As always, we enjoy our visits to the Greek mainland, the hospitality, the warmth and the genuine appreciation of the Greek clubs sees us return, show after show. We feel there is a genuine understanding of how difficult it is moving LARGE breeds in and around Europe, not only with our own Danes, but with many of the other large breeds that travel to shows far and wide. The disadvantage of living on a beautiful island such as Cyprus is that EVERYWHERE is by flying, other such country’s have the luxury of jumping on a pre-arranged coach or in to their cars and making the journey, albeit longer in time, at a more relaxed pace. What can we do ????? if you have dogs and you want to show them, then this is the price you have to pay. For living, Cyprus is one of the most beautiful islands that I could ever think of wanting to spend my life, for showing dogs, it has improved tremendously over the years and now boasts one of the better show programmes in Europe, one which I would recommend if you have not visited then you really must give it a try, for visiting other country’s, then to be honest we may just as well reside on Alcatraz, because once you are here with your show dogs you really are limited as to where you can travel at a budget affordable to the average pocket. So most Cypriot breeders content themselves with the shows on offer on the island, who’s standards are good, who’s entrants are high and who’s quality of dogs are improving year on year. To travel overseas is a luxury many dream of and to bring back prizes is something most only read about in the papers. So!!!!!!! to travel as we do is not something we just take for granted. We feel very privileged to be able to finance such trips, we feel honoured to be accepted by other kennel clubs and we are truly grateful to be awarded titles in country’s where the competition with local bred dogs is tough and very difficult to compete with. To be given a place on the winners podium consistently as we are is something we know is a recognition to be VERY proud of and our special thanks to all the kennel club members, the Judges and the entrants who cheer us and support us. It makes us very proud to be a part of your individual organisations, for the day or for the weekend and the extended hospitality as is shown is something we are happy to share with our colleagues in the hope that they too will visit your shows and share the experience.

Travel time to Larnaca has now been refined to around 1hour 30 minutes door to door. Our routine has also been refined to ensure quick and smooth check in for us and our Danes. This particular weekend I have to report being better than any we have experienced. I just hit lucky with the correct administrative girls at check in, the dogs were processed, our luggage whisked through and it was smiles all around as I walked outside to inform Craig we were now free to enjoy a leisurely drink and something to eat in he executive lounge before take off.

As I walked across the departure lounge to the outside car park a familiar face to the show world here in Cyprus appeared in the crowded hall. Demitri, our strong competition with the Bichon Frise was standing in the line up waiting to check in. The first time he had actually checked in one of his dogs to the aircraft hold so he was understandably a little nervous. After much reassurance that all would be fine, he waved goodbye to his 2 adult Bichon and put the other 2 puppies he was taking to rendezvous with their new owners on his shoulder in their very luxurious carry on bag and for the moment we parted company. Demitri spent time with an old school friend he had bumped in to and we went off in to the direction of the exec lounge for a peaceful meal before we departed. Remember at this point that we are still in the middle of the busy tourist season and the airports are filled to capacity, so our exec lounge indulgence is more a way of maintaining sanity over the maddening crowds now building up in the departure lounge.

Now happily relaxed and reflecting on how smooth everything had gone we were conscious of an announcement over the tannoy system.
“Ladies and gentlemen, could we please have your attention. Would all Cyprus Airways passengers please report to the main reception desk”
Both Craig and I walked over to what was now a sea of people fighting to speak to the reception girl. We handed her our boarding cards, she looked at us and said in a most apologetic tone.
“Sir, I am sorry to have to tell you, Cyprus Airways Pilots have just called a walk out strike for the next 7 hours, this will mean a build up of flight traffic, there is no guarantee you flight will take off at all today. If you wish you can re-book for another day, you can cancel, or you can take a chance and see what happens later”
“Thank you I said, but we have a number of livestock on the flight and I would like to know what your provisions are for them during this time”
Horror drained through her face as she realised the announcement she had just made was for us not going to be as simple as the options given. We had by now been joined by our friend Demetris and collectively decided to continue with our journey, providing we could be re-united with our dogs as soon as possible.
We were taken back through the passport control in reverse, we had to pass through a security check going the return direction and we eventually were taken back in to the departures hall which was now FULL of angry passengers. Fortunately we had each other for support and left immediately the departure hall to return to our cars. Our own Zac climbed in to the 4×4 and immediately fell to sleep stretched out full length of the car, Odette climbed in to the back of the van and did the same, Demitri took his Bichon and swapped them over in to our very large travel crates and his puppies did the same. For all the dogs this was complete heaven, luxury beyond belief. For us, well we took three chairs from the local cafe bar, set them up in the car park by our vehicles and spent the next 7 hours talking about shows, future, past and present.
Eventually the time came for us to gather our things once again and go through the whole ordeal of boarding our dogs, getting them settled and hopefully this time the flight staff were over their walk out and ready to fly us to our destination.

