Hopefully, no matter what the announcement is on the 21st June, dog shows will be able to start.  With the G7 meetings beginning in Cornwall next week let’s hope we all have the same immunity as the politicians.  
 
Westminster Dog Show will be judged on the 12th and 13th June.  Hound day is the 12th. With Mr Harold Tatro 3rd judging Salukis.   The Club has put out the following announcement “Due to New Yok State Covid-19 regulations impacting the allowable number of attendees at events.  Westminster’s 2021 event will, unfortunately not be open to SPECTATORS or VENDORS.  We will therefore not be selling any tickets for the event (this applies as well to our yearly ticket subscribers) If you are a ticket subscriber, you will receive a renewal for the 2022 show sometime in the fall” 
 
The opening date for entries was 25th October with the closing date 19th November.  Entry is limited to 2,500 dogs and the show is benched. Once that number was reached the show will take no more entries, no matter what the circumstance might be. The show is open to AKC Champions only, the top 5 AKC Champions of Record. Dogs per breed will be invited based on AKC breed ranking from October 1st 2020 through September 30th 2021.  National Speciality Best of Breed winners for AKC Licensed or Member National Breed Specialities between October 1st 2020 and September 2021.  
I remember from my days in the States that competitors used to have agents standing at the door of the AKC to walk through with their entries to make sure they had a place.  With the show being held at the historic Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown New York, people have queued up for the scenery as much for the competition.
 
Sadly, we have the following announcement from the German Sighthound  Festival :
at Donaueschingen“We have been waiting as long as possible to take a final decision on Donaueschingen 2021. We hoped until the beginning of this week, that we would be able to start organising our show.
But, unfortunately, our worst expectations came true. Our beautiful Sighthound Festival must be cancelled once again. 
We have had several and long discussions with all authorities involved, and unfortunately have to follow their advice and directions to cancel our show for the second year in a row. We had been given no other alternatives for 2021. 
We are beyond sad, but had no other choice due to strict regulations and unpredictable development of this Corona pandemic. 
All we can do now is hoping to keep you all as faithful friends and enthusiasts of our beautiful Sighthound show until 2022.
As soon as the town of Donaueschingen will provide us with new dates, we shall inform you all accordingly. 
Stay safe, have a wonderful summer. 
Angelika and the Organising Team”  
For those people hoping to attend from the UK, we can just hope that the virus will be under control in another year.  With luck one of the Saluki judges. From Australia, Paula Bockman-Chato (Baghdad Salukis) will be allowed to travel.
 
Christine Harrison has posted that the NSC is looking for two stewards to work at the NSC Champ Show at Stafford Showground on the 17th July 2021 and we thought it would be nice to support ‘up and coming’ judges to grain stewarding experience.  Please apply to Christine on 07595 15454.
 
Saluki Welfare will be present at the SGHC open/limit show where we will be hosting a few fun classes and a rescue parade for any old/young Saluki rescues.  You can find details on the website.  
 

 
 
 
  
 
 
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The weather has finally warmed up and no rain.  Of course, it must be the traditional weekend for Southern Counties Championship Show.  We shall have to wait a few more weeks for the show, what is few more weeks after a18 month long wait.  Hopefully SCCS will continue their tradition with fine, warm weather.
 
Susan Rhodes has kindly sent the following: 
“On Saturday 12 June THE AFGHAN HOUND ASSOCIATIO is presenting a first ONLINE CONFORMATION & MOVEMENT SEMINAR. Speake : KC Accredited Trainer Mrs Margaret Boulcott. Cost £10. This will be a Zoom meeting and will start at 10 am to finish at 1.30 pm. This seminar is one of the 2 required for all judges not yet with CC status so please make a date in your diary. Please note the number of attendees is strictly limited to 30. Register with : Claire Parker (Hon.Sec.) ahasecretary@yahoo.co.uk  Tel.No. 07502 393530 Payment to access seminar : (1) by Pay Pal ahasecretary@yahoo.co.uk  or (2) Bank Transfer HSBC Malmesbury A/C 41112457 Sort Code 40-31-07”
 
 
We have received a notification from the SGHC stating The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club AGM 2021 will be held by post in July, following the extension of the KC’s dispensation.  Secretary Carolyn McCormick Smith says the Agenda will only contain item of formal busines such as the approval of the Accounts and various reports included in the Yearbook. President Don Everton’s term finished in 2021, so the new President of the Club will be Ann Shimmin.  Congratulation to Ann in her new role.  All the other officers remain the same.  The Committee members are Anna Freegard, Ben Freegard, Helena Haywood, Diana Klein, Victoria Martin and Michael McCormick Smith.  
 
