On behalf of my Mugi .

I got Mr Mugi's critique from the recent club Open Show and have to share. For a dog that came to me as a rehome, 4 plus kgs lighter than he is now and ricketty (although well trained and up until his mistresses world fell apart well cared for). Remember this dog has only started showing in his 11th year too .

Boisels Minstrel o/w (orange and white), 12 years young, would have troubled the best in his younger years I'm sure. Excellent type, good head and width of skull, strong muzzle, short strong back and loin, excellent rib, still retains firm correct topline, put a lot of the younger dogs to shame with his fit, hard condition and muscletone, moved very well, really enjoyed his day, still has his correct bite, a credit to his owner.

I nearly missed out that last bit cos it is a bit embarrassing but posted this for a reason.........

Please don't overlook oldies if you want to rehome a dog. They pose different challenges but they are soooo rewarding. I can honestly say Mugi has changed my life as his zest for life has meant we now work as gundog & handler etc etc. I will be devastated when I lose him BUT I wouldn't change the years we have together regardless of knowing we will only be together for a relatively short time. Everything he does is only done if he is up for it - if the grin is on his face and his tail is wagging I know he wants to be doing.

I have had a silly grin on my face since reading this earlier today - despite the fact Chase got Best Dog at the same show and has a very good critique this made my day!!

WTG Mugi and Sue....That is just fantastic and i bet you are still smiling now cause i know i would be

Wow superb reading...well done Mugi & Sue, what a fab job you've done
clap**clap**clap**clap

brilliant, they're a credit to all your hard work Sue.

Awwww, I just luuuurrrrve Mugi

BIG next for you Mr M

Well done!

Oh well done both of you, sat here grinning too What age did you rescue him Sue ?

He was 10 years and 2 months when he came here Jaine.

By the following Feb he was starting to train as a gundog just for fun and his first ever show was in the May just before his 11th birthday - just cos it was a show at my local (ish) walking area and there were friends to meet. He did well in the Open breed class but better still in the Any Variety Veteran where he came second. In his first ever Championship Show he qualified for Crufts and last March he had a ball at Crufts coming third in his class but being the eldest by many years - handled by his breeder who is sooooo thrilled at how well he is doing (and has a very valid reason why she didn't take him back but she found me).

He has a total soft spot in the breed club and the cheers when he does well in shows are so sweet - partly cos of his history but mostly because he is a truly special dog that makes friends wherever he goes.

Sue, I couldn't have worded that better as praise for adopting an older dog.
I wouldn't swap Ollie for anything, he means the world to me and I cherish every day I have him with me.

Well done you and Mugi, to everyone else, never say you can't train an old dog, Mugi's the proof you can if you want to.

Oh and one last thing, Mugi is an old dog with huge attitude, he really wanted to play on Saturday, if only Ollie had been up for it, it would have made some fantastic pics, Mugi is a picture of health Sue, you'll have him for a while yet

Aww guys, got leaky eyes here

Aww Sue, I've just gone all tingly, he truly is a special boy

That's wonderful. I have a real soft spot for the oldies too and age and the limits which you know that will place on the time they may have with you wouldn't put me off adopting an oldy/ies when I am in a position to. Bilbo still enjoys doing stuff and I am considering going back to training classes after a 10 year break (as I've finally found a good one locally) and doing KCGC Bronze with him at 11 and a half.

Oh def go for it, Mugi has his Bronze and would have gone for Silver (and Gold) but he sees no reason to sit for that long in a village hall , he has done a 9 minute sit at distance before a pheasant drive but I guess the motivation is different and the reward sooo much more .

Just remembering your post the other day.

Swings and roundabouts??? Well that's what makes life soooo enjoyable

WTG it couldn't happen to a nicer person, brag as much as you like, you both put the work in and you both deserve it!

Good for you Mugi!!

There is no greater joy than the oldie.

I wouldn't know Robbie was as old as he is (11? 12?) No arthritis, no disease. Other than he is starting to loose his site a little and he is incontinent (medication and a diaper at night) he is a wonderful dog. He has a true love of life. Little problems can be managed with a little creativity. He deserved a few more years and I am so glad I get to give them to him.

He is a real joy.