The Italian Greyhound Club

From Helen Rishworth

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.’

Can you believe that Christmas is upon us?! Where has 2011 gone? Crufts only seems a short while ago, and yet the Crufts 2012 schedule is awaiting to be filled in and sent off within the next couple of weeks! I hope by the time you read this that I will be all organised for Christmas; as I type, I am afraid to admit that my current status is that of the ‘bloke approach‘-leaving it all to the last minute…or maybe this is the “student approach”!

Christmas is a time for family and friends, food and drink, and chilling out in front of the TV watching repeated films (that really are not quite your cup of tea) “because it’s Christmas!” For our dogs, Christmas Day is not necessarily that different from any other day. However, no doubt some turkey will head their way at dinner time! I terms of presents, Mum and I suffer from the syndrome of “buying Christmas presents for the dogs in January-December…inclusive.” When attending the breed specific shows, the stalls tempt you with sparkly collars, snuggley beds and coats with legs- how can you resist? As a consequence of this weakness, Roo and the other boys will not be getting a specific present this Christmas Day. However, there is a certain polka-dot bed that I have my eye on… for next Christmas you realise…

This year, we are doing something completely different to celebrate Christmas Day. We are very lucky to have several super walks near to where we live, so on Sunday we are going to take some of the boys (taking all 7 maybe pushing our luck!) for a nice long walk near Longleat. The chosen dogs at this present moment- things may change if too much turkey disappears from the table- are Roo, Darcy, and Sidney (unless he pulls one of his “please don’t choose me, I’m very happy in the warmth of the kitchen” faces). Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, and we will enjoy the walk, mulled wine, sausages and Christmas cake. I know, a ’Christmas picnic’ is very quirky and eccentric! Depending on its success and enjoyment will determine whether we repeat it again! And you can rest assure that Roo and I will be curled up on the sofa ready for the ever cheery Corrie Christmas special and the two hour Downton Abbey will also not be missed!

I would like to wish you all a lovely Christmas- whatever your plans, whether traditional or otherwise, enjoy! Try not to allow your IG to rule the roost too much on the day but remember there are certain requirements that they will expect to be fulfilled: extra treats, plenty of sofa time and, when guests come round, the IG must be the centre of attention. But hang on… is this not a description of the daily life of an IG?! Have a relaxing holiday everyone and we will meet again in 2012!

Breed Blog #8 will from Linnet Loh will be posted here on Saturday, 7th January 2012.

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