SHOW DOCS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 344, 11 January 1918, Page 1

SHOW DOCS

An Unknown Quantity A Pubekohe dog fancier writes:— Being a dog fancier of more than local repute I was anxious to enter my canine friend in the dog section at the next Franklin A. P. Show, but unfortunately I nonplussed the genial Secretary (Mr J M. Baxter) because I could not describe his breed nor could he tell me under what "claps" to enter him. In the hope that some enlightened reader may assist me I am forced to describe him as a sort of a cross between an Irish terrier and a spaniel. Ilis ancestors came, I believe, from Papakura, though I rather think he is slightly related to a sporting dog belonging to a local faiiner. He has one qualification—" to have and to hold"--anything from a tooth brush to a galvanic battery, and I have a strong suspicion there are Retriever points about him for he retrieves splendidly (other people's goods of course !). Ho began bis career by taking a fancy to chickens and bringing them home unharmed. At first I went to some trouble to find the rightful owners, but After meeting with indifferent success got tired of it. Then my faithful Fido— Lis name is "Scratch'' by the waystarted to retrieve doormats Not being able to find the lawful owners I sold these. Later on he brought home brooms, brushes, and all sort 9 of household goods, and inwardly I thought "Scratch'' suffered from that terrible disease kleptomania, Every morning when I opened the back door I found him on the mat wagging his tail over more booty. After taking delivery and giving him a bone he takes no further interest in the booty. All say he's a splendid Retriever and yet he's no breed and belongs to no class. Lately he has been bringing me the contents of a stable. He has secured a currycomb, bridle, saddle cloth, and this morning he brought a pair of spurs, I expect a horse next! Whatever his vices are he's one of the most devoted friends I ever had and he certainly has this virtue-he never swears. From what I can understand the A. and P. shew next month is likely to be the best that lias ever been held in Pukekohe. I am anxious to put my tike on the bench, because I know my dog will win in any company— he'S such a favourite with everyone do you know—and I 1 believe in helping our local show. Can anyone say what class he belongs to ? I say the burglar class, but the Secretary tells me he is an ineligible. Perhaps someone will come forward a give him a special prize for being one by himself in tiie "non-competitir.n Retriever breed"— he certainly retrieves, but when you ask his pedigree my mind turns to Papakura-that's all.