Salute Of Appreciation - the Winners !

Firstly, a sincere thank you to Patch for giving me the honour of judging this class.

Secondly, I was more than aware in judging this class that all of these photographs are your own favourites - and I could see the love you have for these dogs in your photographic efforts.

Being such a large class of favourites gave me a difficult job. I could not judge on breed standards for I have no experience in that field. The experience I do have is that I love dogs - all dogs. My three ( two sadly departed) have all been rescues - so I know dogs who were sad, but came into the joyfulness of living and loving as all dogs should.

So this is what I looked for. Joyfulness in just being a dog.
I printed out every single picture, so I could view them all side by side (very large dining table) and to give each a fair chance.
I hope you can see what I saw when I made the choices, and I truly apologise I couldn't pick you all.

First place went to Skye.
This dog looked so happy and so relaxed. The joyfulness in him shone clear, like a beacon.


Joint second went to Lexi. How I wanted to hug this dog and ruffle that fur. Such a happy looking soul.


Joint second to Boris. Another dog who looks so happy and so huggable. Love of life shines clear in Boris.


Third place went to Holly. What a happy dog, just out there, enjoying life. Lovely girl


Joint Fourth went to Fudge. A girl who looks as pretty as a picture, and full of joy.


Joint Fourth went to Skye. How joyful and confident and how much I wanted to give Skye a tummy rub! Here's a dog enjoying life!


Fifth place to these three lovelies! Like my own terriers, I can see in your eyes stuffies must die! The fun of being a dog!


Joint sixth to these two beauties who really look stunning in motion. The sheer joy of running, which I love to see a dog doing.



Joint sixth to these two gorgeous collies, who look as pleased as punch with themselves. I imagine them grinning for the sheer joy of working and being in the open air.



and now the Judge's specials:
I had said I was looking for joyfulness and that was my criteria - but these dogs jumped out at me despite my criteria, and begged to be recognised. I could do no less.

Beau, your eyes felt as if they could read my soul - and despite that, you were still able to have fun in the sun!


Akita, your eyes too held me, as if you too could see deeper than we know - and then so wonderful to see you enjoying the sunshine.


Biff, my friend, your photos told me that when I'd seen it all and done it all, you would always be around for me to come home to. With you, I'd always have a friend.


Charlie, I felt from looking at your pictures, that you had all the wisdom of the world, and I could imagine a young child cuddling up to you and telling you all their woes. What a beauty you are.


I thoroughly enjoyed this judging, thanks so much for letting me be a part of this wonderful community
Pat xx

Well done everyone x

Thanks Miss E,Fudge is thrilled with her rosette. She wants to say a big well done to all the dogs and especially her big cousin Skye.

Thank you very much MissE for Skye's joint 4th place as you had a really difficult job to do.

Also congratulations goes to everyone who took part as you all have great looking dogs.

oh missE what a job you had hun well done very well deserved jugde. well dne phil for your first hun and great pics as always. Congrates to all the other winners your doglets have mae you so proud as always, look forward to the next lot of of comps for 2008 and all the new pics we will get see. Congrates again all and a big thank you to Patch and the team for a grate 2007 and a better 2008 comp's how much fun we al have xx

Congratulations to all the winners well done MissE on a job very well done

Thanks very much MissE for my two placings, very fitting that they were joint - 2 of my dearly departed borzois and the current two crazy collies I don't envy you your job, I spent ages looking through those photos too, congratulations to everyone on your gorgeous dogs and superb photography.

I always like to thank Patch as she works so hard, but this time I'm sending a huge special thanks for all the extra work I gave her asking for two of my photos to be withdrawn. Thanks for being so understanding and of course for doing your usual sterling work. :smt038

Congratulations everyone and a big thank you Miss E for Boris's second place

Congrats everyone , and thankyou Miss E for Beau special placing She say Fank woo very much xxdk