Along with the above information from the club we received two schedules. The first is for the Club’s Open Show which will be held on Sunday 27th June 2021 at the Dobermann Club Training & Showground.  Carolyn McCormick Smith will be judging 31 classes.  On-line entries can be made up until midnight on Monday 7thJune 2021 at www.fossedata.co.uk
Breakfast will be served from 8.30am and light refreshments will be available all day.  Lunch will be served upon completion of the Open Show and ahead of the subsequent Rescue Parade, Puppy Walk and Limit Show.  Cream tea will be available throughout the afternoon.
The Rescue Parade will be judged by Mr Martin Green and the Puppy Walk judged by Mr Neal Stanmore.  The Limit Show will commence after these.
Both the Puppy Walk and Rescue Parade may be entered on the day.
One key item is that it is necessary to bring your own chairs as no chairs will be provided by the venue.
In attendance at the show there will be a welfare stall, Raffle and the photographic competition.
 
The Members Limited Show, to be held after the Open Show will be judged by Susan Rhodes.  Entries close of Monday 7th June.  All entries must be made by post and sent to the Treasurer, Ms Diane Layton-Smith.  For further detail on this, Diane can be contacted on 01208 72927.  The Limited Show is limited to members of the SGHC with restrictions that Challenge Certificate/CAC/CACIB/Green Star / Major pointed dogs from USA/ Canada are not eligible for entry.
 
I truly look forward to reporting results of dog shows in the near future.
 
Helen Williams
Kasaque565@gmail.com
 
 
 
 

 
It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of Ch Classicus Cassander JW ShCM.  He was the Breed Record holder, always a wonderful ambassador for our breed.  I am most grateful that Jeannette Glaister has sent us the following: “I write this with a very heavy heart on the passing of our beautiful boy DELICIOUS DEXTER at the tender age of 11 years and 1 month. Our memories can't be taken away, we have so many.
Alan and I weren't looking for a puppy Dexter found us thanks to Zola Rawson. He came to us at 4 months of age and he was adored immediately. He fit in so well with our other 2 boys. We decided to show Dexter and he was awarded his first RCC at 13 months of age and his first CC at 16 months, the same day he achieved his Junior Warrant. He became a champion at 2 years 11 months. The journey continued, Dexter loved the show ring right up to his last ever show Crufts 2020, a month short of his 10th birthday. Dexter never ever let me down he was the perfect showman, he was awarded all his wins on his own merits and I treasure every single one of them. One of my biggest highlights was getting CC & BOB at LKA under Zola Rawson then going on to win the Hound Group under Frank Kane, Frank had already given Dexter his second CC. Dexter was overall  Top Hound in 2014 and I went to the Pawscars Awards with our very dear friend Caroline Pickering, we were so very proud of Dexter to have achieved this and in our eyes he was a true ambassador for the breed. Dexter continued his winning ways, I never went in the ring with him expecting to win but whatever the results we always took the best dog home with us. Dexter won BIS at NSC in 2014 under Helen Graham, BIS at Leeds in 2015 under Stuart Mallard and BIS at NSC in 2016 under Paul Shimmin. The same year at SKC Dexter won the CC & BOB under Michael Williams and went on to take group 2 under Albert Wight, the same day he became the new Breed Record Holder having won his 36th CC, not something I ever set out to do, Dexter and I were just having fun but Dexter just kept going. Dexter also qualified in 2016 for the Eukanuba Champion Stakes under Mike Gadsby, due to an injury I sustained sadly we couldn't attend the finals.  Dexter was BOB at Crufts three times and shortlisted twice in the Group, such a great experience. Dexter Otis and I went to Amsterdam in 2018, at the Benelux Show he won the double CAC, the following day he was FCI Euro Veteran Sighthound winner.
In 2019 at Southern Counties we realised Dexter was unwell, on our arrival home we took him straight to the vets and had bloods etc done, the results weren't good and Dexter was taken in for surgery, the results came back and we had another battle on our hands.
Dexter won his last CC & BOB at Midland Counties in 2019 under Espen Engh then went on to take the Hound Group under Albert Wight, a fantastic achievement at 9.5 years of age. Not only that but he won the Veteran Stakes that day too handled by Michelle Ullyatt. Dexter's winnings all went into his money box which is still sitting there. In Dexter's short life he won 49 CC, 40 BOB, 23 RCC, 3 BIS, 11 Group wins and numerous Group placings. 
In 2020 Alan and I went lure coursing, Dexter loved it, in the October the following  day Dexter suffered a stroke at home, he was rushed to the vets, we were told it could go 3 ways, he could make a full recovery, he could recover but left with a permanent tilt to the head or he wouldn't make it, we knew he would fight this and he did but then less than 2 weeks later we took him for an ultrasound as we had another concern with him, we were given the devastating news that our beautiful boy only had days to live, we were sent home with 20 steroids vet telling us it would be more than enough. The following week we did another ultrasound just to see if the diagnosis was correct, sadly it was and the prognosis remained the same, though we were then told we might get a few weeks. We knew Dexter was a fighter and we were going to fight this too, I did lots of research and we bought everything that was recommended, Dexter was on in excess of 25 medication tablets and supplements a day but he was happy and that was our priority. The Sunday before he died he had been up the fields with us for an hour happily doing his own thing. On the Monday he was quiet we just thought he was having an off day. I decided to stay up with him and sleep on the floor next to him. At 4.12 am on Tuesday 18th May our darling boy passed with me by his side. RIP DELICIOUS DEXTER you were loved by many. We fought for 6.5 months, you were truly amazing and SIMPLY THE BEST.
I would like to thank those who sent cards, flowers, gifts and plants in memory of our wonderful boy. He will be sorely missed by Alan myself Otis, Earl and his many admirers. Dexter will remain in our hearts forever.”
 
