Heelwork to Music routine that I simply cannot forget. Although Linda de Smet from Belgian did not win the International Freestyle in 2011 with this routine (I still think they should have!), their routine was charming, original and had the BEST finale... Give it a watch below!

Heelwork to Music is always a great watch at Crufts, and I highly recommend visiting either the Main Arena or the Young Kennel Club ring to see one of the competitions! More information on how to get involved in the sport can be found here.

REMINDER: the competition for tickets to Crufts 2016 closes on Friday 26th February so make sure you don't miss out on your chance to win your way into the doors of the NEC on 10-13th March. You can enter here!

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

For more information about Crufts 2016, visit www.crufts.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here

10 Reasons Why You Won't Want to Miss Crufts 2016!

With just over one month until Crufts takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, it is time to get organised. Of course, you can just turn up to the show and decide what you want to see and do there and then but, in my house, we plan which events we want to watch as soon as the schedules are made available. For example, our whole Crufts experience evolves around the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team, who are taking centre stage on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th March in the Main Arena (don't miss them!).

Here are ten reasons why this year's Crufts is a must-go-to event in the dog calendar- see you there!

1. It's Crufts' Birthday: this year, celebrations will be going all out as we commemorate 125 years of Crufts dog show. It promises to be a very special year...
2. I've mentioned them already in this post, and this certainly won't be the last you hear of them this year, but the Southern Goldies Display Team are always the highlight of the Main Arena for me. A bunch of happy retrievers trotting along to pop music, whilst performing obedience tricks. Amazing.
3. The shopping. Oh my paws. If you're one of the many people who prefers buying things for their dogs than themselves, you will love the array of stalls at Crufts. Halls and halls of dog beds, dog jewellery, dog treats and dog toys... Oh, I love Crufts.
4. There are a number of display rings at Crufts and one of my favourites is the Young Kennel Club ring. Watching young dog handlers and their beloved pets compete against one another in the same exciting sports as the adults is truly inspiring and always great to view.
5. The Discover Dogs zone welcomes over 200 different breeds of dog for you to meet and greet. From the popular English Springer Spaniel (ah, yes, that's me) to the rare Hungarian Puli, try and have a snuggle with as many varieties of dogs as possible!
   
6. On Day 2 of Crufts (Friday 11th March), the Vulnerable Breeds competition takes place in the Main Arena to raise awareness of the breeds that are currently in decline in terms of ownership.  Often, the breeds in the competition will be of a surprise: some you may never have even heard of, and some you may never have expected to be a vulnerable will take part.
7. You have the chance to meet celebrity dogs. Remember Harvey from the Dogs Trust advert? My humans have met him at Crufts- and you could too! Many famous dogs from the Internet, the small screen and big screen all flock to the world's biggest dog show to meet their adoring fans. They might even give you their pawtograph (if you're lucky...!)
8. Free stuff: every year, my humans scavenge around every stall in the NEC for complimentary samples, magazines and even the odd free toy. Last year, when I went, I joined in, finding every dog bowl of food on the floor- so good.
9. It's international: in 2015, 2,995 dogs FLEW to Crufts to compete. Ever wanted to meet an actual Australian Kelpie, a truly Siberian Husky or a Chinese Pekingnese? Well, there's no place more likely than Crufts (apart from the original country of the breed, perhaps)!
10. Want to be able to say that you've been to the biggest dog show on the planet? I thought so. Each year, Crufts welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe into the mad world of dogs- and one of them could be you.

My humans are attending the show on Saturday 12th March and can't wait to see you there!

Talk soon, 

Jasper x

If you would like more information on Crufts 2016, visit www.crufts.org.uk

To buy tickets to the show, click here and, remember, under 12s get into Crufts for FREE!

We've Moved House!

Last week, the humans and I managed to pack our house up in 48 hours to move house across the town. 48 hours.

But, it's fine, we survived, even if we are slightly crazed. The move is only temporary; 3 months in this house and then we return and go through the whole stressful moving house thing all over again- yippee...

As my humans let me out  for the first time to mark my new territory in the garden, I almost performed fifty tricks in a row with no incentive as I was so excited at the garden.
It's HUGE.
Those humans may be fools most of the time but, I've gotta give it to them, they chose well on the garden front. 

One week has passed since we moved in and I have officially claimed the area as mine:

• All tennis balls have been successfully recovered and chewed
• Every bush, tree and other forms of vegetation have been marked
• I've taken a dip in the pond (much to my humans' bemusement)
• And apples from the apple tree are, each day, being enjoyed (before confiscation) 

Here's to the next three months (one of which is Crufts month- more to follow on that very soon!)!