We arrived now very late. What should have been a 1700hrs arrival was now a midnight arrival and we still had the journey to the hotel to make, another 30 minutes on top. Fortunately a phone call ahead made sure our room was still available, the dogs were walked and fed and like us just crashed fast asleep. For what seemed like only minutes the Nokia phone was now ringing in our ears telling us that we had now had our complete allocation of beauty sleep and it was time to get both dogs ready for the show.

The hotel Stefanakis, room 113 or 112 are perfect for our dogs. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen and fantastic sized balcony for each dog ensured that both Odette and Zac had a good nights sleep without the need for them sleeping in their crates. It is not the most luxurious of hotels, but when you travel with dogs you are grateful for a bed for the night, never mind creature comforts. The most important thing for us is that we are accepted with our dogs and we are not having to worry about the concerns of the management, as in this case I feel they appreciate we are all quite respectful and know that any accidents which may happen are immediately resolved, either financially or otherwise.

Both dogs walked and our own breakfast taken we waited for our Pet Taxi Nicos and his additional driver being his mum. The journey to the Markopoulos stadium takes about 30 minutes and you will see from the photographs it has actually got better in time as an Olympic venue, unlike some whose beauty has faded over the years. The weather was at it’s best and the sun shone down as the exhibitors registered their dogs and took up their places. Having been here last year we knew the procedure, we knew which way the sun was going to shine and we knew just where to go to make sure we were in the shade all of the day. Old friends we are always happy to see greeted us and welcomed us once again to the Greek mainland and a quick walk around to familiarise ourselves with the rings saw yet more familiar faces.

Our crates in place, our ring times sorted and our dogs ready for presentation we prepared ourselves for the day ahead. We had early show times so for us this was good. At least our dogs were well rested, they were not to hot from the mid-day sun and they had not become bored at all the hanging around. Show started prompt at 0900hrs and by 0915 we were in the ring with Zac who was just raring to go. We stood at ring side watching the other Danes in class go through their stuff and then it was the turn of Zac. Now I have to say at this point we had struggled keeping his attention as 16 days earlier both Odette and Heidie had chosen with precise and accurate timing, right in the middle of show season to come in to season. Yes here we are just as we embark on our 7 months of extensive travelling with 2 bitches re-enacting the sequel to “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” They don’t do delicate and feminine seasons, no, not our Heidie and Odette, what they do is bleed by the bucket full until they decide they have had enough, which in some cases can extend in to three weeks of constant blood loss. We had watched eagerly awaiting the blood flow to stop so we could decide if it was safe to take her and if all would be OK at the show. By the time the show came all seemed safe, the blood flow had dried up and both bitches had returned to slight normality, nothing that a good strong bitch spray, some Vics vapour rub and a bit of good supervision wouldn’t resolve. Our normal travelling routine had to be slightly altered to make sure Zac stayed well away from Odette and under the circumstances we coped very well. That was until on day 2, Odette with possible reaction to the flying decided to switch on the blood flow again just after she had done her class. I tell you, I could have donated to a battle field and still had more left over. Fortunately our red doggie blankets hid most of our embarrassment and she had at least finished showing for the weekend, but never the less, this still meant that Zac, super stud, thought his services were required and at every given moment tried to mount anything in site, fortunately this did not include the judge.