In these notes I have been fortunate to be able to post updates on the progress of Masha Shaverneva and Susan Rhodes’ Altai (Qazal Sarbaz Har Kala Rachi AW(B)).
Upon reading this, Christopher Lewis (Knightellington Salukis) has sent the tale of  Ana, one of their Salukis that was sent to Carole Tipler in New Zealand. Regarding this Carole has sent the following: “She was the first Saluki to be shown in championship agility, the first Saluki to be placed JP (no mean feat when competing against endless Border Collies) plus she won her agility classes on a couple of occasions.  She won Jumpers and was placed numerous times.  She was and is the only Saluki to ever be awarded an AD (Agility Dog) which requires the dogs to do a course with all the tasks, i.e. jumps, dog walk, see-saw etc. within a strict time frame and automatic disqualification if you get a fault.  She had to do three of those with clear rounds.   She was and is still the only Saluki to then go on and be awarded ADX which is Agility Dog Excellence this means she has to do even harder courses, in even better times and again, she has to do three.    For Jumpers, she had to do so many championship Jumpers courses fault free - I can't remember the number now but she was and still is the only Saluki who has achieved that.   Ana is NZ Ch Knightellington Ana Al Yaman AD JP owned by Carole Tipler born on the 29th March 2013.  
 
Looking back in one of the old Saluki magazines, edited by June Applebee, dated ‘The Saluki’ Vol 9 Christmas 1977 there was a referral of a display by Miss K M Trevethick which was in the Club show catalogue for the Club’s show of 1955.  This display was to be given by the Salukis, Mazuri Fahmi and Mazuri Tazi.   The article goes on to say “These hounds, owned and trained by Miss Trevethick are members of the Formakin Star Dog Team and are believed to be the only Salukis trained for this type of demonstration.  They have appeared in all parts of Britain and but for our quarantine regulations would have accepted invitations to perform on the Continent of Europe.  Fahmi (now 4 21/2 years old) in April 1953 won a high jumping competition which was televised; he jumped 9 ft 9 inches but later that year jumped 10 feet 3 inches in the Star Dog Tournament being beaten by a greyhound from the same kennel which jumped 10 feet 6 inches.
Tazi, just 2 years old has had no opportunity so far to take part in competitions but in a Display last April he jumped 10 ft 6 inches.  It is claimed that these two Saluki comprise the highest jumping brace of any breed in Britain. These dogs are well bred Salukis from a famous kennel (both having won prizes at shows).” The article goes on to say:” The object of this display is to show the grace and beauty of the breed in a variety of difficult movements and to demonstrate how the breed can be trained to be kept under control.  Both these hounds have coursed and killed hares but have been taught not to touch Rabbits or Poultry.
 
Helen Williams
Kasaque565@gmail.com
       
 
 
 
 
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The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club has announced that the schedules for the Open and Limit Show will be soon coming through your doors.  Though schedules and entry forms for the Open Show can be made on line through Fossedata.  Diane Layton-Smith has said that there are openings for stewards at the show.  If you would like to assist please contact her on tel. 01208 72927 .
 
