Spring Magazine

Issue no 85

Airedales West

West of England

and

South Wales Airedale Terrier Club

W E S W A T C Spring Magazine

Welcome to the Spring issue of the magazine. This issue includes a full report on the Championship

Show held in November provided by our Judge Mrs Elaine Johnstone of Jecadie Airedale Terriers.

We have our usual Photo Gallery item and photographs of your Airedale will always be welcomed,

to feature on the page. I have, with the kind permission of Sue Henderson, reproduced an article on

resuscitating your dog, which appeared in the magazine of the Airedale Terrier Club of Victoria,

should it ever be required and an interesting article on the McTimoney practice of gentle

manipulation has been provided by Ruth Greenhill . We also have the Annual Report given by our

Chairman Mr David Jenkins, to the AGM held at Hewish on 23rd

February 2014.

You may find the content a little on the serious side and I can only keep asking politely(!) for anecdotes

or short or longer features either about your Airedale or about Airedale related matters. The magazine

depends on your contributions and is aimed at everyone interested in the breed, whether they be pet

owner, breeder or keen on showing. So please help me to produce a varied and interesting magazine

that appeals to all types of Airedale owner. Material may be sent to magazine@airedaleclub.org.uk

or telephone 07831 316536 for an mail address.

Jacky Cawston

Editor March 2014

Contents 1.2 Chairman’s Report to AGM David Jenkins

3.4 McTimoney practice Ruth Greenhill 5.6 Championship Show – November 2013 Report Elaine Johnstone 7. Championship Show Photos

8. Life Saving procedures for your Airedale reproduced from ATC of Victoria

9. In Memorium – a tribute to “Harry” Fred Marshall

10. Photo Gallery 11. Jim the Coastguard WWI / Training Ann Griffiths

12. Recommended Kennels/Trimming Dates/Training

13. Relaxing with your Airedale – Gemma Jacky Cawston

14. Walking with your Airedale – Book Donald Millar 15.16 North and South with Freddie Ann Griffiths

WESWATC welcomes the following new members – Denise Peppard & John Stone, Wellington, Somerset

Abbe Howells, Crynant, S Wales

Janet Gibbard, Chepstow, Mon

Sandra & Graham Smith, Downend, Bristol

Melanie & Georgina Coop, Mevagissy, Cornwall

Lorna & Ivan Burger, Rutland, Leics

Paul Bentley, Lytham St Annes, Lancs

Andraya & Ben Jeffreys, Newport, S Wales Peter & Joan Smith, Rodborough, Glos

Hazel & Dave Herrin, Hopwood, Worcs

Mr M & Mrs S Brennan, Quorn, Leics

Lorraine & Brian Purchon, Norwich, Norfolk

The WESWATC Chairman, David Jenkins gave the following Annual Report

at the AGM held on 23rd

February 2014 at Hewish.

What is McTimoney for animals?

Championship Show - Tewkesbury - Photos

Best in Show – Ch. Katherina’s Land

Spicy

Cherry at Saredon

Reserve Best in Show – Ch Stargus

Raiden

Best Puppy – Jokyl Simply Red

LIFE SAVING ACTION FOR YOUR AIREDALE

Reproduced by kind permission of the “The Airedaler” (Australia) and American Red

Cross

In Memorium – by Fred Marshall

‘Harry’ My house is clean and tidy now

But really…. I don’t care.

There are no muddy paw prints,

Or discarded wisps of hair.

There isn’t big brown eyes that sparkle,

as I open my front door.

There is no wagging tail that seems to say,

you are home again, once more.

They say that time heals every pain,

I’m sure that this is true

But…..everywhere I seem to look,

I keep on seeing you.

I’m sure you have gone,

to a better place.

You deserve no less…….. that’s true.

Until we meet again dear friend,

I’ll keep on seeing you.

Fred Marshall

PHOTO GALLERY

“Archie” in quiet mood!

“Archie” when even smaller!

“Now are you listening to me…” Roland and friends

Willow

Now I’m nearly as tall as you are! Archie and Ann

I don’t like

wearing

these!

Now I’m nearly as tall as you are! Archie and Ann

Jim the Coastguard – an extract by Ann Griffiths with permission of the BBC. For photos,

see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01s2jym

Jim was an Airedale Terrier who belonged to a coastguard on the Kent coast during the years of

WW1. Jim was not happy about the strange noises which he could hear while out on his walks

along the coast. He became agitated by an unusual sound, which he may well have heard before

any person could, and he likely barked his unease which would alert his master, the coastguard.

So what was the unusual and unwelcome sound? It was the German Zeppelin.

The new invention of the time, flying, was definitely going to affect ther people on the ground as

missiles could now be thrown to inflect terror and destruction. Once the coastguards knew of the

threat they could alert the nearby naval base. Jim did his bit. However, as the number of German

Zeppelins increased Jim and his coastguard companions could no longer stop the attacks alone.

The Zeppelins could fly higher than the planes of the time, and could cut their engines. A more

formal watch had to be created to protect the vulnerable coastline.

