To take Blaze's mind off girls, he had a trip across the Pennines to this large open show, held in the illustrious venue of Burnley Football Club, rich with memories of matches played, tears and triumphs.

Blaze had his own moments of triumph today, despite being slightly heavy-eyed through lack of sleep!  Under judge Mr Colin Russell (Jestikka) he won both his breed classes, Best of Breed, and the Pastoral Group.

After a well-earned nap he surfaced to take his place in the big ring, and happy to say he went through to Reserve Best in Show under judge Mrs. C. Whimpanny (Bunnyridge) - quite something from an entry of 360+ dogs when he is still only 13 months old, well done Blaze.

The poor boy is too tired to be bothered to chase the girls now - and perhaps we won't hear his sorrowful howl in the small hours tonight!  He has a herding lesson booked for tomorrow morning so needs to re-charge his batteries overnight. Such a busy boy....!