We woke up to a snowy morning, and made our way over to Brogborough for Geof to do a Level 4. and for me to help out. We cleared as much snow away from the Hall and car search as we could, and took Bug for a play.

When Marianne arrived she explained that Nigel and Tina were snowed in, and asked if we would step in and Judge the Level 1’s. So, after the Level 4, and a quick bite to eat we began.

We started with a quick briefing, it was cold, and we had a large entry, so we asked everyone for their cooperation to keep the running order moving, as we were short of runners, (that was going to be us!). I would just like to thank everyone for doing that, even with everyone trying to keep their dogs, and themselves warm, we managed to keep moving smoothly.

First searches we had the Tables and Chairs, and Exterior running, Geof and Becky wrapped up and outside they went, and Marianne and myself headed into the warm.

We had some really lovely searches. We had some very quick indications on Tables and Chairs. Janice and Riley who would go on to win did a lovely search in just 16 seconds. Fyodor did a lovely search also, and both Georgie and Max tracked the scent to source beautifully. There was a couple of early calls, and I think on your next trial you will be confident to make the right call. It was nice to watch Julie, she read Betty perfectly and held out for the correct indication.

I would also like to mention here some lovely Partnerships. We had a few dogs with some little concerns about the environment, but each of their handlers took time and patience to get some positive results. Charles handled Misty beautifully, as did Christine with Soul, and Lou Lou did really well bless her by actually entering an unknown room, Well done Mazonne.

The Exterior Searches went well. Given the conditions we were expecting a few people and dogs to struggle, and that wasn’t the case. Geof tried to give everyone some feedback at the time, and hopes that helps you going forward.

We then did a quick swap over, so that Geof and Becky had a chance to thaw out, and we began Boxes and Luggage and Vehicle.
We had some super speedy Vehicle searches, there were several dogs who knocked the scent and tracked it to source wonderfully. Fern hit the scent from the other side of the car and dragged Carol to source, “Spot on Fern !!”

Boxes and Luggage searches went well Ruby did a lovely quick search, and Soul didn’t falter on the scary floor. It was nice to see people tasking their dogs to search.

We had Spirit working on a different Scent, he worked really well on all sections. Well done Sam.

We would also like to mention Kaitlin, as a junior handler you were a pleasure to watch, your calm and methodically handling of Lucy was lovely, and we look forward to watching your name climb up the levels.

You should all be really pleased with your dogs, and it was clear all the hard work that had been put in prior to the trial, It was a cold day, and there were some little dogs competing that needed extra loving… and Blankets!!. but we hope you all think it was worthwhile, and we both hope to see you all again as you enter more trials.

We would also like to Thank Becky and Marianne, this was our 1st time Judging, and a little unexpected. It was nice to have the support of 2 very experienced scentwork Uk people helping us as scribes, and runners. Can’t wait to do another one.