So day one we came home with a Champion class win for Zac and then Best Dog win with CAC & CACIB and an Excellent critique which read;

BEAUTIFUL HARLEQUIN DOG, SOUND AND ELEGANT WITH GOOD REACH OF NECK, EXCELLENT HEAD AND EXPRESSION, CLEAN EYES, GOOD FRONT, FORE CHEST AND DEPTH OF CHEST, GOOD SET OF TAIL AND CROOP, CORRECT HIND ANGULATION, MOVES WELL AND PRESENTED VERY WELL.

For Odette we took Champion class win and Best Bitch. Understandably in her condition she was a little giddy and in the head to head Zac won over with BEST OF BREED. Odette took CAC 7 CACIB with an excellent critique which read;

EXCELLENT SHOW CONDITION BITCH, EXCELLENT MARKINGS, FEMININE HEAD, EXCELLENT FRONT AND BACK, EXCELLENT TOP LINE, GOOD MOVER AND EXCELLENT TEMPERAMENT. WELL PRESENTED.

Paolo Dondina was the Judge, very nice, knew his stuff and got on with the job in hand. He was very precise about his requirements and expectations of your role as handler and his comments on the critique I felt were exactly what he was being presented with by way of our dogs.

So for us, part one of our goal had been achieved, Zac had taken B.O.B and had qualified for a second Greek Champion title but more importantly, Odette had now completed her 12 month campaign and had qualified as GREEK CHAMPION. She now stands at CYPRUS MULTI CHAMPION, RUSSIAN CHAMPION, GREEK CHAMPION AND EUROPEAN DEUTCHE DOGGE CHAMPION and is still only just starting out, now aged 29months.

We had the rest of the day now at leisure until groups later in the afternoon, time to walk the dogs, enjoy the friends who had still yet to show, take lunch and then watch the show jumping of which Athena Onassis was in attendance showing off her amazing skills in the stadium next door.

The afternoon judging commenced around 1530hrs and it was not long before Groups were up and ready to show. I always like to get in to the ring first as Zac needs his space to show off his movement. It still surprises me how many ring stewards still let smaller dogs in first, for example the good old English Bulldog who looks so majestic when walking at his own pace around a ring suited to his size. How on earth can a Great Dane or a Newfoundland be expected to show at it’s best behind the English Bulldog going at his own pace. Come on ring stewards, wake up to the fact that you are there to do a job and order of entry has to be top of your priority list. So many times we have fallen victim to the small snappy dog bouncing off the heels of the larger breeds wanting to run his course. get the big boys in first and then let the little ones follow and take their place and then if they need only to walk at a slow pace, or if they need to complete only half the ring circuit, then at least they can do so without interference to others who have the ability to stride it out and go the course.

The group judge was that of our class, Mr Paolo Dondina. He asked to see the dogs he had not already judged move and he asked to see stacked those that he had already judged. Zac I have to say consistently shows well. Show after show after show he stacks to perfection and presents himself in such a way that you just can not help but want to place him. On occasions he can be a little sluggish with his movement, it all depends on the temperatures and the size of the ring, oh yes and if he just happens to have one of his girls in season.

Presentation now over and the judge made his way to the steward to offer his results. In third place was the only announcement I focussed on which was the Harlequin Great Dane. So we had done it again, we had made our place to the winners podium and we were more than happy with the result. It is the judges choice and today the judge had seen other qualities in other dogs he placed 2nd & 1st over Zac, but in terms of our goals, we had done what we set out to do and come away with more.

It is always a mad scramble once your place in the groups has been decided and for us it was time to pack our things, call the taxi and return to the hotel nice and early to shower, feed the dogs and wander down to the local restaurant for dinner. A whole day sitting in the fresh air is sufficient to draw you to your bed for an early night and by 2100hrs we were all tucked up, Zac snoring on one side, Craig on the other and Odette banished to the outside terrace so she could continue in peace with her season.

Sunday another hot and sunny day, Nicos outside waiting in the taxi and all the crates packed in advance. The morning sun coming up over the Markopoulo Olympic stadium is a sight not to be missed, truly awesome and one of those moments when you reflect on the fortunate position you find yourselves in at certain times in your life.

Registration is always an easy affair, one that many other shows could well learn some lessons from. Ring side information is in Greek and in English, great for visiting exhibitors and there are sufficient programmes to go round to each dog entered.
Our show time was the same as the day before, nice and early and before the heat of the day kicked in, however this time our judge was Zvi Kupferberg from Israel.