The Welfare Stall will also be at attendance at the show with Christine Harrison in charge.  I am sure she would appreciate any donations to keep the stall going.    Also, the “The Saluki” the magazine of the SGHC will be available. Diana Klein, the editor has kept the contents of the magazine under wraps.  We shall have to see who and what is included in this issue. There will judging of the photographs which will be used in the 2022 calendar. Helena Haywood has sent the following 'Just a quick reminder that the SGHC Photographic Calendar Competition entries are open until May 31st, and will be displayed for voting on at the Limit/Open Shows on June 27th. All entries please by e mail to helenahaywood191@btinternet.com' .
With the Limit Show, AGM and the Open Show it should be a busy day after a very long and strange year.
 
I have just received a message from David Crane, secretary for the Saluki Welfare”
“Saluki Welfare have a need for reinforcements, specifically a Welfare Warden for the South, South West and South Midlands of the country, plus two Committee members.
If you feel you would like to join the Welfare team and can offer your experience of the breed to help salukis in need then please contact the Welfare Secretary at davidcrane@salukiwelfare.org.uk ‘’
 
Simon Parson’s has posted that the judging panel for Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Lyndhurst, a National Trust for Historic Preservation property, in Tarrytown New York on June 12-13 has changed.  Because of Covid-19 travel restriction judges from the USA have replaced those from other countries.  This has been a concern I have had as I have read through different show schedules here with judges coming from outside the ‘green countries’ which are not many at this time.  I looked at Finland, as an example, which has had very few cases, of Covid, they are not on our ‘green list’ at present.  They may be after the next review of the traffic light system reviewing countries. According to the ‘Telegraph’ a number of countries have been identified as possible contenders for the list at the next review.  It says that popular European destination like Spain, France and Greece are not among them. It lists Finland as one of the countries that could be added in the next review.
So, we shall have to wait and see as will the secretaries/committees of the show societies. 
 
Bridget Croucher, Secretary of the South Wales Kennel Assoc has posted the following:


“After a lot of discussion and thought the South Wales Kennel Association regret that the 2021 show will not be going ahead.
At present the Royal Welsh Showground remains closed and the Welsh Assembly Government have indicated no decisions on large indoor events will be made until late July at the earliest.
With so many general championship shows having been given permission to hold their events later in the year the committee are concerned about the financial impact this could have on our society holding the first all indoor event of the year. The welfare of the dogs has also weighed heavily on our minds.
Plans are now underway for 2022 when we hope to welcome members, exhibitors, stewards and judges back for our usual warm, Welsh welcome.
All judges have been informed and will be offered alternative appointments.
In addition, our 2021 Dog of the Year competition, final to have been held in March 2022, will not take place in view of the lack of local open shows where dogs could have qualified.”
In ‘Our Dogs’ May 2021 there is a copy of an interview by John Williams which first appeared in ‘Our Dogs’ in 1984.  John is interviewing Terry Thorn where they were talking about ‘dogs and other good things’.  Terry tells the history of his Tahawi Salukis.  He said he started out with Windswift Rahman from Vera Watkins.  He was told that living with a Saluki would be easier if he had a second, so he acquired another.  It seems that the situation was no better so it was suggested that he get a bitch.  He says “by 1962 we had three Salukis, the bitch having come from Mrs Skelton-Fortune of Daxlore Salukis”. In their second Tahawi litter, they produced Ch Tahawi Belinda, her sire was Windswift Rahman and her dam Tahawi Susha Riza (She was all Daxlore Breeding).  Terry accredited the success of the Tahawi Kennels to Belinda.     
At this point in the interview Terry was asked why he choice the affix Tahawi?  His response was: “I was reading through a book on Salukis one day and saw that one of the first Salukis imported into this country came from Tahawi tribe in the Saliha desert, so I applied for it as my own prefix”
 
One of Terry’s interesting comments was “I like the Windswift for movement, Knightellington for type and Daxlore for temperament.”  “He stated that one time they had eight champions living in their kennel. *They stopped breeding and showing in 1973 as he thought they could do no more.  Thirty-nine champions throughout the world carried the Tahawi prefix.   Very interesting interview and I am sure copies of the paper could be obtained from ‘Our Dogs
*The last Tahawi champion was Ch Tahawi Xanthippe of Negma owned by Mrs Gloria Moss.  Her sire was Int Ch Tahawi Burydown Zafaran and dam, Ch Tahawi Deidamia.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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​SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKENDING 7TH MAY 2021.
 