There is no evidence left of Jim’s talent, but in the archives of the Imperial War museum there is a

photo of him standing alert on the cliff top, identified as Eppel Bay, on the coast of Birchington,

near Margate. Jim was likely doing what Airedales do well. He was bringing to bear his guarding

instincts and alerting his master to possible trouble.

Thanks to BBc Radio Kent and the Imperial War Museum for this story. To see Jim’s photo and

more, click on the the above website address and World War One at Home. Ann Griffiths.

ooOOOooo

Training! - Trying to deter Jumping Up

This is a habit which can start with the puppy trying to reach our face when he is still very small.

Whilst appealing when the dog is young, it is not so good as he or she matures.

1. Make sure your verbal command is consistent – probably the best word is “OFF” as

“DOWN” will usually equate with lying on the ground facing forward.

2. Try to train your dog to “SIT” on command as you may be able to pre-empt jumping up by

good timing and use of the word Sit followed by appropriate praise.

3. Another tactic when anticipating that the dog is about to lunge at you is to smartly step

backwards or sideward so that he misses his target! Turn your back on the dog and ignore

him for a moment or two.

4. If the dog has managed to jump up on you, gently but firmly remove his front paws, using

the word “Off” and then ignore him for a moment or two, to show your displeasure.

5. Try not to allow enthusiastic welcomes from your dog when you return home as this may

form into a habit of jumping up at any time.

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Kennels/Dog Sitters which WESWATC members have used or been recommended to:

Judith Stanford’s Molly can recommend -

Strapestone Boarding Kennels,

Old Down Road,

Ston Easton,

Radstock, Somerset BA 3 4EG

Proprietors Lyn and Dan Cook

Tel 01761 241566

Dog Sitter who will live in or pop in –

Sarah Richards (North Somerset area)

Tel 0775866622

This lady will stay in your home and care for all sorts of animals – dogs, cats, chicken, horses and

your garden. Pet boarding and walking also available.

References can be supplied.

ooooOOOOoooo

TRIMMING DATES FOR 2014

Classes held at Winscombe Community Hall, Sandford Road, Winscombe, North Somerset

BS25 1JA from 2.30 – 5.30 pm/

These are friendly sessions where you can learn to groom your Airedale in the traditional

way as well as having the opportunity to socialize your Airedale and meet like-minded

people. Costs for the trimming tuition are £2.00 and 50p for unlimited tea or coffee and 30p

for each piece of cake. Further details can be obtained from

Mrs Ruth Millar on 01278 641190

Sunday -

13th

April

18th

May

15th

June

20th

July

17th

August

(Fun Day 21st September 10 – 4pm)

19th

October

16th

November

No class in December

WALKS

I anticipate doing a Walk sometime in

May but have to work on a location

which is not flooded(!) and reasonably

central for people.

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In my search for more light hearted material to put in the magazine, I came across the following

article which I wrote in 1987 about my then rescue Airedale “Gemma”. Donald Millar was the

Editor and was kind enough to print it.

My apologies to the long-standing club members who may have seen it before!

“Relaxing with an Airedale” – Jacky Cawston WESWATC No.19 - 1987

Straining my eyes into the distance to keep Gemma in sight was far from easy, especially as I was

now running at maximum pace of 3 mph in an endeavour just to do so…….

It had been a difficult week and I thought that a really long walk might quieten Gemma down. I

chose to follow the river to the sea, about a mile and a half altogether. There is much to interest an

Airedale – ducks, distant views of cows, the river to paddle and almost swim in – Gemma is

practising her doggy paddle – the smell of sheep, always tantalising and large, very large cow

pats.

On this June evening Gemma sampled several of these delights and especially enjoyed the cow

pats. Frequently she disappeared over the river bank, the only indication of her whereabouts, a

“Splish, splosh” sound. At first she hated water, particularly when accompanied by soap, but now

she enjoys paddling up to her neck and I think she will soon take to swimming.

For my part, I observed the riverside flowers, admiring the irises and also watched the grey trout

weaving in the river shallows.

Everything was peaceful until the appearance of two joggers. Gemma immediately raised her

head and snuffled the air, her nostrils twitching gently for better scent and then she began to

trot…. The trot extended and was soon a gallop and all my shouting was to no avail as she gave

every appearance of practising for the London Marathon.

Ignoring my cries, the joggers sped on – if only one of them had stumbled into the river! Now,

much as Gemma tries my patience at times, I am really very fond of her and would be distraught

to lose her. The combination of eye strain, trying to run fast and shouting her name resulted in my

legs turning to jelly as I visualised the result of her first encounter with a flock of sheep.

However, I struggled on and about half a mile further there was a man holding Gemma. I was so

relieved that I gave Gemma a large hug and I would have hugged the man too had he not been a

stranger!

The previous day Gemma had excelled in her attempt to keep ‘human’ in a state of constant

tension. Whilst painting my balcony floor boards black, I omitted to shut the bedroom door. I

was halfway through the task, working backwards to make a neat exit through the bedroom door,

when Gemma with her usual enthusiasm decided to inspect the view from the balcony. Briskly

she trotted across the bedroom, placed two large paws on the wet paint and then, as I let out a

shriek, turned smartly and trotted back over the sand coloured carpet. The result needs little

imagination and there stencilled on the carpet were ten paw prints – who knows perhaps the carpet

pattern of the future for all dog lovers.