Once again we watched as the other Dane exhibitors entered the ring, always making sure that we were ready for the ring steward as he called our numbers. Today’s biggest change to plan was that Craig was handler for the day, a little competition rivalry, so he was really out to do a better result than my own the day before. He first entered with Zac and true to form he showed magnificently, that was Zac and not Craig by the way, although I have to say, for someone who four years ago would not be seen in the ring, he is really making up for things. Zac once again won his Champion class, going on to take Best Dog and coming away with a critique which read;

CORRECT SIZE WITH BEAUTIFUL HEAD, EXCELLENT BONE, CORRECT TOP LINE, CORRECT FRONT AND ANGULATION, EXCELLENT STRONG DEEP CHEST, CORRECT COLOUR, EXCELLENT MOVEMENT.
he took CAC & CACIB (excellent).

A quick change over and now the turn of Odette in her very own Champion class. She trots happily around as if to kick sand in the faces of all around her. She stacks to perfection and presents herself well as the judge writes;

CORRECT SIZE WITH BEAUTIFUL HEAD, EXCELLENT TOP LINE, CORRECT FRONT AND ANGULATION, CORRECT BITE, LOOSE ELBOWS, CORRECT CHEST, EXCELLENT MOVEMENT, she took CAC & CACIB(excellent)

Winning her class and then Best Bitch she came head to head with Zac for Best Of Breed. The sun was now starting to burn through, I was handling Zac who I had rushed in from his ring side crate and the judge pondered as he asked us to move our dogs once more around the ring. Now at this point Zac had managed to get the beautiful sweet smell of Odette in season, Odette was happily flirting her way around the ring, throwing her head back as she trotted along teasing all the way. Zac was now pulling his way like an old English Shire horse, desperate to make actual contact with her. For sure the pace was a good one and fortunately we both knew how to use the situation to our advantage. We halted at the judges request, stacked our dogs once more and presented them to him for final inspection. By now our friends from Cyprus had all gathered at ring side to watch the event and the judge turned and said;

BOTH DOGS ARE BEAUTIFUL, THE BITCH IN PARTICULAR HAS A STUNNING HEAD, ONE VERY SELDOM SEEN SO BEAUTIFUL IN BITCHES, SHE IS QUITE REMARKABLE, BUT ONLY FOR THE FACT THAT SHE STILL HAS A LITTLE MATURING TO DO AND IS STILL A LITTLE LOOSE I AM AWARDING BEST OF BREED TO THE DOG. He than said, WATCH OUT FOR THE BITCH TAKING BEST OF BREED VERY VERY SOON, SHE IS GOING TO MATURE VERY, VERY WELL.

So another great result, points for Zac as we had hoped, recognition for Odette and a place in the group line up once again.
The rest of the day was spent supporting our friends, Giannis from Thessaloniki who travelled without his dear wife Erine and for who we promised to cheer from the ring side to make him feel more relaxed. Demetris from Cyprus with his Champion Bichon and his friend who took B.O.B from him on day one. Stella & Pheytos who’s beautiful Akita bred by Julie & Carl Nicholls from the UK and who did so well on day 2, but again lost out on the group win to our friend Giannis with his impressive Siberian Husky. Stella Mimis, Secretary, Athens Canine Society who I have to say that the makeover has taken years off her and she looked fantastic. It is like an old school reunion when we visit Greece and so nice to see Elena & Elias from Crete and Sissi Adramitli with her beautiful Bulldogs and who always makes us welcome to the Greek shows and has great admiration for our Danes. Mind you I have to say, I think Craig has been working his magic as he too loves the British Bulldog and I think secretly has withdrawal symptoms when he is in their company.

The group 2 now being called and Craig looking like a movie star from the film “The Blues Brothers” moves to prime position to enable him to show Zac to full potential. He is first in with no scuffles at the entry point from any of the small dogs trying to get in the ring first. Consistently he moves like a true professional, the applause rings out and the whistles are evidence that Zac is a real favourite with the crowd. He stacks well and he takes note of what is behind in order to plan his next move. The judge once again moved the dogs not seen by him in the class and an almost instant decision was made and the result handed to the ring steward. Where would Zac be placed in this group, or would he be placed at all. The places are being announced in reverse order, the cameras are flashing and the cheering starts to whip the spectators in to real enjoyment. In second place we hear being announced, in second place, the harlequin Great Dane !!!!!!! A great finish to a great weekend and once again a place on the winners podium for Group 2 line up.

