Behind the Scenes

On Sunday we travelled for nearly 5 hours to get to Watford where we stayed overnight with our friend (and future puppy owner!) Jade.

Jade is a fantastic groomer, so she tidyed Edna up for me ready for her film making debut in central London.

The next day we were up early and travelled into London via Tube. I was a little worried about how Edna would react to the train and the crowds as she hadn't been on one before, but I needn't have worried as she loved every moment and all of the attention she got.

Edna and Jade on the train

Once we got into London and found the location of our shoot - the very posh South Place Hotel we were greeted by the production company who were absolutely lovely, as well as the other dogs:
Zeus the GSD (our favourite!)
Cookie the Pomeranian
King the British Bulldog
Winnie the French Bulldog

When we all arrived we were able to mingle with each other. Edna went and sat herself on a chaise longue and before I knew it she had the film crew around her, placing props and asking if she could wear sunglasses.

Edna relaxing on the chaise longue in the Enchanted Garden

I was astounded how much attention she was getting. It was quite surreal.

When we moved onto filming the 'scripted' scenes Edna was a dream - she did everything she was supposed to with such enthusiam.

The film crew were quite funny. They clapped every time the dogs completed their tasks. It was such a positive and encouraging environment for the dogs and the owners.
One of the crew kept shouting things like 'You're working it, I'm loving the eyes, stay with that, you're on holiday, you're loving the sun...'
Which made us all giggle and kept the mood really light and entertaining.

We had to do a small scene in a French themed room and the crew allowed us to intrepret the scene how we wanted; so I was able to show off just how hard Edna could work. After filming the scene, one of the crew commented that he didn't think it was French enough and asked how he could change it. I commented that he should have gotten a baguette for her to hold; this was met with very excited squeals from the rest of the crew and a baguette transpired almost immediately.
Edna of course had the time of her life, because after the scene was finished, having held onto the baguette for around 30 minutes, I let her eat it. I couldn't not when she was being such a good girl.

Once the crew realised how hard Edna could work and how much she could do, they altered some of the scenes to include her more and started referring to her as 'The star of the show' which made me feel quite emotional and incredibly proud.

The crew all took selfies with her too!

We were on set between 10:00 and 15:30 so it was a very busy, full on day. We both worked incredibly hard and enjoyed every moment.

We got home at around 01:00 so as you can imagine we are exhausted and having a well earned pyjama day today.

I am still absolutely thrilled and buzzing from yesterday. I'd definately love to do more filmwork with the dogs in future.

I could not be any prouder of Edna right now.

Huge thanks to Jade for grooming Edna for me, providing bed and board and taking photos. Also to Urban Paws for giving me such a wonderful opportunity and to the film crew and other dog owners for being so positive, friendly and entertaining.

The advert, which is for Hotels.com and the South Place Hotel will air in around a week.
So keep an eye out for it!

Filmwork

On Sunday Edna and I will be travelling to London in order to participate in a short production, alongside 4 other dogs. The production will tell us all about holidaying with our pets post Brexit. 

I am unbelievably excited to have been offered such a wonderful opportunity and to be flying the flag for silver poodles.

Although I am not able to give full details for another two weeks or so, I am able to share pictures of our time on set, so keep your eyes on the page over the coming days for teasers!

Crufts 2019

Wow!
Where do I start?!

We went to Crufts this weekend and somehow Peggy placed as Reserve Puppy Bitch in her class.
To say I am delighted is an understatement. I never believed that we would even get to Crufts; the biggest dog show in the world, let alone place!

Peggy was an absolute darling all day and whilst I was concerned that she would be worried by the crowds she took it all in her stride and was incredibly calm and well behaved. Peggy was not the 10 month old wild puppy that I know and love; she seemed to know that she needed to work hard and that is precisely what she did.

Chris and Mark from Briggsys Dog Grooming salon in Barnstaple prepped her for me and even did my own hair which was quite funny and drew several comments from spectators 😂

Within the ring she moved like a dream and the judge commented that he loved her head and expression, which filled me with pride.
Stacking her was quite funny because my hands were shaking so much I couldn't hold her tail properly!

I couldn't believe it when we placed. I wanted to cry but there were so many people watching I held myself together and waited until this morning when I was home.

I still feel completely overwhelmed and bursting with pride. I am one lucky poodle mama!

Below are a few pictures and videos from the day - thank you to those who took them. I really appreciate it.

There is also a video of Peggy and I in the ring:

I also want to add some pictures of Peggy less than 12 hours before the show - enjoying a muddy run at Edgbaston Resevoir and having cuddles with my niece on the sofa. My dogs all live very real lives and show dog or not, it is still important that they are mentally and physically stimulated. Peggy was absolutely caked in mud and dog slobber from an enthusiastic mastiff just a few hours before appearing at Crufts - which in my opinion is exactly the way it should be!

I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and spoke to us and supported us yesterday. To those who took photographs and videos and obviously to my super talented groomers.

I'm sorry to those I didn't get chance to chat with - as I'm sure you are aware it was manic.

I think it's also important to say my piece about the negatives of Crufts; well moreso some of the attendees.

I had several people walk up and either grab at Peggy, or get in her face or try to stroke her and flatten her coat down as she was being groomed. This is NOT ok and made me quite angry.

Please can I ask that anyone attending Crufts or any other dog show simply asks before interacting with other people's dogs. Remember that they are someone else's pets and their pride and joy and respect that. It is a long day for any dog, but especially for a puppy. Getting in their faces and grabbing at them as they walk past may not only scare them and impact on their performance in the ring (and beyond) but may also earn you an injury.

I saw several interactions with other dogs yesterday where people were almost asking to be bitten.

Not all dogs at dog shows are relaxed and calm nor are their owners. I had to tell several people off yesterday unfortunately. This is not in my nature but my dogs safety and comfort will always be my top priority.

I hate to end on a negative note - my post is by no means intended to be negative. More of a plea.

I'm sure that there are going to be lots more photos and videos to follow but after a full on weekend and driving 600 miles, I'm shattered and just need a pyjama day with the poodles.

And honestly I still cant believe it!