23rd November 2018

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The American Thanksgiving is now finished so it is officially Christmas time.   LKA is still on the horizon so not quite here yet.  Helen Haywood will be attending LKA with calendars, so if you would like a lovely gift to send to Saluki friends or a diary for family so they know when you will not be at home (you are at a dog show), please find Helena around the Saluki ring.  
 
We cannot fail to be moved by the devastation in Paradise, California. My heart has gone out to all those people that have had to let their animals go wild, hoping their instincts to find safety would keep them alive.  One horse was tethered in the car park of the local grocery store. A reporter promised the owner that they would try and save the horse but she must get away. Luckily the local police commandeered a trailer and were able to take her to safety. 
 
There was great concern for the well being of Ed and Pat Gilbert and their Salukis.  Ed is well known in the dog fraternity as an educator and writer. Some of his better known works are “The Complete Afghan Hound”, K-9 Structure & Terminology and the Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology.  He is a winner of the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) Award. Ed trained and handled his own dogs and now has two Salukis, International Champion and American Gch. Anjal Sahara Al-Kamal, a multiple Best In Show Winner, 2016 Top 20 SCOA finalist, and GCH Anjal Sahara Aranjuez at Tazi, CGC.  I am pleased to say that it has been reported that he and his wife are safe.
 
The latest edition of the ‘Breed Record Supplement’ July to September is now out.  I have had a look at the Quarterly registration for the Salukis.  Last year the total registration was 146.  This year, with only one quarter to go the registration is 60% down on last year.  Last year at the ¾ stage there were 98 dogs registered this year only 39. I know there were a couple of litters that will appear in the last quarter. 
 
There were two litter registered making 13 puppies. Five importations;
Badavie Don Pepino (IMP SWE) owner Mr J Walton Haddon, Origin Sweden; Crisnick Houdini (IMP AUS) Owner Mr S & Mrs A Ham, origin Australia ; Dabka’s Valentino (IMP SWE) owner Mrs J Keeling origin Sweden; Dabka’s Vincenca (IMP SWE) owner Mrs S Littlechild, origin Sweden; Nicolefarhi Del Boarghino (IMP ITA)  owner Mrs L Ward, origin Italy.
 
Two new champions Al Zubeyda Lena at Kasaque (IMP FRA) JW and Al Caliphs Artemis.  One Show Certificates of Merit, Noushzad Caliphs (IMP DEU.
 
With a lull in the championship shows this week there have been a few other activities with Saluki participation.  At  the Welsh Top Puppy/Dog Competition
Reserve Best Puppy with t o Steve & Ann Ham’s Australian Import Aus Ch Crisnick Houdini.  Judges were Gavin & Sara Robertson.
 
Camberley & District held their show at the Montem Centre in Slough.  A bit sad as the Montem Centre will soon be torn down.  Many shows have used their facilities during the years.  Not sure if they will be rebuilding or as in most cases just putting up ‘flats.  Judging at Camberly was Antonio Bongiovanni.  BOB was Dr P. Postma & Mr D Smith’s Fernlark Odyssey.  Best Puppy and 3rdin Puppy Group was Mrs H Haywood’s Yalameh Shasmeen At Monardie (IMP DEU).  
 
Humberside Hound Association Open Show also held classes for Salukis.  BOB, BP and BPIS was Classicus Alchemy for Charrioak owned by Mrs H Davies and Ms C Harrison.  RBIS and BVIS was Mrs C & Mr J Owens Ch Caryna Curetes.  Judging the breed was Nicola Spencer and Best in Show judge was Phil Freer.