Southern Counties Championship Show will be our first championship show this year.  Salukis will be judged on Friday 25th June 2021.  We have a change of judges as Salukis will now be judged by Saija Juutelanen of Finland (Wallibys Salukis).  Angela Cavill, Secretary of SCCS has posted the following: “I am getting a lot of questions about spectators at the show. We are allowing spectators, but we are not advertising to the general public. This is partly because of our Covid safety measures and more importantly for the safety of the dogs during this time of horrendous dog thefts. For this reason it is also very important that you remember to bring your exit passes for your dogs.” 
 Schedules for the show are available on-line at Fosse data or hard copies can be obtained by writing to SCCA, Kinston House, Halfway Close, Trowbridge BA14 7HQ.  Entries close for postal entries on 13th May, 2021 or on-line entries on the 20th May 2021.
 
There are a couple of Open Show with Saluki classes.  Southampton & District Canine Assoc. will be holding their Open Show on Sunday 20th June at the Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley, Southampton SO31 5GA. Elaine Bogart (Incitatus) will be judging 3 classes.  She has kindly sent the following “I started showing dogs in 2012 and currently own and show Irish Wolfhounds and Greyhounds.  I started judging in 2016 and am on judging lists for all the sighthound breeds.  I have spent time watching, learning and reading about Salukis as well as studying their history, the breed standard and the information that underpins and supports it.  I am completely won over by their wonderful balance and functional beauty: their elegant outline coupled with strength and power.  I am excited to be judging them for the first time at Southampton.”
 
The next Open Show is the Royal Cheshire County Show, Dog Show, Tabley, Knutsford WA16 0HJ which will be held on Tuesday 22nd June 2021. There are 3 classes for judge Mrs Kay Constantine (Kalegins).  
 
From what I can gather shows will not have any protections against the rain.  So, it has been suggested that the new necessary item to take to shows is a fishing umbrella. Happy will be the umbrella companies when we are start buying them.
 
A friend has recently lost her Saluki to the dreaded cancer.  She would love another puppy or young dog.  If anyone knows of an upcoming litter or has a young dog that needs rehoming could they please contact me either by email or tel. 07786936654. This is not a show home purely the dog would be a companion. 
 
We were watching a television program on channel 4 last night called ‘The Dog House’ which is filmed at The Wood Green Animal Shelter.    They had a dog brought in as a stray which they classified as a lurcher.  To both Michael and myself this was a smooth Saluki.  Perhaps they used the term more generically so not to find themselves in any controversial situation. Never the less it was a Saluki.  The first thing we look at are the ears, this dog did not have rose ears.  They called him Polo.  He very much had the independence of a Salukis as they brought him in the meet a prospective family.  He was quickly out the doors with everyone close on his tail. One can wonder where he came from. 
 
Mike Strong has sent the following regarding the UKSS trials last weekend: “We had a wonderful day at the UKSS Clearing Trials last Sunday, 25th April. The weather in the North Cotswolds was exceptionally kind, with the chilly wind mainly outweighed by welcome sunshine. Eight Salukis were present: six girls plus my two boys, who thought their birthdays had arrived! One girl re-qualified for competition and I’m pleased to say that our youngster Shahzad Zaki Ter Dolen helped one of the other two young girls in a perfect qualifying run.
 

 
Good news in this week’s ‘Our Dogs’ with photographs of the first dog shows in this country for over a year.  With our daily rates of infections of COVID dropping and the amount of people receiving their injections raising let’s cross our fingers that we are going in the right direction.  We have all worked hard to arrive at this place.  My congratulations to the NHS for managing the gigantic task of setting up injection centres and getting us all there. 
 
Diana Klein, editor in chief of the “The Saluki” the magazine of the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club has posted the following:”
 
Due to the pandemic, the Crufts issue for 2021 of The Saluki Magazine has been delayed.  You will be pleased to hear that this issue will be published in time for the 27 June Limit & Open Show – and it will be called the Spring/Summer edition 2021.
 
If you have not yet paid your 2021 subscription, please do so now.
 
If you would like to include an advert or anything else in The Magazine, please contact me. The deadline is 20 May 2021.
 
