FUN DAY 2012 FINNSTOWN HOUSE
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Ireland and the Leonberger Club of Ireland held a Fun Day on Easter Monday the 9th of April 2012 in the beautiful grounds of Finnstown House Hotel in Lucan, Co Dublin. Despite the unfavourable weather forecast, the crowds turned out in force. By lunchtime the venue was a sea of Bernese and Leonbergers surrounded by the usual entourage of admirers! The event was sponsored by Petworld one of the largest pet stores in the country and as well as their kind sponsorship they also set up a stand and were available to chat to members regarding feeding and general care of their dogs.
The thinking behind the fun day was to facilitate the members of the Club who had little or no interest in exhibiting their dogs. After much discussion amongst the committee, it was decided to start with this event and include a number of activities thereby getting a better picture of what the membership wanted.
The thinking behind the fun day was to facilitate the members of the Club who had little or no interest in exhibiting their dogs. After much discussion amongst the committee, it was decided to start with this event and include a number of activities thereby getting a better picture of what the membership wanted.
There was plenty of entertainment on the day for all the family with displays of Agility by Judith Owens, Obedience demonstrations and advice from Julie Holmes from Tag N Dye Dog Services, Anne Palmer a well respected Homeopath from Tara, Co Meath held a grooming display whilst there were also Carting displays, First Aid advice and Good Citizen Awards on the day. There was also Ringcraft and Junior Handling for those interested in exhibiting.Laughter rang across the fields as the games got underway with an Easter Egg Hunt, Markie and Spoon race and especially the adults three legged race!!
The day was a great success for both Clubs and a wonderful opportunity for lovers of both breeds to meet and talk to people with similar interests.The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the day (way too many people to name individually!) Following the success of the event we certainly hope to repeat the experience in the near future.
