Squerryes Lodge was the beautiful setting for the WWF Open Garden at which SDDTS were asked to provide a display of dog obedience and agility.

On an overcast Saturday lunchtime we gathered on an immaculately kept croquet lawn to discover that we were performing adjacent to a very large pond, freckled with plantlife and positively teaming with wildlife! Our previously well behaved pets were agog with the sniffs and sounds of fluffy ducklings and majestic swans. Bentley, my Labrador was definitely keen to take a dip and investigate. There followed a great deal of discussion as to the wisdom of letting the less experienced dogs perform off lead. The audience was slow to appear and we were slightly worried that we would be performing to the ducks, but after some gentle coaxing from David on the club's newly acquired megaphone we had a steady trickle of spectators.

This year we had the luxury of a few practice runs beforehand, and the display was executed perfectly. Christine's recently discovered commentating skills only added to the professionalism of the display. Even David, our props man, (who was sadly lacklustre in rehearsals) came up trumps. To my complete amazement even my six month old puppy behaved himself.

After the break we browsed the stalls and enjoyed a cup of tea, while our dogs lapped up all the attention like gravy bones. It was wonderful to see them giving so much pleasure to so many people

After a short break the agility display was introduced to a, by now, appreciative audience. I have watched in awe the agility displays at Crufts and was fascinated to learn how the dogs are introduced to the equipment. It was great to see the dogs that I see regularly at the obedience classes, dashing round the course with such enthusiasm. Boy, can Phoebe jump! Towards the end of the demonstration, Rhubarb, our favourite Airedale, became so excited that she got tangled up in the sound system and brought the whole lot crashing to the ground.

At the end of the event I was bursting with pride - proud of my two "boys" but more importantly, proud to be a member of the club. It had confirmed what I learnt three years ago when I became a dog owner for the first time, that our relationships with our animals are so very special.

By Kate Fitch

Note: Thanks to Kate for writing this report for us and thanks to everyone who helped on the day either by taking part in the displays or working behind the scenes - we couldn't do it without you all!

The organsiers were thrilled with the displays and we have been invited back again next year!

Thanks to Molly (Christine's daughter) for taking the photos!!

Kaye Scott