Talk soon, Jasper x

There's a New Pup on the Block...!

Who doesn't love a snuggle with a very wiggly puppy?

Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of their slightly exhausting demeanour but my humans- along with the majority of the nation- are huge admirers of puppies. So, when a family friend revealed that they had taken on ownership of a tricoloured Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the humans immediately saved a day in the calendar to meet him.

Yesterday, that day arrived. 

Introducing eleven week-old Junior!

Oh, yes. This little pup definitely has a lot of energy for his tiny frame.

 He never, ever stopped running.

Well, apart from the few moments my humans managed to catch him for a snuggle, of course!

I'm not one for puppies (they're too hands on for us seventy year-olds) but even I have to admit that he has the most adorable face. Junior is the proud owner of puppy eyes even I would fall for...

As you can see from the pictures, Junior's supersonic speed meant that even sports mode on my human's camera could not keep up with him. Probably not the best of models at the moment, right Junior?

My humans are very much looking forward to watching Junior grow over the next few years. As I was in the hands of my old humans when I was a puppy, my humans missed the majority of that part of my life so are thrilled to be able to see another Spaniel go through those early stages.

Good luck, Junior's humans!

Talk soon, 

 Jasper x

DISCOVER DOGS 2015!

"What a lot of dogs," exclaims one of the thousands passing through the doors of ExCeL London. Well, there's only one reason to blame for those many dogs: Discover Dogs 2015 had arrived!

Although I did not attend the show myself this year, two of my humans were there to report back to me about London's biggest dog event and, from what I've heard, I missed out BIG TIME by not being there. Fortunately, they did take a few pictures (erm, 494...) of the scenes to share with me...

Where better to start your trip to the dog show than the "Discover Dogs" section itself? Over two hundred breeds had a stand at the show, just so we could take photos of them and have many a snuggle.

Discover Dogs aims to raise awareness of what it takes to make a dog happy and healthy so it is always sad to hear from the volunteers at charities such as English Springer Spaniel Welfare who have witnessed cases of animal cruelty. This young Spaniel did not have the best start to his life but has fortunately since been rehomed and is now lot, lot happier- yippee!

Agility. Oh, how I miss agility. My humans decided to reminisce about our agility days by watching it in the Main Ring- but with a twist. Instead of the standard, individual categories, there was a competition between major rescue homes, with relay teams made up of past rescue dogs at each centre. Some of the adorable dogs competing had even featured on Paul O'Grady's "For the Love of Dogs". And look at the smile on that proud human's face!

As readers have probably gathered from the past few years on this blog, my humans love the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team. So, of course, when they checked their programmes to see what was on and noticed that the Goldies were performing, they raced over to the Training & Display Ring to see the group. 

They were brilliant- so brilliant that I've included two pictures of the seventy taken from their display!

Following the displays and competitions, my humans returned to the Discover Dogs zone, where they snuggled with yet more dogs (I try not to feel too offended). This lovely Field Spaniel seemed pretty chilled modelling the stunning qualities of his breed. He never left that bed the whole time my humans were there.

Without doubt, the noisiest dog sport of them all, it was time to watch some Flyball. Man, those dogs were showing some speed- almost too quick for the camera!

Those competitors were certainly raring to go.

What is fantastic about dog shows is that there is always something new to see, whether that be a new sport, shop or display. A new demonstration for my humans today was once performed by the Royal Air Force, who demonstrated just how strong their canines have to be to work out on the field. This determined dog managed to jump from the ground to the very top of the blue axle. Incredible.

Another "Discover Dogs" treat: a meet and greet with a gigantic St. Bernard. It's not every day that you come across one of these huge dogs- look at the size of those paws!

Puppy alert! Yep, the Metropolitan Police treated visitors to Discover Dogs to a viewing of the police dogs of the future, these German Shepherds. These puppies certainly have very exciting prospects ahead of them.

Wherever there is a puppy, there is a crowd.

After a spree in the shopping area of the dog show, it was sadly time for my humans to bid Discover Dogs farewell. My humans can honestly say that this year was one of, if not, the best dog shows they have been to in London and cannot wait to find out what is in store for next year's show. 

Next stop: Crufts 2016!

Talk soon, Jasper x

For more information on Discover Dogs, visit www.discoverdogs,org.uk