For us, this year’s trip to Crufts began with the observation that the low-cost lines had mostly removed Birmingham from their respective programs. Neither from Köln, nor Düsseldorf or Dortmund was it possible to get a flight at a reasonable price and the hotel booking turned out to be difficult as well.
By chance we met Monette Daubenfeld at a show, she had similar problems, but also a wonderful solution thanks to a French sighthound-friend. Sylvie Hazebrouck and her partner Coleen D’Hoogh had organized a trip by bus for the Terrierclub the year before and we got the possibility to join in.

We met in Calais, Friday at noon.

When we arrived we were welcomed by many dog-fanciers of different breeds. With two busses we crossed the Tunnel towards England. Soon we proposed a toast to our dogs with Kir Royal, and later on we shared wine, baguette and cheese, served with good humour.

The “Party” was only suspended by the checking in and settling of the dogs in the Campanile Hotel in Coventry.

After a fine dinner – even according to a middle-European standard – and French red wine we all were tired and sunk into our beds.

The first bus to Crufts Saturday morning left at 6.30 a.m. We came without hounds and found ourselves 30 minutes later at the exhibition centre.

There was time left for a coffee, the gates to the show opened at 8.30 a.m.

Those who arrive so early of course get the best seats near the ring. When we arrived our friends from Berlin already sat there. Possibly since last year...?

Mrs Sandra Surrell began with the judging punctually.

There were 136 hounds entered. Already the first class (Special Puppy) of the bitches surprised us with its fantastic quality.

This high standard could be seen through the other classes including the Open class. For all the visitors it was a joy to see so many beautiful bitches competing.

With the dogs the Open class in particular was impressive.

The Valerani’s from Italy put a milestone in the Irish Wolfhound breeding, winning the dog CC and BOS with their Cerbero, after his half-brother Conchobar Evil Enchanter winning BOB last year, as well as the BOB in Le Touquet and the Worldwinner title 2006 in Poznan. They also showed a 7-years old bitch in outstanding condition, mother of the two Crufts winners in the Open class; she took the Res.CC. Our Congratulations!

The next day was dedicated to the shopping.

After the transfer by bus, we had the opportunity to profit copiously from the overwhelming offer of useful, less useful and unnecessary goods.

Loaded like mules with useful, less useful and unnecessary goods we reintegrated our hotel. Fortunately the busses have much storing room!

After another fine dinner, part of us went to an English Pub, others preferred to rest. Very contented and relaxed after a prolongued weekend (for only 250€ per person all inclusive) we took the road home.

We sincerely say thank you to Sylvie and Coleen for looking after us so well and the professional organisation.

We really hope to meet everybod again next year. German-French friendship as we all desire it.

You may find pictures of the trip and the show, as well as the show results, under http://www.eiwc.org.

See you soon... and a big hug to your dogs!
Jürgen Kuhless

Coleen D’Hoogh - Busdriver - Sylvie Hazebrouck