MEGAN & CRYSTAL
With only four months between them, these two forged close bonds in puppyhood. As adults they have drifted apart slightly, Crystal preferring the less demanding company of Jeannie, and Meg busy with her self-appointed role as Head Girl and Chief Ball Monitor.
Meg is also known as Merrythorpe Blackberry Way, and as her name suggests was not bred here but by Marilyn and Graham Thorpe of the Merrythorpe Bearded Collies, see www.merrythorpe.com She is by Ch Camberwick Song of Solomon ex Talraz Tangleberry of Merrythorpe, and is a charming, affectionate and dutiful girl who loves to please. Picture above shows Meg as a 2 year old just beginning to grow her adult coat.
As for Crystal (Cartmel Sea-Crystal), what a dark horse she is! The only Portuguese Water Dog, she considers herself somewhat above the riff-raff of these Bearded Collies, and does her own thing, making all her own decisions. Infuriatingly stubborn at times, she also has some very endearing ways. Alas she is camera shy and her colour too makes taking photos of Crystal a real challenge!
 Side by side Meg and Crystal as two-year-olds, it's almost impossible to make out Crystal here - this is more of a "me and my shadow" picture |
|
 PWD in show pose Modelling her summer haircut here - but Crystal made her views on dog shows known very early on - she doesn't "do" showing thank you very much! |
|
 Hot and happy A very hot day at Ryedale Show in summer 2006. Meg looking quietly pleased with herself having just won Best of Breed |
|
 A smiling PWD A rare picture of a young Crystal looking happy! Normally when she sees a camera approaching she adopts a scowling expression prior to disappearing as fast as she can |
|
 Hope that's not a camera! Here's the suspicious look which is so often seen when a camera approaches |
|
 Herding for fun May 07 Being a very versatile girl, Meg likes to turn her paw to a variety of activities. Here she shows off her natural prowess at sheep herding on her second lesson at the advanced age of six. "Been there, done that".....alas the novelty soon wore off and she took honorary retirement after a few more lessons! |
|
 Meg with orange ball Meg busy at her favourite activity. She loves to retrieve, catch and juggle and is happy to demonstrate her skills at any time. Very fussy though, it has to be ONLY this kind of ball and no other will do! |
|
 Meg the first prize winner Meg in show dog mode, here pictured winning 1st Limit Bitch at the East of England Championship Show |
|
 On the grooming table A very happy smiling Meg at the Working & Pastoral Breeds of Scotland Ch show in November 2007 |
|
 Accusing stare By way of contrast, here's the "penetrating stare" described in the Portuguese Water Dog breed standard. Crystal demonstrates this to perfection |
|
 More ball games Totally focussed as she prepares to catch her ball.
Meg has always loved ball games, something which she seems to have passed on to most of her offspring! |
|
 Portuguese Au Pair Crystal is very good with puppies and usually a willing babysitter! |
|
 Golden Oldies Competition Meg and Liz were very honoured to be asked to represent York Canine Association at this annual event and were delighted to win through to the second round |
|
 Attractively Tousled Despite all our best grooming efforts, Crystal remains stubbornly scruffy! |
|
 In Mid-Catch Meg flies through the air to catch her favourite ball |
|
 With Her Rosette Meg posing with her rosette just having won Best Veteran in the Pastoral Group at Darlington Championship Show 2009 |
|
|
| |