Whilst I am at work Gemma stays in two rooms which is a compromise, as left the run of the

entire house she trims carpets, strips chairs and re-styles curtains. One of the problems of a rescue

dog is that once such harmful habits are formed they are very difficult to eradicate. Much of the

time she snuggles into her bean bag and well protected from draughts presents an appealing

picture of total relaxation. Perhaps I could achieve the same state of relaxation, but for her

constant antics. Occasionally she will stretch out with head lolling over the side and she looks as

though she were adrift in a rubber dinghy …… doggy dreams …….rabbits, large ginger pussy-

cats, rabbits running faster and so on.

North and South with Freddie – Ann Griffiths

Do you recall the early days of June in 2012? There was something going on about a Queen’s

Jubilee. Yes, that’s it, the flotilla of barges going down the Thames in the pouring rain. The pair I

live with watched the TV pictures and looked worried. I knew there was something up. We were

setting off from Somerset in a camper van with the aim to visit this place known as the Outer

Hebb-brides as my mistress calls it. A couple of days after the pageant we were off. A bit

overcast but we travelled slowly north, ready I was told for any weather that was thrown at us.

We finally arrived in Oban and then the fun started. On boarding the Calmac ferry, and not sure

what the late afternoon weather would bring we headed for the ‘Pet’s Lounge’. Oh my, oh my,

what a reception I got! The fairly large saloon was filled with dogs of all sizes, supposedly settled

and asleep, ready for the journey - the atmosphere changed when I stepped in! All hell let loose,

barking, growling, straining leashes to tell me I wasn’t welcome. I wasn’t fazed by this, I was a

young gun, and ‘fighting’ fit. Mistress managed to get me to a seat and refuge, I sat and the

baying stopped. However, I only had to move and it set some other dog off nearby. Mistress

decided it wasn’t fun, and four hours in this position wasn’t going to be good. On went the warm

windproof coat, the knapsack with binoculars and camera and we headed for the stairs. It took a

while to get my footing on these ferry stairs, but I got to love it and take it in my stride. We made

it outside, fresh air, and a new sensation of rocking and rolling through the water, wind in my fur,

new friends (the human kind) smiles, laughter and wildlife to watch. I was hitched to a rail and

made the most of being now the only dog in the crowd, and oh boy, did I enjoy the attention!

Next stop Castle Bay on Barra.

Well we loved Barra, the sun came out on our first day and we never looked back. We were just

looking around for lunch when mistress saw a sign saying ‘Barra Airport’ with crossed knife and

fork. Just room in the car park beside one of those fabulous beaches, a massive stretch of golden

sand, but more important, permission was granted for me to enter the room with the invit ing

smells, and I found myself with people waiting to fly. Excited chaps who had never believed they

were taking off from a ribbon of beach in a small plane. All I wanted was a piece of mistress’s

haggis Panini. The local policeman was the security. There was excitement all around.

North and South with Freddie cont.

It was a wonderful moment when the plane came over the dunes and flew overhead before

landing, cameras, phones, and camcorders whirring and clicking. Mistress said it was the smallest

airport lounge she had the privilege to experience. This was the life – sun, fun and the excitement

which I couldn’t see, but I could feel it.

Oh yes, I liked it here wrestling with the workers in a bar or lazing upside down on the machair

(Hebridean turf) while the wind and sea sang to me. I wanted to chase the sheep and the rabbits

and catch those big sea birds over the cliff edge, but I wasn’t allowed – my mistress said I was a

foolish pup and couldn’t fly. I wonder what she meant? Each new camp site brought some old

friends as well as new. It was fun to walk around and see which dogs were hitched to which tent

or van. Then catch the waft of someone’s tea on the evening air. The days were long, very long.

When does a dog get to curl up and sleep if the sun doesn’t set until after 11.00 pm for goodness

sake!

After enjoying the exceptional sunny days in the north we began the journey home. As we

disembarked from the final ferry it now began to rain. The windscreen wipers squished away as

we headed down the road. We were to visit Hadrian’s Wall. I have no idea who Hadrian was, but

why build a big wall out in such dramatic and open countryside?

Why leave the van dressed only in showerproofts? The wall was a fair distance from the van but

the sun was out, so full of confidence, no-one really noticed the dark slate grey clouds moving in!

Then the deluge. All of us outside couldn’t make it back to shelter. We all got soaked. It was

incredible. We trudged back to the van, now what had to be done? The storm had passed so

Master and I started to dry outside. Mistress used the van to dry and change clothes. Then she

walked me round the car park to dry some more while Master changed into dry clothes. Then I

was rubbed down to make me fit to go in the van. What a performance! At least we had the dry

clothes available. The students in a nearby minibus weren’t so lucky. That’s how we re-joined

the wet and soggy travellers south of the border. Welcome to England.

Freddie’s travels continue next time with adventures much further south.

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