The only real problem with Crufts is that when you have been once you will want to return again and again. I visited Crufts for the first time in 2000, in 2001 it was postponed due to Foot-and-Mouth, but this year I was able to experience the worlds greatest dog show. This is an annual event, which is held at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham, England.
This year I travelled with my friend Johanna (Bluewyle Border Collies) and her colleague Mette. Johanna is as mad about border collies as I am - Mette is not a doggy person as such - but their family owns a pet dog.

This is our diary from the trip.

Monday, the 4th of March 2002
I had worked until midnight yesterday but had to get up early anyway. I had to visit the vet with Johanna's border collie Whizz (CH. Pikkupaimenen Chocolate Shake) and with my own dog Whisper (Bridacre Wisp). They needed their health certificates at 8.00 AM - so they could enter England after 8.00 AM the next morning - the certificate is valid 24 hours after being issued. The vet wasn't 100 % sure of which flea-control that was ideal - so it almost took two hours to call the different ministeries in the Agricultural Department. We ended up treating the dogs with two different types of flea-control - so we had all bases covered at the border.
When I came home I cleaned (a lot) and went for a long walk with the dogs. At 8.00 PM the dogsitters arrived to fetch the four dogs who weren't going to England and Johanna and Mette arrived at 9.30 PM - they had been at a meeting and couldn't arrive earlier. We packed all our baggage, two dogs and three people into the little red Suzuki, which was matchbox sized - and off we went!
Three minutes later we had our first stop! But only to get our dinner at the local pizzeria. Three cold pita breads, which should have been warm!
It is now close to midnight and we are racing full speed through Jylland - heading towards the German border.

Tuesday, the 5th of March 2002
Gosh - what a long day! We have been driving all night. The driver had a reasonable amount of space
(either Johanna or I - Mette hasn't got a driving license) but the passenger on the front seat had baggage between their legs and could hardly move. The situation for Mette was worse - she sat on the backseat with a wall of baggage on the seat beside her. She sat in a position that would be the envy of any "snake person" in an Indian Circus. The dogs lay in the back and had plenty of room.
We drove all night. Mette slept, while Johanna and I were awake - both of us had been very busy during the day so at last we were overcome by fatigue. At 6.00 AM we all gave up! We drove into a car park 30 km before Köln and took a nap. When we awoke we took a short walk with the dogs and just after 7.00 AM we continued on our journey - straight into the Köln rush hour! The next 10 km. took two hours (average speed = 5 km/h). We swore and cursed - we had reserved a ferry crossing from Calais at 12.00 PM - at that speed we were definitely not going to get there on time. After an hour we were sitting behind a car (in the queue) which license plate said everything. The first four letters on the license plate formed the word SURT (the Danish word for RATS!).

RATS!

Finally we arrived in Calais ... only two hours late. The trip through Holland, Belgium and France went smoothly. We had stopped at a gas station and called SeaFrance, the company we were sailing with, so they knew we were going arrive late. The most tense moment was on the way out of France. This is where they check the dog's papers and the smallest error could mean a denied entry to the UK. No problems there though. The certificates were accepted and we boarded the ferry. We were hungry and tired - so the break on the ferry was well deserved.
In England Johanna was the sole chauffeur. She was the only one who was interested in driving on the wrong side of the road (not that she had much choice) - and she managed that incredibly. She whizzed us in and out of roundabouts like nobody's business. But all that to no avail. We got lost and the trip from Dover to Pulborough took four hours (estimated time - 2 hours). We finally arrived it was 6.00 PM. We were supposed to have been there at 1.00 PM. Bernadette and Dennis - our hosts for the first night, met us. Bernadette and Dennis are Americans but Dennis has been transferred for three years to the UK. Bernadette has shelties - 3 sable girls (Joy, Pax and Jordan) and a tri dog (Monty). They are all wonderful dogs with great temperaments. It was getting dark but our dogs had been in a hot, stuffy car all day so we wanted to exercise them. Bernadette and her sister Terry, who was visiting from the States, took us to a field where the dogs had their freedom to run.
When we got back it was shower time. Dennis had reserved a table at the local pub - so we drove down there later for our dinner.
It is now late and I am on my way to bed. After dinner we saw a video from the World Championships in Agility 2001. It was very interesting but we couldn't keep our eyes open any longer - so we said "Goodnight".

Wednesday, the 6th of March 2002
An early start! Not a lot of sleep! But we were still surprisingly awake and ready for a new day of adventure. We left towards Rugby - we had booked a hotel there for our Crufts visit - Bernadette and Terry followed us in their car. On the journey north we had planned to see some sights and visit a couple of kennels.
When we set out the car had a mind of its own. It seemed as if the speeder was stuck - so the car was driving on its own. Johanna and Bernadette went in again to find a mechanic - and called Dennis who was at work - to ask where the nearest one was. 2 minutes later Dennis was standing in the driveway. He looked down in the motor, sprayed some lubricant here and there, and the car was cured.

