I went to nose around and see what the Islington mutts were up to on this sunny Sunday afternoon.
Here is Molly, a Jack Russell Terrier and Border Collie cross who loves her ball so much that her owner used it as a reward in the agility course. In fact, she loves her ball more than her food, which is highly unusual for a dog. Molly is a beautiful girl, who came to London all the way from Ireland. She is alert and full of beans like a terrier, yet some of the Collie coyness and delicate charm shines through.
This is Chloe, an English Toy Terrier and an old friend from Thornhill Square. She's grown a little since I met her few months ago, but lost nothing of her charming enthusiasm. Here, she thoroughly ignores my camera, in favour of a stick. Still, makes a great photo!
Chloe's friend Charlie was saying 'hello' to Bentley the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Bentley is the one with the pretty amber- and white-coloured coat, and the unusual green-brown eyes. I must admit that, seconds after this amicable looking photo was taken, the lads indulged in a bit of barking at each other and had to be spoken to by their owners. Naughty!
This is Rebel, a Shar-Pei puppy. Rebel was a star of the show, winning the Tail Wagging competition. His unusual wrinkly looks are typical of a Shar-Pei, an ancient Chinese breed. Rebel is just recovering from a skin disease, to which Shar-Peis are prone. Judging by his happy face and constantly wagging tail, he is doing very well and let's hope he recovers fully soon.
This lovely little lady is Tigger, a young Lurcher bitch. Her unusual looks come from her parents - a Whippet and a Bedlington Terrier. Tigger, true to her whippet pedigree, caused some confusion when she decided to leave the competition ring in the middle of the agility challenge and have a run around the outside of the ring instead! She is a delightful little dog - happy, playful and charming. I was thrilled to meet Tigger, as I previously met her when she was still a puppy and it was a pleasure to see how she's grown up to be a little beauty. Tigger is friends with another lurcher from Islington called Conan.
Maddy, a 7-year-old King Charles Spaniel was very placid, watching the show from a distance, with a dignified calm true to the royal origins of the breed. Her beautifully groomed coat shone in the sun as she observed her less refined canine cousins running around and barking a lot!
It was a great day out for both the mutts and the owners!