We are considering offering smaller advertising space for photographers and suppliers of Saluki materials.  If there is sufficient interest, we might have market pages with these adverts.  Full page ads are, as always, £65 for the page, half page ads are £37 and quarter page ads are £16.  If you require assistance on your ad, help is available for a small charge. Remember that any images must be high resolution to be published.” “Diana goes on to say: “Please note that the Magazine account has been moved to HSBC from Barclays – so make sure you are using the current account for any bank transfers”
 
 
27 June 2021 will be a special day in the Saluki Calendar.  It will be the day the SGHC will hold their Limited Show with Susan Rhodes judging.  The Open show will also be on that day with Carolyn McCormick Smith judging.  The venue is glorious with plenty of room for everyone.   Food will be available all day plus Saluki orientated stands.  Everyone is welcome.  This is the traditional garden party of the Saluki Club carrying on a tradition since 1923. 
                                                                                                  
 
Susan Rhodes has sent the follow: “I do not often get the chance to send news to the Saluki breed columns but I wanted to share my delight as Altai is now to be known (subj to KC confirmation) as Qazal Sarbaz Har Kala Rachi AW(B) – in the Afghan world we all knew Masha was a good trainer when she managed to keep the two afghans Doushman and Kazbek inside the agility ring for respectable lengths of time but she has excelled herself with our saluki Altai. We think this might be a first for his breed and (subj to confirmation) is an official KC Agility title – Agility Award (Bronze). I remember our trip to Belgium to see this baby black and tan smoothie puppy and am amazed at his grownup skill and intelligence. Well done.”
 
This weekend the UK Sighthound Sport will be holding their ‘trials’ to qualify for running in the Club’s competition.  I understand there are 7 new Salukis trialling.  Please that interest is growing in this fun, social activity.
 

 
 
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Finally, we have received the Winter 2020 edition of The Kennel Club Breed Record Supplement.  This is the breed records for September to December 2020.  We should be receiving the spring edition close on it’s heel.  Very little information regarding Salukis.  There were three litters registered making up to 16 puppies.  I am not familiar with any of the prefixes.  There was one importation from Ireland.  It is Moonbeam Mercedes Over Elangeni (KCJ).  She was born on the 4th November 2019.  Her breeder is Mrs BM Dunne.  
 
There were five dogs with a ‘clear’ result for NCL.  Reviewing the exports for 2020 there were two Salukis exported to the USA.  In 2019 there were 111 Salukis register with the Kennel Club for that year.  In 2020 there were 79 registered.  
 
The first general Championship Show for 2021 will be Southern Counties.  Entries are available now to enter on line at website www.fossedate.co.uk.  
 
As I have little in the way of news to report I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and write about one of my experiences judging.  Well, it is not exactly the judging but more an incident involved with a judging appointment.  Michael was invited to judge in Sweden at the Skokloster Hound Show which was actually held in Tammsvik.  Judging along with him was Linda Scanlon from the USA.  I was just going along as an observer/luggage handler.  Just prior to our trip out to Sweden I received a communication from the show’s committee that they had a very large entry of Salukis and would I be willing to do some judging.  I agreed thinking that I would do the puppy classes and maybe the veteran classes.  It ended up to be somewhat more but that is another story.  
My story continues:
 
The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club have a beautiful set of rosettes available to Club members, who are on the Club’s judging list, for when they are judging overseas.  We had requested these rosettes in the past and they have been very well received by the recipients.  Therefore; we were delighted to take these with us on this trip.  After an uneventful flight to Stockholm and dinner, we woke up very early at our hotel as we were going to be picked up and taken to the show.  It was about 5 am when I took out the beautiful rosettes only to find they were wrinkled, not looking their best at all.  How could we present these as our special gift?  The easy solution was ironing to restore them back to their original glory. Our hotel room did not have an iron, but down the hall was an official ironing room where guest could go to use one.  Off I went in my night gear, because no one in the right mind is awake at 5am on a Saturday. After ironing the rosettes, they were restored, looking wonderful for the presentation.  I left the ironing room, looked down the hall, all the doors looked the same and I had no idea which room I had come from.  It was actually quite scary as I had no idea what to do. At least I knew it was on the left side so I started knocking on doors trying to be quite quiet, shouting M-i-c-h-a-e-l.   Eventually a door opened and Michael appeared trying to figure if I had lost my way (mind).  Later in the day someone came up to me and asked if I had knocked at their door as they were not sure if they had been dreaming.
 
In reference to the judging, it was a great day except for the rain and the rosettes did look quite stunning. 
 
k here to edit.