As far as our results were concerned, we came for a possible Greek Champion title being completed with Odette and we got it and we came hoping for B.O.B on both the Saturday and the Sunday and we got it. The 2 group places on the winners podium were over and above our expectations and we are delighted with the final achievement. It was just now time to pack our things once more and take the taxi back to the hotel for a celebratory drink.

Monday we ambled down to the water front, took in the scenery and reflected on our wonderful weekend in Greece. By 1330hrs we were sitting at the airport ready to board our flight and once again we have to compliment Cyprus Airways in Athens for their excellent service and compassion towards our dogs. Arrival in Larnaca in time for sun down and home just in time for dinner prepared by our dear housekeepers Lalyn & Connie.

To see the full selection of photographs from the Athens show, left double click on any of the photographs and this will take you to our photo album selection with over 5500 photographs broken down in to various sets for you to view. You then click on Athens or click on the full selection of Apollodane photos.

In conclusion and it goes without saying, a huge thank you to the Kennel Club for making us feel so welcome, thank you to the administrators for keeping us up to date with show news and thank you to the judges who are never taken for granted and whos service, knowledge and support is very much appreciated.

SHOW NEWS

Our first trip overseas away from Cyprus with Zac, since Zac arrived here early in the year. We feel he has settled sufficiently enough now to be able to take this trip on board and it would be so good for him if we were able to gather some points.

We decided to share the trip with our friend Fytos and assisted by his wife Stella, who kindly did all the arrangements for us, we set off on our weekend trip to Athens. Not getting off to a good start, we were called before we left for the airport to say that the flight to Athens had been delayed 3 hours and not to set off with the dogs as they would only get stressed out. That gave us a little more time to put the dogs through their paces, give them a little more exercise before their journey and give them a feeling of fun and enjoyment for the journey ahead.

Arrival at Larnaca saw crowds of people all frustrated and anxious as to when their flights would be called. Our dogs as you can imagine caused a diversion of attentions and before long we were surrounded by crowds of people all wanting their photographs taking with the dogs. It was actually another two hours before we departed, the dogs now fast asleep in their crates and the owners more stressed out than the dogs, typical.

A short 1hr 30mins flight and we were in Athens, dogs were delivered to us with no problems and we headed for the Pet Taxi supplied by Nicos, the only official and fully registered pet taxi in Athens.

The hotel was a very modest, but fully recommended by the kennel club type of place, clean, very friendly and local to all amenities, except that is for the Equestrian Centre, which is where the show was being held.

The only one transportation problem we did encounter was that of our friends, fully groomed and most immaculate Akita. He had spent the day before making sure it was in top condition, only to discover on arrival at Athens, the poor little dog had decided to empty his bowels and his bladder in his crate, so you can only imagine what a mess his coat was in now. These things happen when you travel with dogs and fortunately, we all threw our hand in and helped get him showered, dried and back in tip top condition ready for his show ring the following day.

Day one at the show, saw an early arrival, we found a pitch to stay with our crates and then off to the reception area to register for both days. It was a lovely little venue, housed in the Athens Olympic Equestrian Centre on the outside arena. We had an early class and were delighted to take Best Dog and then Best Of Breed, especially as we had entered the Champion class and taken the title from a lovely Italian bitch from the Castello Delle Rocche kennels. We were over the moon, having achieved our goal of C.A.C. & C.A.C.I.B on both days. The groups were a little strange, with group 2 having 23 breeds in the line up and group 5 having only 8. I like to think I am a good loser and I take showing in good spirit, but there is something a little odd when it is clear for all to see that the dogs being placed are not necessarily the best dogs on show in the line up. It all gets very political at this level and that is why we are delighted if we get Best Of Breed, C.A.C. & C.A.C.I.B. anything else is a bonus and seen as the icing on the cake. So for us, out of a possible 21 points on offer each day, we came away with 19 on each day. A great result and well on the way to more success hopefully in Greece. We have promised ourselves a return visit to Athens on the 5th November to visit the show in Marathon.