Warwick Castle

The trip up was uneventful and we arrived at Warwick Castle without any hassle. Warwick Castle has been renamed "The Disneyland of Castles" by Dennis. It is an old, beautiful, English castle with a moat and everything else a real castle should include. Inside the castle there are displays with wax mannequins from Mme. Tussauds that illustrate life in the castle from 1200-1800. The displays included everything from the torture chambers (yeah) to the ghost tower to the finer lifestyles of the 1900's. It was an experience that can be recommended.

Johanna and Terry at Warwick Castle

The trip went onto Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace. We went for a walk and saw the town. We shopped till we dropped in the Crystal Shop - they had a lot of border collie articles on sale.
Next stop was Measham, where Whispers breeders, Maureen and Derek Briddon live (Kennel Bridacre). When we got into the sitting room and looked out of the window we could see Whispers mother Julie, out on the terrace. She lept around and it was just like seeing Whisper jumping around. Maureen had promised to make tea and sandwiches for us. She had gone out of her way to prepare a table full of delicious food, cakes and other good things. We hadn't eaten properly all day so we were delighted and ate until we were ready to explode. While we ate we admired Maureen and Derek's beautiful border collie statues and pictures on the wall - Maureen told us about their dogs and breeding. Maureen and Derek hadn't seen Whisper for two years since he came to Denmark at twelve weeks - and it was obvious that they were pleased to see how he had developed. He is a credit to their breeding. We went outside to see the dogs. Julie (Bridacre Julie) had been in season and was bred to GBCH. Whenway Royal Highlander. Whispers grandmother Shipelle Silk Stockings at Bridacre is 16 now, but in good form and could still flow over the ground when she moved.

Whisper, Maureen and Julie

Next stop was Kennel Littlethorn (Bob and Allison Tunnicliff) - they have bred a litter from my dog Robbie (Whenway Decorated Hero) - and kept two of the puppies: Littlethorn Xsara and Continental. First we met Littlethorn Kia and Galaxy. They are by Xsara - Robbie's grandchildren. They were beautiful, well-built dogs with good temperaments. Then we saw their mother Xsara. She was a dark, well-built bitch with a great personality.

Littlethorn Xsara

The next dog was Littlethorn Elegance - a new Show Champion. Bridacre Guilietta is the foundation bitch at the kennel - she was also introduced to us. Finally we saw the pride of the kennel - Littlethorn Continental. He is one of the most winning border collies in the UK at the moment and when I saw him I knew why. He is a border collie of excellent type - very showy and has a great personality!
After a nice evening we said goodbye and headed towards Rugby. What should have been a short trip went by way of Robin Hood's Nottingham forest, before we were on course again and found the Travel Lodge in Rugby. We unpacked and hurried up to the showers. Even though midnight was closing in our day was not done. In England there are many supermarkets that are open 24 hours all week. We had decided to do some midnight shopping. At 11.45 PM we left the hotel and at midnight we were at Tesco's. We were there for over an hour - looking at all the shelves, buying food for Crufts and entertaining grouchy, smelly shop assistants, whose only wish was that we would hurry up and go so they had the shop for themselves. We were the only customers but there were a lot of employees cleaning, sorting and stocking the shelves.
It is now bedtime and we have to get up in an hour.

Thursday, the 7th of March 2002
Finally - today is Crufts day! We got up early as Whizz was to be shown at Crufts and needed to be groomed before we left. Whisper, who wasn't permitted entry to Crufts was to stay at the hotel room - so he needed a good walk and exercise - so he would be tired and relaxed before we left. The part about being tired was not a problem - for the last few days, experiences, new impressions and a new sleeping place each night had tired him to the extent that all he wanted to do was sleep (obviously three hours a night was nowhere close to what he thought was ideal).
We arrived at Crufts at 7.00 AM. Bernadette and Terry had Whizz with them so they went straight in. We had to stand in line and buy tickets first. They didn't start selling tickets until 8.30 AM so we waited impatiently.

Whizz and Bernadette at Crufts

We finally got in (after harassing a security guard) and I set out on my hunt of Robbie's puppies I could find in the catalogue. Two bitches by him were entered. First I found Littlethorn Felicia (littermate to Continental and Xsara). She was a sweet, feminine bitch with the same good temperament as the others in the litter. The other bitch was Bridacre Bronte. She is out of the same combination as Whisper - but not a littermate. She was beautiful - a picture of perfection. She had the sweetest head, had a great construction and excellent movement. She already has two CC's and I am sure that she will get the third as well. At Crufts she was 2nd in her class. So was Felicia. A 2nd place in a class at Crufts is a good result - there are often between 20 and 30 border collies in each. Robbie's son, Continental, was also entered so I took the opportunity to see him again.

Littlethorn Continental

The judging progressed and I watched them with interest. In-between there was time to go around the enormous halls and look at stalls, where you could buy anything and everything. It is almost impossible to practise self-control and buy stuff you don't really need, but absolutely can't live without.
At 1-ish I was to go to the Special Events Ring. It is the ring where all through the day you can see different demonstrations and competitions. Today there was Heelwork To Music, display teams from different clubs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Guide Dogs, agility and flyball. Robbie's son, Littlethorn Uno (Darwin) was to compete in flyball. He is one of the fastest dogs in Europe and his Team are favourites to win the Flyball Competition at Crufts - very exciting. They won their quarterfinals and go on to the semi-finals on Saturday. After the competition I met Darwin's owners, Steve and Gwen.

