Date : October 2003

A month ago a client reminded us that our site had not been up-dated since January. Our apologies to you all for being so busy with the dogs and spending time with you, that we have no time to write about it! However, we do value our contact out there with you all, so will endeavour to bring you up to date.
Spring saw the usual rash of Stud work, mainly for Enigma, Rondo and Bonus,(FT.CH. Willow-Bay Sandpiper) and increasingly for, Sealpin Rolex, the black Cocker. All have produced some cracking litters to various bitches up and down the country, including one of Enigma's of thirteen, all of whom were successfully reared! We wish them all well in their various careers.

Edward had three major Demonstrations to prepare for this spring, starting with Crufts, in March. Helping out on the Kennel Clubs 'Dog Days Out' Stand, encouraging owners of working breeds to achieve more with their dogs to mutual benefit and satisfaction. On Gun-dog day itself demonstrating in the main arena with twelve dogs, varying from four month old puppies to members of the 'A' picking up team, which was pretty impressive and well received.
Next was the Scottish B.A.S.C. Country Fair at Cardross, in May. Very wet, on both days and not good for demonstrating but engendered a lot of interest on an individual basis and we were able to talk to a lot of people about their working dog aspirations.

Then came the three days of the Royal Highland Show, at Inglestone, in June. This was a great success in brilliant weather, with mixed crowds of onlookers, morning and afternoon, on each day. Edward sat the dogs out in the centre of the arena, leaving under Elizabeth's watchful eye, while he went around talking to the crowd individually, before starting the demonstration. This was very useful in explaining to many people what the purpose of gundogs was! In among the twelve dogs being demonstrated were a couple here in training for clients, again a mixed bunch of Labradors Cockers and Springers.

It was good to be able to use the water for retrieves, right through the crowds, watching from that side of the arena, much to everyone's amazement. Along time was then spent with interested onlookers, back at the dog trailer, for people to handle the dogs and to talk about their training problems. A good moment for mentioning the excellent gundog training video tapes, which Edward has made and which are available to any who get in touch.

Our summer crop of puppies began with Miss Alexandrovna's litter to FT.CH. Cataran, five of whom are currently still with us, for Edward to assess their potential. Next came a litter to Amber ,a sister to Messalina, by Rondo, she also had eight puppies, three of whom were chocolate,

We are keeping four of these, they look so good and very keen.

Messalina herself, only produced two bitches this time, severely disappointing clients who were waiting for her puppies. Figgy, a cocker bitch out of a Tawnyhill bitch, by Hillcrest Gilly, is in pup to our Rolex, we look forward to seeing these puppies in December, the first of a different line for us. Figgy herself has not been trialled but is a very clever and active little bitch.

Tullymoran Maid will hopefully be the final mating at home this year. We have toyed with the idea of a yellow dog for her, as she does not produce yellow with Rondo-but the home bred progeny is proving such a hit with our clients, being effective, easy to train and handle, it is compelling to stick with what we know.

Of last years Labrador puppies, we have this selection for further training and breeding. Claus (Tully/Rondo) and Cane, (Wanda/Digby) are two very handsome and quiet young dogs, they are coming on in their training very well, with much ability and plenty of go. Bertie, of their ilk, has already gone to his new home, a little young but suited the owner very well and settling into 'foreign ways'.

Lola, is a lovely young bitch, of the previous year, out of Wanda, by Digby, she is good looking and has her Mothers fine working ability, nose and mouth. She will join the breeding bitches another year. Maddy, (Tully/Rondo) Cassie, (Linnet/Rondo) and WandaTwo, (Wanda/Digby) are three of last years young bitches, all showing much potential, nice looking with laid back characters. All these youngsters were kept to have hips and eyes checked, before proceeding with training. We continue to try and ensure that our breeding is on the right lines for producing the best practical and physical specimens. These youngsters will all feature in our breeding and Stud pages in due course.

Our young Willowbay Sandpiper bitch, Belle, went to America, in pup to a local working dog and has subsequently had a good litter of puppies for her new owner. We have replaced her with a new puppy bought in to hopefully, eventually mate with Bonus.

We have had some kennel maid changes this year and have been pleased to welcome Danielle Brown, from Hawick, who is settling into our exacting routine here at Sealpin. She is proving excellent with the dogs and especially in the hand and obedience training of all the youngsters.

Edward is off to Judge the Swedish Spaniel Championship, in November. Needless to say Elizabeth will be with him, looking forward to seeing old friends and making new acquaintances and above all seeing some good dog work.

Last week at The Cocker Club, Scottish Trial at Castle Douglas, Edward made up Miss Alexandrovna. He knows she was worthy of the title, narrowly missing it on several occasions last season, a really excellent and consistant Cocker bitch. Her son Rolex, by Racketeer and her grandson Rastus, by FT.CH. Jenoren Dougal, are coming into the trialling season this year, with a second and fourth respectively in their early outings.

Apart from the dogs a major building project has been going on all year at Lanton Hill, with the conversion of our old granary, which appropriately enough, is situated at the bottom of Gran's garden! Along the drive from the kennels and buildings .It is an ancient building and we have discovered many interesting artefacts during the excavations etc.

William our eldest son, is in charge of the building work and though Edward is not keen on the disturbance of it all, everyone has been keen to see it happen!
It will be a two bedroomed house with a large kitchen/living room, with Rayburn cooker, full central heating etc. and a very large upstairs Gallery Drawing Room, useful for indoor games and large gatherings etc. Hopefully to be used for both holidays and for clients to come and bring their dog to train under Edwards supervision, while enjoying a holiday in the Borders. Exploring and walking in the beautiful upland country, that surrounds us. To many, the idea that you can walk straight onto the hill from the cottage door is fascinating! It will also be available for fishermen and other local sporting events.
Full details of how we can help to enhance your enjoyment of country pursuits available by e-mail or phoning us, here at Sealpin.

Visitors, as ever, have played a large part in weekly life here. We meet such interesting people, from all walks of life and our dogs are great levellers! We have visitors coming from America and Japan during November, which is going to be another busy month. The news coming from home and abroad, of all our dogs continues to inspire us and we thank you for keeping us in touch. Solar is having a great career in America, as Bodhi is in Zimbabwe, along with the Cockers and Labradors in Norway, Sweden, Austria, and France.

Best of luck to you all!