December and January were such busy months that it has taken until nearly months's end to write this blog.  In mid December Geoff had a trip to Kassel in Germany to judge a championship show there.  He had a very good entry of 70 dogs and very much enjoyed his day in the ring.  His best of breed, he learned later,became a German Champion that day.  The committee members and Beate and Gunther Steinz made the trip all the more special because of their wonderful hospitality.  We look forward to seeing them at Crufts in March. 

Now Geoff and I have just returned from an excellent time in Staffordshire where Geoff was judging border collies at the Manchester Championship Show.  He attracted the largest entry in the pastoral group and had 214 dogs and bitches from which to select his winner.  He was very pleased with the quality of his entry and had the honour of creating two new UK Show Champions in Sashdan Smokin Joe and Locheil Funny Face. 

We know that all of the followers of our news will be deeply saddened to learn that our beautiful Isla had to be given sleep on 3rd January.  Despite a major operation against cancer in December,  the tumours returned and nothing could be done.  We mourn her loss more than words can say and will always love and miss her.

Isla leaves behind her two year old son Cupar and his brothers Bramble and Shadow plus her four month old daughters Corrie and Willow pictured below as younger pups.  We have Cupar and Corrie to keep our precious Isla's memory even more alive and dear.