​
 
On Sunday 28th March 2021 we attended two Northern Saluki Club Annual General Meetings which were both, well attended.  It was very interesting as it was held on Zoom.  This system worked out very well as far as I could fathom for everyone attending.  We could sit comfortable by our computers, laptops or telephones and go through the agenda.  Understandably this is why Zoom is being used in many countries where people find it difficult to meet up because of geographical distances.  Certainly, Michael and myself would not have wanted to drive to the North of England for the AGM, even if COVID was not a factor.  At this meeting there was an election of officers.  The Club’s new Patron (the office held by the late Roy Goodby) is Judith White.  Newly elected President is Denise Garrett while David Hartley remains the Chairman.  Vice Chairman is Christopher Lewis, Vice President is John Owen and Adele Walton Haddon.  John Owen is still the Secretary and Jessica Brassington remains as Treasurer. All posts were not contested.  The only report was from Christine Harrison on behalf of the Welfare.  She mentioned two dogs that had been recently, successfully re-homed.  
 
Kevin Carter’s funeral was held on the 29th March.  David Hartley, as a good friend of Kevin and the family, conducted the service.  He said it was very well attended by both people and dogs, of course sticking to the strict rules regarding COVID.  David asked me to pass on the following: “Saluki Welfare wishes to thank the people who generously donated to Welfare funds at the recent funeral of Kevin Carter. A sum of £258 was raised in total. Once more thank you so much”
 
This week I received a notification from the Kennel Club that the Kennel Club Canine Genetics Centre will now be located at the University of Cambridge.  It goes on to say that KC Charitable Trust has funded the centre since it was initially launched at The Animal Health Trust.  The Animal Health Trust has now closed but Dr Cathryn Mellersh, the ex-genetic head has been appointed to be in charge at this new facility. For Saluki owners this is very relevant.  For at least the last 25 years we have been sending DNA samples to the AHT as we are building up a good database for our breed. Thankfully this information is safe having been has been transferred to Cambridge.  I have contacted John Davies, who leads the team in Saluki Health, he has said it is still early days and the new research facility needs time to set up.  As soon as he learns who is dealing with DNA sampling, he will let me know. So, if you have not taken a DNA sample of your dog, please do when the kits are available.  There is a short form to fill in when sending in the DNA samples.
 
Good news, The UK Sighthound Sport has confirmed that they have permission to hold a ‘Trials Day’ on 25thApril 2021 in Moreton-in-Marsh.  For those of you that would like to run your Salukis with the Club you must have your dog approved that he/she will run without interfering with another dog.  This ‘Trial’ day is set up to do just this.  The Club states “All dogs will run a solo run in the first round and then be paired with another dog if ready/required.  
 
This meeting will be run to COVIS secure Rules.  Social Distancing must be adhered to.  Masks must be worn when coming into the paddock.  If you do not want to wear a mask then you must have someone else to bring your dog to the paddock on your behalf.  For further information email contact@uksighthoundsport.com

Happy Easter and Happy Passover.
 
Here is the list of Club and Championship shows for 2021.  This list may change and judges too may change. Some of the listed judges are from outside the UK so may
not be able to come here because of travel restrictions. All I can say is this list is as accurate as I can make it at this time. 
 
Southern Counties, June 25th judge Bernard Barjot
SGHC Limited Show, June 27th, judge Susan Rhodes
SGHC Open Show judge, June 27th, judge Carolyn Mc Cormick Smith
East of England, 9th July, judge Ben Reynolds Frost
Hound Assoc, 17th July judge Jerry Robertson
NSC Championship Show 17th July judge Dr John Hudson
Leeds, 24th July, judge Rachel Wray
Bath, 31st July, judge Claire Boggia
Paignton 8th August, judge Jill Peak
Bournemouth, 14th August, Espen Engh
Blackpool,21st August, judge Dr Annukka Paloheimo
Driffield, 28th August, judge Gavin Robertson
Richmond,10th September, judge Lisa Hudson
Darlington 19th September, judge Fran Mitchell
Birmingham National, 25th September, judge Avril Davies
NSC Open Show, 26th September, judge Jimmi Johnston White
Scottish Kennel Club Double Show, 30th September, Jonathan Horswell, 2nd judge tba
South Wales, 8th October, judge Karen Fisher
SGHC Championship Show, 17th October, judge Denise Rogers
Midland Counties, 28th October, judge Kathy Webb
LKA, 11 December judge. Liz McKnight
 
I have heard from Mark Layton-Smith that he will be at the SGHC Limited/Open
Show on the 27th June with all the Club’s trophies.  Trophies will be available there, for picking up, from wins in the 2019/2020 season.  

​SALUKI BREED NOTES WEEKENDING 26THMARCH 2021
 
This weekend the clocks jump forth heralding the longer days.  Winter has been long and difficult without any opportunity to get out, meet friends, go to pubs or even the library.  Last year in February we spent a week in Florida meeting our son, Alexis, daughter in law Katy and our new grandson Zach.  There was far more talk in this country about the virus than in the States.  They were mainly talking, as usual, Trump said this or did that.  Little did we know that it would be a long time before we could meet up again.  Fortunately, we have all stayed well, had our injections so hopefully we can meet up in the not-too-distant future.
 
