judging crufts 2007

I remember so well the day a letter from the Kennel Club fell through my door inviting me to judge Border Collie Bitches at Crufts in 2007. This invitation came two years before the appointment and I was instructed not to tell anyone until the appointment was confirmed.
My hands were literally trembling with excitement as I read the letter and I had to sit down and breathe deeply to calm myself. I had always wanted to judge at Crufts and it seemed one of my unfulfilled ambitions that I desperately wanted to complete before I died.
The next two years were full of anticipation and caution. As soon as the appointment was announced, I noticed how many people became more friendly with me and asked me their opinion about their bitches. I was very conscious of keeping my mouth closed and being very non-committal. I tended to keep away from the rings as the time got nearer.
Preparation
The length of time between the invitation and the appointment was to my advantage as I was able to prepare both physically and emotionally. I had been having trouble with my left knee and I had always been asthmatic.
I booked an appointment with the orthopaedic consultant and asked for his advice. He said my knee was completely broken down and that I would need a total replacement. He promised he would have me up and walking well in time for Crufts 2007___this he did although I am not sure I was walking well.
My chest also needed attention and I got all the medication I needed in good time.
Two months before the appointment I had great fun picking an outfit and choosing sensible shoes. I took three pairs of shoes with me and changed twice during the judging. 8.30am ---4.30.pm without a break is a long time to be on your feet.
The day before arrived and I went to the NEC in the afternoon and booked into the Metropole and settled into my room. This was followed by a leisurely look around the stalls and good viewing of the group judging. It was so luxurious to be able to browse and chat to people. When you are exhibiting at Crufts everything is such a rush and there is no time for shopping or chatting.
Back at the Hotel people were gathering for drinks and dinner, the atmosphere was electric with people and dogs from abroad and “Dog Talk” I could not have been happier! Pat Wilkinson was judging Rough Collies the following day and Eric Broadhurst was judging GSDs so it was good to see familiar faces and have time to sit and have conversations with them in clothes without dog hairs on.
I enjoyed a superb meal with Angie and Neil Allen and then drinks after with some Americans and then off to bed to be fresh for an early start in the morning.
I woke at 6am, showered breakfasted and was more than ready to start judging at 8.30am
I arrived at the table at 8.am and discussed with my very competent stewards what pattern and procedure I required throughout the day.
The first class was a wonderful collection of Veteran bitches which brought a lump to my throat. This set the scene for the day and I was privileged to put my hands on some of the most beautiful border collie bitches in the world.
As soon as I started judging my focus was on the bitches and I would not have known if the Queen of England had been stood at the ringside, so focused was my eye. The adrenaline which comes with focus carried me through the day and I never once felt tired during the judging. This carried on through the Best of Breed and the group. And then it hit me!!!! And I thought I would never walk again let alone drive home to Bristol. Fortunately Craig came back with me and kept me awake and I arrived home very tired and very happy.
Next instalment---a funny story connected to this wonderful day—see next issue of news letter