3rd April 2020

 
Normally this time of the year we are preparing ourselves for the upcoming
Show season.  This year we are all trying to stay safe in our homes, enjoying our pets and maybe even taking time to finish off some of those jobs we have been putting off.  The main thing is to abide by the rules and hopefully each and everyone of us will come through this pandemic.  
 
David Crane, Secretary of the Saluki Welfare has sent me the following message regarding the SWF AGM:
‘’The Saluki Welfare AGM has had to be cancelled due to current restrictions, a new date will be announced when things become clearer’’
 
 More cancellations to report. Southern Counties Championship show will be postponed until June 2021.  They have said that with ‘strong recommendations’ from the Kennel Club and the Committee of Southern Counties Canine Association that regretfully they have come to the conclusion that their show scheduled for the end of May 2020 will be postponed and held on 4th, 5thand 6thJune 2021. In 2021 they intend to have the same judging panel as for this year, wherever possible. They state:” Exhibitors who have already entered will have their entry fees, priority pass fees, caravan and EHU bookings refunded IN FULL and those trade stands that have paid their stand fee will also be refunded.
The Officers and committee of Southern Counties thank all exhibitors, stewards, judges, contractors and other helpers for their support in the past, hope that all will be safe over this difficult period and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.”
 
Blackpool Championship Show which is to be held on from the 26-28thJune has made the following statement  “ ENTRIES FOR BLACKPOOL CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW SUSPENDED In light of the coronavirus outbreak we have suspended the entry until 16th May 2020 where a decision will be taken whether to carry on and hold our 81st Championship show or cancel. This decision will take the current advice and guidance available on the 16th May; we don’t know what the situation regarding the virus will be then, as no one knows. 
If the Committee decides to carry on and hold our Championship show the entries to the show will be re-opened on the 18th May 2020 until 31st May 2020 (online only). “
The Saluki Club of America Specialty which was to be held from the 1stJune to the 6thJune has now been cancelled but they are hoping they will be able to arrange another date later in the year.  This is one of the foremost shows, worldwide in the Saluki Calendar.  It consists of Conformation, Sweepstakes, Futurity, Lure Coursing Triathlons, and Versatility.  It used to be held Lexington Kt. but moved to The Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Mo. some years ago.   Anyway, back to my point, I see that the judge for the Conformation is Lisa Hudson (Glenoak Salukis).  Unfortunately for both her and John they have been unlucky to have their very prestigious judging appointment postponed (John was to have judge the NSC Champ show later this month) 
A couple more related issues to ‘that situation’. Firstly, we have received notification from our veterinarian surgery that they have worked out a functioning system to treat animal during this difficult time.   “We are pleased to announce we are now conducting a telemedicine consultation service. This is a live video consultation with a vet, which enables vets to prescribe medication for you to collect or be posted out to you. These can be booked through the usual route of phoning our reception team. A telemedicine consultation is £30, payable at the time of booking. It does require the use of a smartphone and internet connection. A telemedicine consultation will be useful for minor ailments or to help you and the vet decide if a physical exam is necessary. If your pet is on long term medication and they are due their 6 monthly check-up, we can do this via the video service.”
After this pandemic, and I definitely hope there will be one, is this the way our vets will look after our dogs?  So for a mere £30.00 we can find out if our dogs really need a visit to the surgery.  I would appreciate comments on this.  
 
With all the shows cancelled for the foreseeable future the usual vendors for our shows have set up a facebook site where details can be obtained for contacting and purchasing items from them.  The site is Dog Show Trade Stands Open and Championship Shows (UK).  
 
At Crufts I picked up a copy of ‘The Saluki celebrating 50 years’.  This was dated Championship Show 2019.  This is a beautifully compiled magazine as the swansong of editor Kathy Webb and layout artist Diane Duckenfield.  If you only have one magazine I recommend you obtain a copy while they are still available.  The magazine contains the usual items but what stands out are the ‘features’.  The first edition of ‘The Saluki’ was the idea of June Applebee assisted by her husband Malcolm Burt.  It was all compiled and printed by June and Malcolm.  On page 2, an introduction written by the President, Hilda Parkhouse. Her words written were as applicable in 1969 as they are today.   “ let us breed with care and thought in these uncertain times”  Magazine reprints include articles by well known Saluki people, show critiques and advertisements.  Michael and myself are lucky to have the complete copies of these newsletters which are useful in compiling breed notes. 
 
Christine Norvell and Kathy Webb have collaborated on a study of Salukis in Noah’s Ark in the 16thand 17thCentury.  In each of the depicted photos of the paintings the Saluki is very distinctive either as a smooth or feathered.  The authors of the article have commented that at that period the Saluki must have been very recognizable to be included in so many works of art. As biblical themes were popular at the time, recognizable from depiction of the silk routes may have been included to give authenticity to their works. 
 
Joan McLeish and the Parkhouses written in the ‘first person’ by Sara Williams.  A warm tale of her family and dogs by the daughter of Joan McLeish.  Wonderful photos of the family and dogs to accompany this article.  
 
Claire Jowett, a designer and maker of beautiful collars has written an article on Leeds Castle , The Dog Collar Collection.  This is a subject near and dear to Salukiphiles as we like to adore our hounds with beautiful collars.  It is a sign of status in our modern times.   The article states that Leeds Castle has the largest and most comprehensive collection of dog collard worldwide so it is not surprising that Claire chose to write about Leeds Castle.  Interestingly Claire mentions that some of the collars had keys to go with them as they were locked on the dogs to prove ownership in case of being stolen.  She states “dog theft not just being a problem of modern time”.
 
For my final review of this historical magazine there is an interview with Chris Ormsby and her Yazid Salukis.  Chris states in the beginning she was born in the same year as the Saluki Club so shall soon be celebrating her Centennial with the Club.  The warmth and dedication to Salukis and dogs in general come down through the pages.  From a difficult start in life, challenges of a World War to spending wonderful years showing and coursing her hounds.  She has related it all paying homage to all the people and hounds she has loved.
 
Helen Williams
Kasaque565@gmail.com
 
 
 
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