It is with great sadness that I write about the passing of one of our long-time members of the Saluki community and the youngest founding member of the Northern Saluki Club, Kevin Carter.  He passed away on Friday 19thMarch from cancer.  He and his late partner Ann Jones made up one home bred Saluki champion, Clearwing Beraq, Whilst Kevin was a championship show judge he judged only once then decided judging was not for him.  In later years Kevin has been seen more often in the Manchester Terrier area at Championship Shows.  He was the proud owner of the top CC winning Manchester of all time, Ch Digelsa Declaration. Kevin always had a smile on his face, happy to see everyone at the shows. I remember him turning up with Ann at Richmond Championship Show when it was still at Ascot telling everyone how happy he was as he had finally found the polo centre.  That was Kevin.
When details of his funeral are known I will post them.  Our sympathy to his children who have always been there for Kevin. 
 
David Hartley, Chairman of the Northern Saluki Club has sent the following“As Chairman it is my sad   duty to inform you of the death of Kevin Carter earlier today.  Kev was the youngest member of the original NSC committee. With his wife Ann Jones he was well known in Saluki circles as an exhibiter and judge..
Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed”
 
 Helena Haywood has sent the following on behalf of the SGHC“Once again, we are opening the entry for Photos for the SGHC Calendar Competition for the 2022 Calendar. Please e mail entries to helenahaywood191@btinternet.com , ensuring that they are preferably in Landscape format and of high definition. Entries will close at the end of May. 
A maximum of 5 photos per entrant.'
As well as the beautiful Lavender bags, produced by Pauline Thomas of Gold Embroidered Design for the Club, we are also going to shortly have available, some stylish Bone China mugs, Face Coverings printed with the Club logo and very useful canvas bags ( ideal for use for holding your grooming equipment at shows)'”
 
We have received the Annual General Meeting of the Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club in the post along with the ballot for judges for the 2023 Championship Show (Centennial year), Open Show 2022 and Limited show 2022.  I questioned the secretary, Carolyn McCormick Smith why it was not mentioned that 2023 was a special year and inquired about the second set of CCS the KC was allowing the club for its special occasion.  Carolyn came back with the following which I quote   “The ballot is for the regular October Championship Show in 2023.  It will be a special occasion, but that should not influence who members vote for.
The Centenary Show in June 2023 is a bit different and is still under consideration.” 
 
As a reminder the Centenary Show and weekend will be held on the Newbury Showground during and just after Southern Counties Championship Show 2023.  Hound Day at SCCS will be Saturday 3rdJune and the Club’s day will be Sunday 4thJune. The Club is planning to have their own marquee with all day hospitality, an archive exhibition, merchandise and plenty of entertainment over the two days
 
The Scottish Kennel Club have received permission from the KC to hold a double Championship Show from 30 September - 3 October.
The group splits will be as follows:
30th September 21 – Working & Hound (May & October)
Friday 1st October 21 – Utility & Terrier (May & October)
Saturday 2nd October 21 – Toy & Pastoral (May & October)
Sunday 3rd October 21 – Gundog (May & October)
 
Angela Cavell has posted the following regarding Southern Counties Championship Show: “First of all, I should like to apologise sincerely to those of you who have been asking about this year’s show.  As you know, I have always prided myself on keeping our exhibitors fully informed but this year I have been in limbo myself.  However, I have now received answers form the Kennel Club and Newbury Showground.
It appears that the government is unlikely to lif sufficient restrictions for Southern Counties Championship Show to go ahead on our early June dates.  We do not want to let our exhibitors down by risking a late cancellation so we are keeping our fingers crossed for the vaccine programme to continue its impressive progress (thank you NHS).  For this reason, we have moved on a couple of weeks to June 25thfor Hounds and Toys.  These dates are after the current plan for easing restriction (June 21st) so hopefully we should be clear.”  On the SCCS web site it states that schedules will be available from the beginning of April.  The exact sate will be posted on the Club’s website, on social media and in ‘Our Dogs’ pages once the final arrangements are in place.  The show will not be benched and although sturdy gazebos will be available for judges and stewards there will be not wet weather accommodation.
 
In next week’s notes I will endeavour to post a list of the show calendar for 2021, which seems to be changing very quickly.
 
Helen Williams
Kasaque565@gmail.com