Past Events/Katonah 97
Revised 12/13/99
Editor's Note: We were please to have Australian visitors with us this year. Dedicated Norfolk owners, Michael and Elizabeth had travelled to England and then visited Montgomery County before joining us in New York for ANTA's Fall Festival. The following is their account of their weekend with us.
Friday night 10 October in the Ramada Bistro we had settled down to a plate of nachos. We had travelled up from Mendham, NJ, with Vallie Beckwith and her three Norfolks, arriving early afternoon to find Sheila Foran, the voiceless Ed Plummer, and the Schraders already in residence. During the evening meal other members arrived, dropping in on the Bistro crew to be reminded by Sheila of the early start in the morning.
Saturday morning arrived and after breakfast and walking the dogs in the dew, we headed off to the John Jay Homestead, once again following Vallie. After a little while, we noticed another car following us. On arrival, we discovered this was our judge, Clive Davies, who claimed that Vallie drove "like a policeman" ... insult or compliment?
The ring was set in a field surrounded by tall shady trees. The ring was already set up. Not like other rings, no, not with ropes ... but with pumpkins ... bright orange pumpkins. What had we come to?
Jane Anderson was busy setting up the goodies table with the able assistance of Faith Schrader. Needless to say, most of us were making it difficult for them for as soon as a box was unpacked, the vultures set upon it. Now this does not happen in Australia for one very simple reason ... we don't have it.
The hot water was boiling by now and breakfast and late registrations were being taken. Nine thirty a.m. arrived and the show was underway with the baby puppies who, as endearing as ever, entered the ring in their own way. Yes, some actually walked but most bounced, danced, twisted and kangaroo hopped around the ring, showing the stuff a Norfolk Terrier is really made of.
Breaking for lunch, we held the Auction. This was something I had never experienced before and the goodies which Jane had collected for this occasion had to be seen to be believed. I know one lady went away absolutely delighted with her first edition of Joan Read's book - "something I have been trying to find." Now I know what it is all about; I will be back next year to complete my collection of booty.
After lunch, conformation resumed through to Best of Breed and my congratulations to the winners. During the afternoon, one of our more esteemed members of the fraternity arrived to visit his offspring - Ch. Nanfan Culver. It was lovely to have the opportunity to see him and a great idea by the McTernan's to bring him out. He certainly appeared to enjoy the outing.
Saturday evening commenced with the Seminar on the History of Terriers in Art. Our lecturer on this subject was Nora's owner, William Secord. This held everyone's interest as you did not need to be a dog lover to become immersed in his presentation. Questions from the floor had to be restricted. We also had the opportunity to peruse his book, Dog Painting, 1840-1940, A Social History of the Dog in Art. I understand there is to be a third edition out shortly.
A sumptuous buffet followed which was enjoyed by all. Mind you, the seating arrangements were re-organized a tad. Four to a table was not the go as everyone wanted to talk to everyone else.
Needless to say the pumpkins were back in play, being used as support for some of the agility equipment. The day started off with Mary Fine showing us just how easy it is to train the dogs, especially as puppies. I think there must be something in the Australian water or is it that we operate upside down? but I go back with renewed inspiration to try harder.
By this time there appears to be an even larger number of Norfolk Terriers on the scene than yesterday.
Carl Schrader set up his go-to-earth in amongst the trees and was down there helping and guiding owners and dogs as to how to find those rats. Mind you after you go in a straight line, he then adds a couple of crooked bends into it and a false entrance just to make it more interesting. Carl is one of those dedicated people who is prepared to travel long distances to help and encourage others in pursuit of his hobby.
While Carl is in amongst the trees, Ed Plummer is setting up his lure coursing device operated by a generator plugged into the car battery.
Now where is Wayne Palmer. He appears to be suffering from permanent stomach cramps and attached to his arm is a furry tail. The puppies line up and they are off. But Wayne has gone too fast and they have lost sight of the tail and like all children their attention has been diverted. Eventually, one manages to get through the hole in the hay bales and we progress up in the order of maturity. As they complete their flat racing, they move over to Ed's tracking.
The quivering of excitement engendered by the dogs shows that none of them has lost his natural hunting instinct and the love of having a fun time. A lot of happy noise from owners and dogs alike.
Finally, people start packing up. Some have many hours, in fact days, to travel. The weather has been kind and the dogs should sleep most of the way home and Ed's voice has returned.
We returned to the hotel and to another plate of nachos to complete my first ANTA weekend. No we did not take a pumpkin home - not after what I saw those dogs doing to them!
Elizabeth Hindley
ANTIC, December 1997
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