Page 8 - K9News_Issue12_July2020
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TAKING AKING
T
THE LEAD
THE LEAD
Photo: Samantha Webster By Andrea Keepence-Keyte
Life has been a bit different for us all having to normal, although I think we will never be as
deal with Covid-19. Realistically we will probably we were before the Covid-19 crisis. I feel very
not be showing again in any serious capacity sad for anyone who has lost special judging
until 2021. People are finding alternatives appointments, whether this is judging at an
though, with online shows springing up all anniversary show or your first CC appointment.
across social media. Entry prices ranging from Also people who had and have young puppies
free to a couple of pounds per class to enter. which are going to miss their puppy careers in
Prizes also ranging from certificates for the the show ring or veterans who were on their
winners, to rosettes to money! swan song. Sadly the Adult handling finals
were cancelled earlier in the crisis, but it meant
It is nice to still be able to “compete” in some
way or another, but as we continue on with good sense as it looked like there would be
few opportunities for people to qualify, but
social distancing rules the novelty wears off.
also there were questions about whether City
I for one am missing the very social aspect
of Birmingham Championship show would
to our sport and I am missing the banter and
go ahead (which it was later confirmed to be
chatter that was had week in and week out while
showing. I have been very lucky in that I have cancelled).
not been working from home (I am a non NHS Technology has made life a little bit more
essential worker) which means that although my bearable for some, especially those who are
office and labs have been quiet, life hasn’t really shielding and for anyone who is alone. Apps and
changed for me. programmes such as Zoom and Skype enabling
some form of contact. A popular activity amongst
One shocking topic has been the high
demand for puppies during this crisis and the the dog show fraternity appears to be virtual
quizzes – myself and some dog show friends
astronomical prices – I saw an advert on a pet
included.
advertising site for beagle puppies at a price of
£10,000! It is sad that unscrupulous breeders It is very difficult to find topics to write about
are taking advantage of the demand but equally with so little showing activity at the moment. I
there appears to be a number of scams where am loath to write anything about current affairs
money is taken and no puppy is supplied. It is as it does appear that there is an extraordinary
our duty to share information about sources amount of sadness and tragic news at the
for puppies from responsible breeders. Some moment. To the point that I cannot bring myself
people will listen and then some wont, but we to watch the news and rely solely on the
must try and educate now more than ever. As updates on the radio.
for people paying over the odds, well, they say If anyone has any topics for discussion you can
a fool and their money are soon parted. Looking
always reach out to me over social media or via
to the future, I am sad to say that I feel that
email: andi.keyte@hotmail.co.uk
rescues are going to be overwhelmed I think
when people start going back to work and no “I do not have respect for you who takes
longer have time for a dog. advantage of the soul that is kind and giving, for
it is you who takes such liberties that becomes
It is good to see that restrictions are being
the ultimate fool.”
lifted now and life is slowly getting back to
― C.C. Franklin
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K9 NEWS DIGITAL / JULY 2020