Gwen, Darwin and Steve

Back at the show ring the bitches were done judging. Whizz hadn't placed in her class. The dogs were ready for the Best Dog competition. Best dog and BOB was AUSCH LUXCH USACH SHCH Borderfame Heart and Soul. The res. CC went to Littlethorn Continental. Best Bitch and BOS was SHCH Madeleys Step in Time. Res.CC went to Madeleys Moments in Time at Miraje. There were 325 Border Collies entered.

Borderfame Heart and Soul

It was time to do last minute shopping and at 5.00 PM we left the show and drove through rush hour to Rugby - were Whisper (who was now wide awake) received us at the door. While Johanna and Mette took (another) nap I went out with Whisper. At 8.00 PM Bernadette and Terry knocked at our door and off we went for dinner. Our intentions were to find a pub in Rugby - but a wrong turn sent us to Coventry - where (unbelievably) we couldn't find anywhere to eat. On the way back to Rugby we got lost (again) and ended up in Binnley, where we found Binnley Park Inn. We had dined there previously and had enjoyed our meal there.
On the way back from Rugby we needed to stop for gas - what an experience. Johanna decided to entertain our party of five with a puppet show through the sunroof and I happened to flirt unintentionally with the Indian attendant in the gas station. To put the icing on the cake our trip back to Rugby went down the smallest most twisted roads in the entire country. We were expecting at any moment the road to be blocked by sheep, a shepherd and his border collie - something that always happens in James Herriot's tales. We are back at the hotel now and I have to write postcards before I go to bed.

Friday, the 8th of March 2002
We slept in today - that is until 8.00 AM. Out of bed and shower, pack, clean and off we went. First stop was at the other side of Rugby - where we shopped at Pets at Home. We bought breakfast at Tesco's. Then we found a huge shop, which sold riding gear. Mette has a horse and wanted to see the place. They made their own saddles and reigns so there was a wonderful smell of leather and leather oil. A lot of the things were only a third of the price of what they cost in Denmark - so Mette bought some stuff. Johanna and I also bought dog coats - very similar to the ones for horses. Our border collies never wear coats but we had to have them anyway.

Whisper and Whizz

And off to Oxford we went. Here we saw the famous University and the city. We found a charming local market. It was different as it was made to resemble an old market area. Outside the butcher there hung dead birds and animals for storage. We felt as if we had been warped back into the early 1900's. At the market we each bought a freshly baked pie, which we had for lunch. A true English speciality.

Whisper and Whizz in Oxford

At 6.00 PM we were back at Bernadette's. Bernadette and Terry had been at Crufts all day - but arrived shortly before we did. Dennis had made delicious pasta for us - later we saw Mary Ray's demonstration from Crufts 2000 on video. We had a lovely evening just talking and enjoying ourselves. My favourite sheltie, Jordan, jumped into my lap and sat there most of the evening.

Saturday, the 9h of March 2002
At 4.00AM my alarm clock sounded. Shower. Walk with Whisper - still half asleep. Pack the car - after all our shopping at Crufts it was difficult to get the last things in. At 5.00 AM we left Pulborough and headed for the ferry - which sailed from Dover at 7,00 AM. Whizz stayed with Bernadette so there was more room in the car for Whisper. I can only say that 2 hours is NOT enough time to drive from Pulborough to Dover! We stopped at a gas station to spend our last English £. Johanna bought 40 Cadbury's Eggs - which completely confused the poor attendant. We drove 140 km/h on the (almost) empty roads and drove straight onto the ferry - which had slammed the drawbridge shut before we had stopped the car. A helpful employee came to open our doors (what a service!) - he was still smiling when half of the cotents of our car spilled out onto the deck. In our car the doors needed to be opened slowly and surely.

White Cliffs of Dover

As the ferry sailed from Dover I stood on the deck and admired the "White Cliffs of Dover" and slowly saw England disappear. We had breakfast and at Calais we were ready to drive again. The first part of the trip was smooth - but somewhere in Holland we got bored and started playing "party games" in the car. A lot of fun - until we forgot to look at signs and directions - and got on the wrong motorway. It took ages to get on the right one again. We pulled ourselves together and concentrated on the route - until we were bored again. This time we started singing - which we never should have done. It took 1,5 hours to get on the right motorway again. The rest of the trip was without detours. In Puttgarden we took the ferry to Rødby. We spent the duration of the time stretching our legs, eating dinner...and shopping. The trip from Rødby to Solrød (where Mette lives) and on to Sorø (where I live) seemed longer than the trip from Calais to Puttgarden. Finally at home! My dogsitters had dropped the dogs off earlier that evening - so I got a warm welcome.
I spent a couple of hours unpacking, checking e-mails and playing with the dogs. Now I am off to bed and hopefully will dream of all the exciting things I have done and all the wonderful people I have met. And tomorrow I will start saving for Crufts next year.

Photos by Emmy M. Simonsen