• View more of our photos from the Athens Show.

SHOW NEWS

Set off from Larnaca for flight to Athens with Ajet and then on to Heraklion, arriving Heraklion around 2230 hrs. Collected car and then drove to the Galini Hotel which was a small modern hotel in Anissaras, Hersonissos, Crete. Owner George was the proud owner of four Great Danes and he asked if I would kindly give a hand with the handling the following day.

Sunday we got up, set off on our journey to the International Conference Centre in Hersonisos and the show started around 0930hrs.

The four Danes owned by George were the only Danes entered that day and they were really proud to take home a lovely display of trophies and rosettes. Unfortunately the Group was pretty strong, so the Danes lost out, however our friends Stella and Pheytos from www.mooncry-akitas.com won the day taking an impressive Best in Show, also our dear friends Riitta and Antti with their Greyhound took 3rd place in show.

From the show we travelled to Channia which for both Craig and I was the first visit. We actually followed a Finnish couple, Riitta and Antti who happened to be staying over there after showing their Greyhound, they had also done the journey a couple of times already so knew the way. It was a good job we decided to do that as the hotel we were staying in was 2 hours drive from the dog show, by which time it was getting dark and we were all tired.

Arrival at the hotel was most inviting. A nice relaxing 5star residence with the most beautiful swimming pool you have ever seen, infinity and elevated which gave this strange feeling of being on board an ocean liner setting off on her maiden voyage. A quick change and down to dinner, then collapsed in bed giving a perfect end to a perfect day.

The next day we had arranged to view a few property options, as Channia and Crete in general are on the brink of a property revolution. Such a beautiful place, very under developed and reminiscent of my expectations of Cyprus many years back, before becoming populated as it is today. We saw some lovely new projects that were in themselves appealing and left the day undecided on a sea front property with a spectacular roof terrace with panoramic views all around the island. Following a couple more visits over the next couple of days, we actually made an offer and as I write, we are still awaiting the offer to be accepted or declined, something that only fate can be the concluding factor.

Walking around Channia as we did revealed more of the beauty we never imagined would be on offer, added to the fact that we met up with the lovely couple from Finland who had taken third best in show, with their Greyhound we called Princess as she was so regal. We had a great meal and a lovely chat, getting to know each other as though we had been friends for life and promised to meet again quite soon, not realising that for the next three days we would bump in to them in every Piazza, restaurant or shop we entered which turned out to be quite amusing. We have since returning exchanged e-mails and I am sure we will see then again very soon, especially as our paths had crossed in many ways before. The rest of our time was spent doing the things we all do on holiday which is, shopping for clothes you don’t really need, eating more food than is possible in 24 hours and tanning yourself relentlessly by the pool, like your life depended on subjecting yourself to third degree burns. But then a holiday would not be a holiday without those added qualities now would it?

Our return from Crete left us feeling refreshed, relaxed and aware that this is what we should be doing more of. Dogs are such fun, they give back far more than you can give them, but the down side is, they are a full time commitment and those thinking of buying a dog should never take on the responsibility lightly. So when we do get a break, we really enjoy it for what it is, we maximise on all there is to do and we then wonder when the next one will be, but that’s our commitment to the dogs we have chosen to spend our lives with, no more or no less than a parent would do when raising a family.

Home and back to our dogs which had been well looked after by our 2 very trusted housekeepers, Grace and Tony, who we are eternally grateful to for assisting us to not only enjoy a life with dogs, but to combine it with a little normality at the same time. They had done a marvellous job, even managing to put a little bit of weight on Star who at most favours a New York Super Model, skinny and waiflike. Grace has introduced a very simple add in of pasta to his meals which she has now increased to four times per day, smaller amounts but more often. He really is looking great and setting himself up for the Dane looks he has been blessed with and is now growing in to. A little cash bonus and a few extra days off were very much appreciated by both Grace & Tony and it gave them a rest before Craig & I went to Athens the flowing weekend.

View more of our photos from the Crete Show.